BRIDGEND Council has elected a new leader for the coming year after their former leader Huw David stepped down.
The decision came at the council’s annual general meeting on May 15 where members elected Councillor John Spanswick of Brackla West Central as the authority’s new leader.
Councillor Spanswick has now been with Bridgend Council for 25 years and has held a number of positions during his time, including both scrutiny roles and as a cabinet member in charge of the communities portfolio. He has also previously spent a year as mayor of Bridgend County Borough.
His appointment came after long-standing councillor Huw David, who has been the leader since 2016 when he became one of the youngest council leaders in Wales, decided to step down from the role after more than eight years in charge.
Speaking to members at the annual meeting Cllr Spanswick said: “I’m now the fifth leader of this authority, it is a privileged position that I will respect and endeavour to always give the best of myself. My intention is to work with all members to ensure that people we represent are able to see the visible differences in our communities.”
Cllr Huw David added: “Serving as the leader of Bridgend County Borough Council has been the greatest honour of my life. I fully support Councillor Spanswick in his new position, and know that he will provide valuable and effective strategic leadership for the authority as it faces the challenges which lay ahead.”
It was also decided at the meeting that Councillor Jayne Gebbie would remain in her position as deputy leader, while Councillor Heather Griffiths succeeding Councillor William Kendall as mayor of Bridgend County Borough, with Councillor Huw David now acting as deputy mayor. The youth mayor of Bridgend County Borough will be Ellie O’Connell, with Daisy Davies serving as deputy youth mayor.
