Plaid Cymru in Gwynedd choose new council leader

Plaid Cymru in Gwynedd have chosen a new council leader following last week’s elections.

Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn, who will represent Dolgellau North on the new council, was elected leader at a meeting at Porthmadog last night.

He replaces Dyfed Edwards who stood down as a councillor at the elections .

Plaid Cymru councillors represent 41 of the council’s 75 seats securing a clear majority for the party.

After the meeting he said: “It is a pleasure and an honour to be elected Plaid Cymru Gwynedd’s Group Leader.

“Our heartfelt gratitude goes to each and every candidate that has ventured into the political arena on behalf of Plaid Cymru at this local election .

“We warmly welcome our new Plaid Cymru councillors to the team.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank former Penygroes Councillor, Dyfed Edwards for his contribution.

“He has led Plaid Cymru Gwynedd and Gwynedd Council for nine years, the longest serving leader at Gwynedd.

“It has been a privilege to work with Dyfed, and we thank him for his professionalism, his friendship, his experience and his wisdom over the years.

“As Plaid Cymru members, we wish him well for the future.”

Mr Siencyn is an experienced county councillor, was Plaid Cymru Gwynedd deputy leader and is a Dolgellau Town councillor.

He chaired the Services Scrutiny Committee that investigates issues in education and care services.

Mr Siencyn has worked as an auctioneer and rural valuer and is chief executive of Farmers Marts RG Jones Ltd in Dolgellau.

In addition to the 41 Plaid Cymru councillors Gwynedd Council has 26 Independent councillors, six members representing Llais Gwynedd and one Labour and one Liberal Democrat councillor.

The first meeting of the new council will be held at Caernarfon on May 18.