New Council leader re-elected amid ‘delight’ at women and younger members

The leader of Gwynedd Council has expressed his ‘gratitude’ after being re-elected and also his ‘delight’ at the number of women and younger members who are now part of the council.
Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn who represents the Dolgellau (Gogledd) ward was voted in again as Gwynedd Council leader at its first full council meeting held in Caernarfonon Thursday, May 19.
At the same meeting, Councillor  Elwyn Jones, who represents Penisarwaun, was elected Gwynedd Council chair, with Councillor Medwyn Hughes, for Canol Bangor, being made vice-chair.
Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn was voted in with 55 votes, nine abstentions and two votes against.
As Gwynedd Councillor for the Dolgellau (Gogledd) ward, Cllr Siencyn has been council leader since 2017, and also leads the Plaid Cymru group.
He said: “It is a privilege to be re-elected to lead Gwynedd Council, and I look forward to working with my fellow members and council officers over the coming years.
“The recent election has seen many new faces elected to represent Gwynedd’s communities.
“I am delighted that there is a significant increase in the number of women on the council as well as a number of new young members, all of whom will bring new experiences and perspectives that will enrich our work as a council.
“There is no doubt that all of the members will make a contribution and I look forward to working with and having discussions with my fellow councillors across the council for the benefit of Gwynedd’s communities.
“I would also like to acknowledge the significant contribution made by the number of councillors who retired or who are not returning in 2022 – we owe them a debt of gratitude for their hard work and commitment to public service over the years.
“As a council, we can be proud of what we have achieved over the last few years, despite Covid-19 and the financial pressures. Indeed, the pandemic highlighted the importance of local government in providing services, and that councils deserve due respect and of course the funding to deliver.
“There are clear principles that drive our work here at Gwynedd Council and we will continue to take the lead in promoting the use of the Welsh language at all levels.
“We are also proud to have led on providing solutions to the second homes crisis and will continue this vital work for the benefit of our communities and the people of Gwynedd.
“We will work to secure high value jobs for the people of the area and lead on creating a sustainable tourism industry that benefits and respects our communities.
“But there is no time to rest on our laurels – we still have significant work ahead to make sure we improve and put the people of Gwynedd first. We are facing a cost of living crisis; an energy poverty crisis and a climate change crisis, but we do so with confidence.
“I now look forward to establishing the council’s new Cabinet and to working with all councillors on the task ahead to contribute to the creation of a prosperous Gwynedd, a caring Gwynedd, a confident Gwynedd and a Welsh-speaking Gwynedd.”
The council’s new chairman Elwyn Jones has been a Gwynedd Councillor since 2017.  He has served on several committees during this time.
 Speaking on his election success Cllr Jones also said: “It is a great honour and a privilege to be elected as chairman of Gwynedd Council.
“I look forward to serving all of Gwynedd’s residents during the coming year.”

By Dale Spridgeon – Local Democracy Reporter