New leader to be elected at Denbighshire County Council today

Denbighshire County Council will elect its new leader today.
    
The new council will convene for the first time since the election at 10am at the council chambers in Ruthin – although some members will join remotely.   

Labour has the largest representation with 19 seats in the chamber.   
The independent group has the second largest with 13 members.   
Plaid Cymru has eight seats, the Conservatives six and The Green Party two   

Although a deal is yet to be made public, Labour is expected to take control, perhaps by making a deal with Plaid Cymru for an overall majority.   
The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands returning councillor and former leader Cllr Jason McLellan will be put forward as the new leader before a vote takes place.   

Former cabinet member for well-being and independence Cllr Bobby Feeley said she believed Labour would take control.  
“The Labour Group have got 19 members, which is not enough to run the council,” she said.  
“The Labour group, I understand, will choose the leader, and they will put him up for election tomorrow. But what he is doing about his cabinet I don’t know.
“They could mimic what the Labour Government has done in Cardiff. I think if they can’t rule outright, then they want to do a deal with Plaid.” 
She added: “At the end of the day, we are all working for the patches we represent, and we want to do the best for the area.” 
Labour councillor Brian Blakeley commented: “I’m looking forward to five years of the council being run in the right direction and by the right party. 
“I believe the (new) cabinet will be discussed tomorrow. I’m not taking a position. I’ve done everything else. I’ve been chair, county chair, mayor of Rhyl. 
“I just want to look after my residents for the next five years. They put me here. I’m here to represent them.”

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter