Gwynfor becomes Powys Chair

By the end of his term, newly elected Powys County Council Chairman, Cllr Gwynfor Thomas, hopes to be able to chair a meeting in both English and Welsh.

As he took over the role at the PCC annual meeting yesterday (Thursday), Cllr Thomas, who represents Llansantffraid, encouraged others to join him on a journey to learn Welsh.

Cllr Thomas (pictured) said: “It’s a very proud moment, something I thought I wouldn’t attain when I became a councillor. I’m from a Welsh background with a Welsh speaking father, but sadly never took on the language.

“There’s plenty of resources out there, and I’ve spoken to the Welsh department officers, they are willing to support us in this initiative.

“The attempt is that: I will try and chair a meeting bilingually by the time it comes to the end of my year. I do have a limited Welsh knowledge, I have an app on my phone and I’m dedicating some time to it.”

Cllr Thomas added:  “I’m really excited about the year, it’s a difficult start due to the pandemic, but we must try and operate as normally as possible.”

Cllr Thomas told councillors that the charity he’s supporting during his year is the the DPJ foundation, which is a mental health charity that works in the farming sector.

“In the current circumstances we will be relying on charities such as this even more,” said Cllr Thomas.

At the meeting, councillors confirmed that Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe (Hay-on-Wye) will become Vice-Chairman for the year, having been the Assistant Vice-Chairman.

This meant that a new Assistant Vice-Chairman was needed, and outgoing Chairman, Cllr Beverley Baynham (Presteigne) nominated Cllr Jon Williams (Llandrindod North), for that role.

His nomination was agreed unanimously.

This means that all three civic roles are filled by a councillor representing wards from each of the former shires of Montgomeryshire, Brecknockshire and Radnorshire,

All three read out the official declaration of office online.

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter