FORMER Ceredigion County Council leader Keith Evans - who sensationally lost his seat in the 2012 elections - is throwing his hat back into the ring because of “unfinished business”.

Mr Evans was the Independent leader at County Hall when he lost his Llandysul seat after 27 years of representing his home village to Plaid Cymru opponent Peter Evans.

Coming to terms with his defeat at the time, Mr Evans said: “It’s always disappointing, but in an election somebody’s got to win and somebody’s got to lose.”

But now, in what looks like one of the most intriguing Ceredigion contests, the two men are poised to go head-to-head in a rematch when the voters of Llandysul go to the polls next month.

“Speaking as someone who has over 30 years’ experience of local government at all levels I feel I still have something to offer,” Mr Evans, 66, told the Cambrian News.

“I believe I have sufficient energy and vigour to make a significant contribution, particularly here in Llandysul."

Recalling his 2012 loss to Peter Evans, Mr Evans said cuts to services could have played a part in his downfall.

“Any candidate who puts their name forward for election must be prepared to accept that they will either win the race or lose it,” he said.

“There was also a concerted effort to dispose of the council leader at the 2012 election and it didn’t just happen here in Ceredigion - I think three or four other council leaders lost their seats."

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