Conwy Council elects new leader

Former assembly member Gareth Jones has been elected leader of Conwy Council .

The Plaid Cymru councillor won the leadership by just one vote ahead of Goronwy Edwards following a secret ballot at Bonlondeb on Thursday morning.

Mr Jones, 78, said he wants to involve the political groups on the council in running the authority.

No one party has a big enough majority to secure overall control.

Cllr Jones, who lives in Craig-y-don, said: “Coalitions shunt others to a position outside the ruling body.

“It’s not right to keep any group out of office.

“We need to develop an inclusive style of administration which respects what the people of Conwy voted for.

“I understand there will be a significant change.

“I hope for the better and I will need each and every one of you on board.”

When asked what he would do about Brexit, Cllr Jones said:

“We need to have good links all the way from Cardiff to London and be in tune with our elected reps to make sure we get the funding coming back from Europe. But I am worried.”

Previous leader Dilwyn Roberts s tepped down and retired as a councillor before May’s local elections.

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