As this year’s council elections get ever nearer the focus is likely to be on who will and will not be re-elected. As well as interest in any new councillors that are elected, it will also be time to say goodbye to some councillors who will not be seeking re-election in the poll on May 5.
At a Merthyr Tydfil full council meeting on Wednesday, March 30, Malcolm Colbran, who has served as the mayor for the past year, read out the names of those who will be standing down as councillors. Mr Colbran said: “I’d just like to thank these councillors for their service to the county borough over the years.”
The councillors who won’t be standing for re-election in Merthyr Tydfil this year include Sherelle Jago who has represented Bedlinog and Trelewis since 2017 and Tanya Skinner who has represented Park ward since 2017. Mr Colbran said: “Thank you both very much for everything you’ve done and the contribution you’ve made to the council over the years.”
Chris Barry, who has represented Park ward, is also standing down having served from 2004 until 2022 and Mr Colbran thanked him for his service to the county borough throughout that time. Tony Rogers is also not seeking re-election having represented Dowlais and Pant and served from 2004 to 2012 and then from 2017 until now.
Mr Colbran thanked him and said: “He’s made valuable contributions to council debate. He’s served on the cabinet in different roles.” Harvey Jones is another councillor who will be stepping down this year having represented Plymouth ward and served from 1996 to 2008 and again from 2012 until now and having been leader of the council from 2002 to 2008.
Mr Colbran thanked him and said: “He has made an excellent contribution to the council in that time particularly in the field of education and in many other fields as well.” Lisa Mytton who has served as leader since January 2021 thanked Mr Colbran for his mayoral year and the way he has conducted full council as chair. To get the latest updates from Merthyr, subscribe to our dedicated newsletter here.
