THE MAYOR and deputy mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) for the next year have been elected.
Councillor Sheryl Evans will continue as mayor for 2025-26, having served for a few months of this year after previous mayor Councillor Dan Owen-Jones resigned from the role in February.
Councillor Emma Watts will serve as deputy after also being elected at the annual meeting on Wednesday, May 21.
Cllr Evans said: “It is both an honour and a privilege to be granted the opportunity to continue with the role of mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf council for the ensuing 2025-26 municipal year.
“Over the past few months it has become increasingly clear just how important and special this role is to our community and I have been proud to support a number of incredible charities along the way.
“I am pleased to announce that a total of £8,269.37 has been raised by the mayor’s charity funds which will be shared between 2 Wish Cymru, Rhondda Polar Bears disabled swimming, Green Meadow disabled riding school, Taff Ely Veterans and the Dementia and Alzheimer’s society.
“These donations are incredibly important to help their vital work in our community.”
She has also chosen three new charities, which are Wales Air Ambulance, Signposted Cymru and RCT Veterans, with charitable donations to be made to Hope Rescue and Moggies Cat Rescue.
She said she fully appreciates the responsibility the role carries and looks forward to another year of supporting residents along with the deputy mayor and consort, her daughter Samantha.
Cllr Watts said: “It’s a real honour to be here today and to take on the role of deputy mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“I am incredibly proud to serve this community and want to thank everyone who has supported me, especially Geraint my fellow councillor.
“This moment is particularly meaningful to me as my late dad John Watts served as mayor of RCT.
“He gave so much to this role and to the people of Rhondda Cynon Taf and growing up with that example helped shape my own sense of service and commitment.
“To now have the opportunity to serve in a similar way is both humbling and a source of great pride to me and my family.”
She thanked her children and gave congratulations to Cllr Evans.
