Cyngor Gwynedd leader steps down

 

Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn has today (17 October, 2024) notified the Chair of Cyngor Gwynedd of his decision to step down from his role as Leader of the Council.

 

Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn said: "It has been a privilege and an honour to lead Cyngor Gwynedd over the past seven years. I wish to express my sincere thanks to my fellow Cabinet members, elected members of all political groups and to Council staff for their friendship, commitment and tireless work for the people and communities of the county.

 

"I am also indebted to the other north Wales council leaders for their support for my work as chair of the North Wales Ambition Board and the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee. I also pay tribute to my fellow leaders of all political parties in the Welsh Local Government Association for their commitment to local government.

 

"I look back with pride at what we have achieved here at Cyngor Gwynedd over the past seven years. In particular, pioneering work has been done to secure homes for local people and to better manage second homes within the county; we have invested significantly in school buildings; UNESCO status has also been secured for our slate areas, resulting in significant funding which will bring new prosperity to these communities.

 

"It is also important to remember the heroic work done by the army of staff from across the Council, partners from the third sector, volunteers and communities to support the people of Gwynedd through the Covid crisis.

 

"I am also pleased that Cyngor Gwynedd has taken decisive action to safeguard our most vulnerable residents from the devastating effects of the cost of living crisis, while at the same time protecting key services from wave after wave of budget cuts.

 

"I must acknowledge that this most recent period – and the horrific information which has come to light about the unforgivable crimes of the paedophile Neil Foden – has been the most challenging for the Council as an authority and for myself as Leader.

 

"I am deeply sorry for the pain the victims and their families have gone through at the hands of this man, and they remain at the forefront of my mind.”

 

Councillor Beca Roberts, Chair of Cyngor Gwynedd, added:

 

"I pay tribute to Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn for his work in leading the Council since 2017 and for being a strong and consistent voice for Welsh-speaking and rural communities regionally and nationally.

 

"I thank him for his friendship, experience and unwavering leadership over the years. I am sure he will have a further contribution to make to the work of the Council and to the public life of Wales in future."

 

Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn will also step down from his role as chair of Ambition North Wales Board, the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) Finance sub-group and co-chair of the Wales Rural Forum.

 

Alwen Williams, Programme Director for the Ambition North Wales Board, said:

 

“I would like to sincerely thank Dyfrig for his role as Chair of the Ambition Board over the past five years. Dyfrig’s leadership has been groundbreaking as we secured investment and support for the delivery of the Growth Plan for North Wales. His contribution on a regional level has been key to North Wales’s economy.   

 

“Most recently Dyfrig, has also taken the lead on the establishment of the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee. We are grateful to Dyfrig for his vision and ready support over the years.”

Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, WLGA Leader said:

 

“Throughout his time as leader of Cyngor Gwynedd, Dyfrig has been an active presence in the WLGA and has been a significant figure of leadership at a national level. His has been a steadfast voice for the interests of rural Wales, the Welsh language, and the housing and homelessness crisis in all parts of Wales. His understanding of local government finance is second to none which has been an asset to all councils as they continue to face enormous budgetary challenges.

 

“Amongst his fellow leaders across the local government family, Dyfrig is incredibly well-liked, respected, and admired. On behalf of the Association, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dyfrig for his tireless contribution over the years. His contribution will endure not only in Gwynedd but across Welsh local government.”

In accordance with the Council’s constitution, elected members will choose a new Leader at a meeting of the Full Council in due course.

 

In the meantime, Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Nia Jeffreys will take over the duties of Leader on an interim basis until permanent arrangements have been made.