New chairman of Powys County Council elected

A former Welsh Assembly member for Mid and West Wales has been elected as the chairman of Powys County Council for the next year.

Cllr William Powell (Liberal Democrat) was unanimously approved as the new chairman of the council.

He took over the chains of office from the incumbent, Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson (Conservative) at Powys County Council’s annual general meeting on Thursday, May 15.

Last year, Cllr Powell who represents Talgarth in Brecknockshire served as council vice-chairman and in 2023/2024 had been elected to the assistant vice-chairman’s role.

Cllr Powell said: “We’ve had so many moving tributes and wise words this morning I think I will break the habit of a lifetime and keep my comments to a minimum.

“I’m immensely grateful to my colleagues for the faith you have expressed in me in today.”

“Thank you all very much indeed.”

Earlier outgoing chairman, Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson (Conservative) said that one of his last public engagements on behalf of the authority he attended was the VE Day 80th anniversary service at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff on May 7.

Cllr Wilkinson (Llangyniew and Meifod – Montgomeryshire) said: “Llandaff Cathedral is quite a remarkable building in itself, heavily bombed during the war (Second World War) and then rebuilt.

“They have a wonderful organ there and the organ recital there was fantastic, the choir is known throughout the country and the band of the Royal Welsh (Regiment) played.

“That was a very memorable service of thanks during that week of commemorative events.

“We had our own here on May 8 with the raising of the flag at county hall and I had the privilege of reading that proclamation in recognition of the sacrifices made during the war to ensure our freedom.”

“There were members of the Royal British Legion and other organisations here and ex-servicemen and it was an absolute pleasure to meet those individuals.”

He went on to thank his Cllr Powell as vice-chairman and Cllr Geoff Morgan the assistant vice-chairman for the support they had given him in the role during the last year and wished them “the best of luck” as they move forward.

Cllr Wilkinson said: “Also I would very much like to thank the behind the scenes team particularly Karen Southgate, Steve Boyd and Carol Johnson who have supported me and given me a nudge when I forget things and ensure the smooth running of things.”

A vote confirmed that Cllr Geoff Morgan (Reform UK) who represents the Ithon Valley in Radnorshire moves up from assistant vice-chairman to vice-chairman.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Danny Bebb who represents Churchstoke in Montgomeryshire was elected to take on the assistant vice-chairman’s role.

The roles rotate between councillors who represent wards in the historic shires of Brecknockshire, Montgomeryshire and Radnorshire which make up modern day Powys.