Ceredigion County Council’s Leader has announced that she will step down as Plaid Cymru Group Leader after the Local Elections on the 5 May.
The Plaid Cymru County Council Group have elected Bryan Davies, the County Councillor for Llannarth as Ellen ap Gwynn’s successor as Group Leader.
Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn has been the county councillor for Ceulanamaesmawr since 1999 and became Leader of the Opposition in 2007 until she was elected Council Leader in 2012.
She was the first woman and the first Plaid Cymru member to become the Leader of Ceredigion County Council.
Cllr. Davies was first elected councillor in 2012. He is a farmer by day and is currently a school governor at both Llanarth and Bro Sion Cwilt primary schools and is an active member of the community.
Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn said: “It has been an honour to lead Ceredigion County Council over the past decade, and I am extremely proud of the work we have achieved during challenging times.
“My focus has always been on improving the lives of the residents of Ceredigion; to make sure families can access an excellent education for their children in good quality schools, to attract new jobs, to boost skills in young people and to continue with our programme of investment to strengthen our local economy. I have also been committed to supporting those in our care who need us the most and to helping people with disabilities to get the support they need to lead independent lives.
“These are the things that truly matter to our communities, and it is the reason they pay their taxes to this council.
"I’d like to thank staff at Ceredigion County Council, our partner organisations and elected members for their support and commitment to serving local residents. I am fortunate to be passing on the baton to an experienced and committed colleague and I look forward to supporting Cllr. Davies in his new role as Group Leader.”
Cllr. Bryan Davies said: “I’m delighted to have won the support of the Plaid Cymru group to be their new Leader after the Local Elections in May.
"Under Ellen’s leadership we have achieved a great deal during very challenging times; from securing significant investment for the county through the Mid Wales Growth Deal, to achieving one of the best recycling rates across the UK and ensuring that our education system continues to be considered amongst the most successful in Wales.
“My leadership will be rooted in the communities we serve, working together to learn, share and develop innovative new approaches to deliver tangible change to our county. I’m looking forward to an energetic and inclusive election campaign over the next few months and I look forward to engaging with voters and discussing how we make Ceredigion an even better place to live, work and enjoy.”