A council leader and new mayor have been elected for Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council this week at the local authority's annual general meeting.
The council elects a new leader and mayor to lead and preside over council proceedings each year, with members deciding that councillor Steve Hunt would continue in his role as the leader of Neath Port Talbot Council for the 2023/2024 period.
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Councillor Hunt, who first became leader of the independent council in 2022, was returned to the role at the meeting held on May 24, alongside Councillor Alun Llewelyn who was also re-elected as the deputy leader.
Speaking on his re-election, Cllr Hunt said: "I would like to thank everyone who has supported me to continue as leader for this council for the second year. I accept the role with a great deal of pride and will continue to do my best for the people of our wonderful county borough.
"I am sure we will look back at the last civic year, where we experienced the biggest political change since the council was established back in 1996. Whatever your political colours we have all been needed to learn the new roles, form new relationships, and to adapt. Despite this enormous change a great deal has been achieved in a short period of time."
Stepping into the role of Mayor for the term will be Councillor Chris Williams of Bryncoch South, succeeding Councillor Robert Wood in the position. He will be joined by Councillor Matthew Crowley of Sandfields East as deputy mayor.
Mayor Williams added: "It is a great privilege for me to be present here today as the first citizen of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council for the year 2023/2024. It gives me great pleasure to see a full chamber following what has been a difficult few years." You can read more of our stories from Neath Port Talbot here or subscribe to our newsletter here.
Cabinet portfolio positions were also decided at the meeting, with the charges for the coming year as follows:
- Community and Strategic Leadership/Leader - Cllr Steve Hunt
- Finance, Performance and Social Justice - Cllr Simon Knoyle
- Education and early years - Cllr Nia Jenkins
- Climate Change and Economic Growth - Cllr Jeremy Hurley
- Nature, Tourism, and Well-being - Cllr Cen Phillips
- Children and Family Services - Cllr Sian Harris
- Adult Social Services and Health - Cllr Jo Hale
- Housing and Community Safety - Cllr Alun Llewelyn
- Strategic Planning, Transport and Connectivity - Cllr Wyndham Griffiths
- Streetscene - Cllr Scott Jones
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