GWYNEDD councillors from all side of the political spectrum have paid tribute to their former leader who stepped after he initially failed to apologise to the victims of paedpohile Neil Foden in a TV interview.
Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn has since issued an apology to Foden’s victims and their loved ones when he confirmed he would relinquish his position as Cyngor Gwynedd leader back in October.
At the time he said the former Ysgol Friars head’s “horrific” abuse would remain at the “forefront of my mind.” He stepped down following the resignation of four members of his cabinet.
At a meeting Cyngor Gwynedd’s full council (December, 5 2024) his deputy Cllr Nia Jeffreys was formally voted in as the new leader. The mother of two, is the first woman to hold the position.
Ahead of the vote Cllr Jeffreys led tributes to Cllr Siencyn who she wanted had to “acknowledge and thank”.
Deputy leader since 2022 and a cabinet member since May, 2018, she has represented the Porthmadog (East) Ward since 2017 she said: “Dyfrig has given decades to public service.
“As leader of Cyngor Gwynedd from 2017 to 2024 and local member for the Dolgellau North Ward since 1996 he has shown what it means to serve with dedication and vision.
“His time has been characterised by his determination to ensure that the voice of our county – particularly the voice of rural communities – is heard loud and clear.
“Without doubt, Dyfrig’s era as leader has coincided with some of the most challenging times we’ve seen in local government. Navigating Gwynedd through the Covid-19 pandemic required resilience and decisive action.
“Never one to be shy of making difficult decisions, Dyfrig has always prioritised the wellbeing of Gwynedd’s communities. When faced with the difficult task of serving at a time of financial austerity for local government, Dyfrig approached every decision with a focus on the long-term.
“His leadership demonstrated his commitment to balancing the needs of today and the future needs of the people of Gwynedd, even when the choices were far from easy.
“Dyfrig’s work has extended far beyond financial management of course. If there is one legacy to his work, it is his advocacy and passion for the Welsh language – he made sure that the Welsh language was a living, vibrant force in public life.
“Dyfrig firmly believes that negativity fosters despair. Despite challenges, he consistently stressed the positives, encouraging hope and celebrating progress when it came to the Welsh language and our culture.
“One of Dyfrig’s qualities is his ability to connect with people from every walks of life. Whether speaking to business owners, Ministers, council staff, or children in our schools, Dyfrig has the ability to make people feel valued.
“His warmth towards others has inspired many people and left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of working with him. Dyfrig could be negotiating a multi-million pound regional agreement for North Wales in the morning and then enjoying a cuppa with Mrs Jones at the local support hub in the afternoon – all in a day’s work and both equally important to him.
“Dyfrig’s influence extends far beyond Gwynedd. As an active voice and co-Chair of the Rural Forum, he has played a key role in promoting regional collaboration to address challenges and opportunities. His commitment to rural development has strengthened not only Gwynedd but the wider region as well.
“Dyfrig, on behalf of everyone here today, I would like to acknowledge your remarkable service.
“As you step back from this chapter, we hope you will take time to relax, travel, and enjoy the precious time with family, knowing that your contribution is appreciated. Diolch for everything, Dyfrig.”
Cllr Angela Russeell leader of the independent group added:
“Thanks Dyfrig for all your hard work over the years, you have worked tirelessly.
“I want to say thanks from the bottom of my heart for all he has done and council business will never be th same without him, but there may be fewer sparks flying! She joked.
“On behalf of the group I wish you well.”
The Labour Liberal group leader Cllr Steve Churchman was “delighted” to speak.
“Dyfrig appeared to glide into the role as leader seamlessly, he has been a great advocate for the people of Gwynedd and he has shown how to have had a good, solid commitment to the job you do.
“We don’t always agree on direction, but you always listened to suggestions, I always feel comfortable that I can agree to disagree. He is not one to bear grudges, he is inclusive, listens and then makes a decision – a good quality for a leader.
“There is a saying Dyfrig, it can be lonely at the top, I recall a few weeks ago you said part of you wanted to ride off into the sunset and do the things you wanted to do.
“That shows the commitment of your leadership, you put your job before your own wishes. Now you have the opportunity of moving forward, to slow down to the pace of your life, to catch up on some of those things you want to do. You don’t have to ride off into the sunset.
“For all you have done and and for the respect shown to other political parties, I think you have done, on the whole, a good job as leader.”
Council chief executive Dafydd Gibbard also shared thanks on behalf of the council staff.
