Former MS elected Chair of Powys council

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

A former Welsh Assembly member for Mid and West Wales has been unanimously elected as the chair of Powys County Council for the next year.

Cllr William Powell (Liberal Democrat) took over the chains of office from the incumbent, Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson (Conservative) at Powys County Council’s annual general meeting held on Thursday, May 15.

Last year, Cllr Powell, who represents Talgarth in Brecknockshire, served as council vice-chairman and in 2023 had been elected to the assistant vice-chairman’s role.

Cllr Powell said: “We’ve had so many moving tributes and wise words this morning I think I will break the habit of a lifetime and keep my comments to a minimum.

“I’m immensely grateful to my colleagues for the faith you have expressed in me in today.”

“Thank you all very much indeed.”

Earlier, outgoing chair, Cllr Wilkinson, said that one of his last public engagements on behalf of the authority was attending VE Day 80th anniversary service at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff on May 7.

He went on to thank Cllr Powell, his vice-chair, and Cllr Geoff Morgan, the assistant vice-chair, for the support they had given him in the role during the last year and wished them “the best of luck” as they move forward.

Cllr Wilkinson added: “Also, I would very much like to thank the behind-the-scenes team, particularly Karen Southgate, Steve Boyd and Carol Johnson, who have supported me and given me a nudge when I forget things and ensure the smooth running of things.”

A vote confirmed that Cllr Morgan (Reform UK), who represents the Ithon Valley in Radnorshire, moves up from assistant vice-chair to vice-chair.

Liberal Democrat, Cllr Danny Bebb, who represents Churchstoke, was elected to take on the assistant vice-chairman’s role.

The roles rotate between councillors who represent wards in the historic shires of Brecknockshire, Montgomeryshire and Radnorshire which make up modern day Powys.