The leader of Merthyr Tydfil Council, Councillor Geraint Thomas, has announced his resignation following the recent Bedlinog and Trelewis ward by-election, which saw Labour candidate Gillian Preston emerge as the victor. Councillor Thomas cited the election results, along with two councillors leaving the Independent group, as reasons that made it impossible for him to continue in his leadership role.
Expressing his attachment to his hometown of Merthyr, Councillor Thomas described his time as council leader as the best job in the world and an honour. He highlighted his pride in the achievements of the cabinet and the Independent group during a challenging period for local government. Despite his resignation as leader, he pledged to continue representing the Cyfarthfa ward and the council with dedication and commitment.
A council statement confirmed that Councillor Thomas will remain in office until the next full council meeting on September 18, where a decision on the council’s future political leadership will be made. Currently, the main Independent group comprises 12 councillors, after Councillors Declan Sammon and Paula Layton formed the Dowlais and Pant Community Independents group. Additionally, there are two independent councillors, Kevin Gibbs and Jamie Scriven, while the Labour group now holds 14 seats following Gillian Preston’s election.
In the 2022 local elections, both Labour and the independents secured 15 seats each, with Councillor Geraint Thomas eventually elected as leader through a casting vote by the mayor after a tied vote. The Independent group has been in control of the council since 2017, taking over from Labour at that time.
As the leadership transition unfolds in Merthyr Tydfil, the political landscape of the council is set for change, with various groups realigning and vying for influence within the local government structure. The resignation of Councillor Thomas marks a significant development in the ongoing evolution of leadership dynamics in the Welsh community.