Cabinet reshuffle for Merthyr Tydfil Council

THE former leader of Merthyr Tydfil Council has returned to take up a role on the cabinet.

An information report to full council on Wednesday, September 8 showed that Councillor Kevin O’Neill is back on the council and will take up the role of cabinet member for housing and public protection with Councillor Lisa Mytton staying on as leader and cabinet member for learning.

Cllr O’Neill returns following a seven month suspension by the Adjudication Panel for Wales following six breaches of the council’s code of conduct in relation to his failure to declare an interest in the business of the council regarding a property at Luther Lane.

There is a new deputy leader of the council as Councillor Geraint Thomas replaces Councillor Chris Davies who is stepping down because he has taken up a role outside his responsibilities as a councillor.

Councillor Tony Rogers will take up the role of cabinet member for social services.

Cllr Thomas will remain the cabinet member for regeneration, transformation and commercialisation, Councillor Andrew Barry will remain the member for governance and corporate services and Councillor David Hughes will remain as cabinet member for neighbourhood services, planning and countryside with the changes having come into effect from September 1.

Council leader Lisa Mytton said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cllr Davies for all his hard work as deputy leader and cabinet member for social services. Chris has been a fantastic colleague and we will continue to have his support within the Independent Group.

“I would like to welcome Cllr Geraint Thomas as my deputy leader and Cllr Tony Rogers and Cllr Kevin O’Neill back into cabinet.