THE NEW mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) has been chosen for the next year.
Councillor Dan Owen-Jones, Labour councillor for Tonyrefail East, was elected as mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf for 2024/2025 at the council’s annual general meeting on Wednesday, May 8.
Councillor Sheryl Evans was elected deputy mayor with Councillor Ros Davis chosen as the new presiding member and councillors Barry Stephens and Jayne Smith as deputy presiding members.
Cllr Owen-Jones said it was with the “greatest of honour” and “so humbling” to address the council after becoming mayor.
He expressed his thanks and appreciation for the sterling work, busy schedule and fundraising of £40,000 plus of the outgoing mayor Councillor Wendy Lewis.
He said that her civic duties were upheld with the greatest respect and professionalism and applauded the legacy created in the youth and elder movements.
The new mayor added Cllr Lewis is leaving large shoes to fill and expressed the gratitude and pride of Rhondda Cynon Taf in having her as mayor.
Cllr Owen-Jones added it was a privilege and pleasure to serve as deputy mayor over the last year.
He said that as a miner’s son and valleys boy through and through he is “immensely proud to be given this opportunity and I will represent you with the utmost respect and dignity.”
He said the events and functions attended have an insight into where funds are most needed and said his charities include the Greenmeadow disabled riding school in Dare Valley Country Park which is in need of a new manège.
The second charity is 2Wish Cymru which supports people affected by the sudden death of someone under the age of 25.
The third charity is the Rhondda Polar Bears which offers disabled swimming for children and adults and needs funds for renewal of equipment and training further instructors.
The fourth charity is related to trained experience staff in Maerdy and Mountain Ash with Dementia and Alzheimer’s societies to help with coffee mornings, gatherings and transport, and the fifth charity is the Taff Ely veterans group in Pontypridd and Rhydyfelin.
Council leader councillor Andrew Morgan congratulated Cllr Owen-Jones on becoming mayor and said he’s sure he’ll put everything into it and do a fantastic job representing the local authority over the next 12 months, wishing him well for his period in office.
Councillor Sera Evans of Plaid Cymru also congratulated Cllr Owen-Jones and said she’s sure that his charity work will be commendable and that they’ll be grateful of his support in this challenging time.
Cllr Evans wished him well as mayor and and said she looked forward to hearing of his endeavours representing Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and supporting local residents and charities.
Councillor Mike Powell, leader of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Independent group, wished Cllr Owen-Jones all the best for the coming year and said he hoped it is as successful as the previous incumbent.
Councillor Karl Johnson of the Conservatives shared these sentiments in such an important year with the Eisteddfod visiting Pontypridd, wishing him the best of luck and a fantastic year.
Councillor Will Jones, leader of the independent group, said it’s lovely to see a Jones as mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf as he doesn’t think there’s been one and wished him all the best and a great year.
