THE leader of Gwynedd Council has announced his intention to step down from his post at the next county council election in May year.

Dyfed Edwards, who was first elected in 2004 and became leader of Gwynedd Council in 2008, will also relinquish his seat as a representative for the Penygroes constituency.

Announcing his intention to stand down, Cllr Edwards said: “I count it a privilege that I have had the opportunity to represent the community of Penygroes and be council leader for nearly a decade.

"I have always been of the view that I wished to devote a certain period to the job because I believe it is important to make specific contributions for a certain period and then step aside to allow others make a contribution. I had no intention to become a councillor for life.”

In addition to serving as leader of Gwynedd Council, Cllr has also been Plaid group leader on the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), acting as vice-president and currently spokesperson for Housing and the Welsh Language and previously the arts, culture, sport and the Welsh language.

He said: “The past years have been very exciting, both locally and nationally. With the devolution journey continuing I have put great emphasis on ensuring that we work together with Welsh Government ministers and representatives of the Wales Office in Westminster. Success is achieved by reaching out and acting positively rather than retreating to an island of negativity.

"I believe that we still have an opportunity to make a difference despite the financial challenges."

Read the full story in this week’s north editions of the Cambian News