We’re building something stronger, more resilient and more responsive to the needs of the people we serve’ – Council Leader re-elected at AGM
At the Annual General Meeting of Blaenau Gwent Council today, key political appointments to the council's cabinet, committees and outside bodies were confirmed for the year ahead.
Councillor Chris Smith was appointed Presiding Member and will chair council meetings, with Cllr David Wilkshire appointed Deputy Presiding Member.
Councillor Steve Thomas was duly re-elected as Leader of the Council will also have responsibility for Corporate Resources.
Cllr Helen Cunningham was re-elected as Deputy Leader of the Council and will also hold the portfolio for Adults & Communities.
The full list of cabinet appointments is:
- Cabinet Member for Adults & Communities – Cllr Helen Cunningham
- Cabinet Member Corporate Resources – Cllr Steve Thomas
- Cabinet Member Economy & Place – Cllr John Morgan
- Cabinet Member Children, Young People & Families – Cllr Sue Edmunds
- Cabinet Member Neighbourhood & Environment Services – Cllr Tommy Smith
The following chairs were appointed to the Scrutiny Committees:
- Adult, Communities and Wellbeing – Cllr Haydn Trollope (Chair) and Cllr Ellen Jones (Vice Chair)
- Children, Young People and Families – Cllr Wayne Hodgins (Chair) and Cllr Derrick Bevan (Vice Chair)
- Economic Development and Environmental Management – Cllr Jacqueline Thomas (Chair) Cllr Chris Smith (Vice Chair)
- Corporate Governance and Resources – Cllr Joanna Wilkins (Chair) and Cllr Dean Woods (Vice Chair)
Members were also appointed to chair the following statutory committees:
- Planning Committee – Cllr Lisa Winnett (Chair) Cllr Peter Baldwin (Vice Chair)
- Statutory & General Licensing Committees – Cllr Lisa Winnett (Chair) Cllr Peter Baldwin (Vice Chair)
- Democratic Services Committee – Cllr John Hill (Chair) Cllr Ellen Jones (Vice Chair)
In accepting his appointment as Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, Cllr Steve Thomas said:
“I’m honoured to have been re-elected as Leader and deeply grateful for the trust and support shown across the chamber. This past year has brought both real progress and significant challenges - we're working hard to ensure we're sustainable and financially secure, and we have been dealing with the devastating impacts of Storm Bert and the landslide in Cwmtillery. Through it all, our council staff have gone above and beyond for our communities.
“I’m also pleased at the way our partnership with Torfaen Council is developing - what began as a shared Chief Executive is developing into a mature collaboration between our senior officers, with real potential to deliver better outcomes for Blaenau Gwent.
“There is still work to do, but I believe we’re building something stronger, more resilient and more responsive to the needs of the people we serve."
The council also made nominations to outside bodies including the Brecon Beacons National Park (Cllr Peter Baldwin); Gwent Police (Cllr Jen Morgan and Cllr Gareth Davies) and Tai Calon Community Housing Board (Cllr Sonia Behr and Cllr Ellen Jones).
