Annual meeting returns Leader and confirms Cabinet changes

Councillor Huw David has been unanimously re-elected Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council at the local authority’s annual meeting.

In his address to the meeting, Councillor David thanked colleagues and confirmed that he would be making changes to the Cabinet structure.

He said: “Serving as Leader is an honour and a privilege, and I would like to offer members my sincere thanks and respect. I will continue to devote my full attention and focus to the role, and will do my very best for the people that we serve.

“In my role, I am ably backed by the unwavering support of my Cabinet colleagues. I would like to acknowledge their ongoing dedication and commitment, and to also confirm that for the year ahead, there will be some changes to the Cabinet structure.

“Councillor Richard Young is stepping down as Cabinet Member for Communities, and Councillor Stuart Baldwin will take on the portfolio.

“As someone who has given more than 30 years towards local government, Councillor Young is the only current member of Bridgend County Borough Council who also served on the former Mid Glamorgan County Council.

“Time and time again, he has demonstrated his tireless commitment and dedication towards his constituents, his community, and this council.

“Councillor Young’s wealth of experience has proven to be an invaluable asset, and I am extremely grateful to count him as both a respected colleague, and a friend.

“Councillor Baldwin has similarly demonstrated dedication and commitment, and I have no doubt that he will relish the challenge of this important role, and tackle it with his typical energy and enthusiasm.

“Together with my Cabinet colleagues, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Councillor Baldwin, and offer our sincere thanks to Councillor Young for the valuable contribution that he has made.

“I am not proposing to make further changes to the current Cabinet structure, but would like to finish by taking this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to councillors Patel, Smith, Burnett and Williams for their ongoing and much-valued support.

“It is, as always, greatly appreciated.”

At the same meeting, councillors John Spanswick and Martyn Jones were unanimously elected to the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Bridgend County Borough for the year ahead.

The Annual Meeting of Council was held on Wednesday 19 May. For details of the agenda and minutes, visit the council's website.