TWO senior members of Pembrokeshire County Council are to step down from their Cabinet positions this May, members of the council’s Cabinet heard.
At the April 28 meeting, members heard that Cabinet Member for Communities, Corporate Improvement and the Well-being of Future Generations Cllr Neil Prior and Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies Cllr Joshua Beynon were to step down from their Cabinet roles.
Members were told both councillors were stepping down for personal reasons, with their replacements expected to be announced in May.
Cllr Beynon, who took over the finance role from Cllr Alec Cormack last year, has since posted on social media: “After a year serving in the Cabinet at Pembrokeshire County Council, I’ve decided the time is right for me to step back from my role as Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies.
“Serving in this position has been a real privilege — helping to improve services, strengthen the council’s finances, and always striving to do what’s best for Pembrokeshire. It hasn’t been without its challenges, especially in a council without a majority, but I’m proud of what we’ve achieved through collaboration and determination.
“This hasn’t been an easy decision. Public service demands a lot, and I want to be honest about the personal toll it can take. I believe if you can’t give 100 per cent, it’s right to make space for someone who can bring fresh energy to the role.
“I’m incredibly grateful to my Cabinet colleagues, fellow councillors, and most of all the brilliant staff at Pembrokeshire County Council — the real backbone of our public services.
“Although I’m stepping back from Cabinet, I’m not stepping away. I’ll continue to serve from the backbenches, standing up for high-quality public services and for the people of Pembrokeshire.
“Thank you to everyone who’s supported me so far — it means a lot.”
Also posting on social media, Cllr Neil Prior said: “After eight years as a Cabinet member at Pembrokeshire County Council, I have decided to step down from the Cabinet.
“It’s been an incredible experience to be at the heart of trying to implement change in local government, and I’m proud of many achievements, but it’s the right time to experience the back benches for the first time.
“I’ll be concentrating on my local ward work with ongoing initiatives around community renewable energy, health and wellbeing, and strengthening rural community resilience.
“I’ll also continue my work with the LGA and WLGA as a lead facilitator on the leadership academy for councillors and spend a bit more time playing guitar with my band.
“Being a councillor is no ordinary job – it is equally demanding and rewarding – and this is the right time for me to make this decision.
“Thanks to so many who have supported me, encouraged me, and who try to make a difference by dedicating themselves to public service.”
The work of both Cabinet members was praised at the meeting by Leader Cllr Jon Harvey.
(Images: Pembrokeshire County Council)
