Councillor Brent Carter, who was once found in a brothel “covered in pink lipstick,” has been appointed as the new Labour leader of Merthyr Tydfil Council. The incident took place when the council had to shut down the brothel due to nuisance and anti-social behaviour. Carter assumed the leadership role on Wednesday, September 18, after Labour regained control from the independent administration that had been in power since 2017. This change followed the resignation of Councillor Geraint Thomas and the formation of a new council makeup.
With Labour now holding 14 seats and the main independent group with 11, Cllr Carter announced the new cabinet members who would take on key roles within the council. In his address, Cllr Carter emphasised the need for transparency, community engagement, and effective delivery of services to ensure the sustainability and progress of the authority. He expressed pride in their town and commitment to serving the residents of Merthyr Tydfil.
Cllr Carter acknowledged the challenges and controversies he had faced in the past, including the incident at the brothel in 2015, but highlighted his dedication to his role and the community. Despite the previous scrutiny and referral to the Public Services Ombudsman, it was determined that he did not bring his office into disrepute. Cllr Thomas, the outgoing leader, cited the difficulty of governing without a majority as one of the reasons for his resignation, thanking the council staff and colleagues for their support during his tenure.
Amidst the transition in leadership, Cllr Carter vowed to lead with resilience, dynamism, and a focus on transforming the council for the betterment of Merthyr Tydfil. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as leader, pledging to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for the town. The new administration aims to build stronger partnerships, improve services, and create a sense of pride and unity within the community.
As Merthyr Tydfil embraces this new chapter under Cllr Carter’s leadership, the council looks towards addressing the challenges ahead and fostering a spirit of cooperation and progress for the benefit of all residents.