28 May 2008
Subject to ratification during the WLGA AGM next month, Cllr John Davies (Pembrokeshire) will take on the overarching leadership position within the WLGA over the next four years after being nominated as its new leader at a meeting last Friday.
The outcome of the May elections has seen the most significant change to the make up of the local government map in Wales in 20 years. Despite this, all parties in the WLGA have agreed to recommend to its AGM a continuation of the power sharing approach and the equitable division of leadership responsibilities that have characterised WLGA business over the last four years. In the continued spirit of political unity, all parties will speak with one voice ensuring that the WLGA as the major lobbying body for local government in Wales is heard loud and clear.
The WLGA Leader is constitutionally drawn from the Association’s largest political group which is the Independent Group as a result of the May local elections. As Leader of the Independent Group, Cllr Davies was therefore automatically nominated as WLGA Leader.
Cllr Davies is a well known and respected figure across local government. He previously held the role as WLGA Education Spokesperson.
To further strengthen the senior WLGA leadership team two other key nominations were agreed. Councillor Derek Vaughan (Neath Port Talbot), Leader of the Labour Group and former WLGA Leader was nominated to the new position of Deputy Leader and Councillor Meryl Gravell (Carmarthenshire) nominated to retain her role as WLGA Presiding Officer.
These appointments will also be subject to agreement at the WLGA AGM along with a range of key WLGA Spokesperson positions drawn from all political groups.
The WLGA AGM will take place on the 27th June at the Media Resource Centre, Llandrindod Wells.
Ends
For more information contact: Natasha Weeks