Agenda item

To consider the joint report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services and Service Director, Democratic Services and Communication.

To elect Two Deputy Presiding Members of the Council

RESOLVED – that County Borough Councillor Sheryl Evans be elected as the first Deputy Presiding Member for the 2023/24 Municipal Year.

RESOLVED – that County Borough Councillor Barry Stephens be elected as the second Deputy Presiding Member for the 2023/24 Municipal Year.

To receive an address from the retiring Mayor of the Council 2022-2023.

The retiring Mayor, County Borough Councillor W Treeby, commented that the past year as Mayor had been a privilege for her. She thanked the residents, communities and officers who had supported her and her charities. Her key highlights of the year had been the engagement with the pupils from schools across RCT and meeting with the RCT Veterans.

Councillor Treeby advised that she had secured two grants to the value of £24k for both the Welsh Air Ambulance and the Stroke Society and she thanked everyone who had helped her achieve those. She wished the incoming Mayor well for the future.

In response Members paid tribute to the retiring Mayor for her efforts and hard work during her term of office.

To elect a Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for the Municipal Year 2023-2024.

RESOLVED – to elect County Borough Councillor W Lewis as Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for the Municipal Year 2023-2024.

The Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for the Municipal Year 2023-2024 commented on the huge honour to serve as Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf. She paid tribute to the outgoing Mayor, Cllr Treeby for her hard work and commitment to the role. Councillor Lewis announced that during her term of office as Mayor for RCT, her consorts would be Mr Christopher Lewis and Dilys Jouvenat and her chosen charities would include the Brain Tumour Research, the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, SANDS (Stillbirth and Neo Death Society) and Hope Rescue, as well as supporting the upcoming National Eisteddfod and Armed Forces.

Councillor Lewis looked forward to working closely with the incoming Deputy Mayor.

The Presiding Member and Group Leaders/Deputy Group Leader wished the incoming Mayor well for her forthcoming year.

To appoint a Deputy Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for the Municipal Year 2023 – 2024.

RESOLVED – to elect County Borough Councillor D Owen-Jones as Deputy Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for the Municipal Year 2023-2024.

The Deputy Mayor congratulated the new incoming Madam Mayor and for affording him the honour of being elected as Deputy Mayor for 2023-24.

Councillor Owen-Jones confirmed his consort as his daughter, Abbey Louise Owen-Jones.

To appoint a Leader of the Council.

RESOLVED – that County Borough Councillor A Morgan, OBE, be appointed Leader of the Council for the 2023/2024 Municipal Year.

County Borough Councillor A Morgan, OBE, extended his sincere thanks for his re-appointment as Leader of the Council. He advised that he has been Leader of RCT Council since 2014 and his reappointment means he has been the longest serving Leader of the County Borough. He acknowledged the honour of also being elected as Leader of the WLGA since 2019.

The Leader paid tribute to the Council staff who have worked tirelessly through many recent challenges to support the communities of RCT. He commented on the support he receives from the Labour Group in addition to that of senior officers who work hard to address any concerns raised and deliver the targeted investment that has been set alongside the Council’s Corporate Plan. The Leader hoped that the increased capital investment and projects across the communities of RCT would continue to make a difference to the residents and communities of RCT. He acknowledged the challenging times ahead but added that they would be tackled with the support of all Members, including cross party support. He commented on the efforts to keep the council tax rises as low as possible which has been achieved by the Council for seven out of the last nine years.

In conclusion, the Leader paid special tribute to his deputy Leader, Councillor M Webber, who has provided support to him throughout and he thanked all Members of the Council.

To confirm the appointment of the Leader of the largest opposition party, as the Leader of the Opposition.

RESOLVED to confirm the appointment of County Borough Councillor K Morgan as Leader of the Opposition.

The Group Leaders congratulated both the Leader of the Council and the Leader of the Opposition.