Cllr Gwynfor Thomas
COUNCILLOR Gwynfor Thomas will continue as Powys County Council’s chairman for the next year – but only after angry clashes between political groups.
The Llansantffraid Conservative, who was appointed to the role in November 2020, will serve 18 months because of the coronavirus pandemic – the same as his predecessor Cllr Beverley Baynham (Presteigne – Independent).
But the seemingly-straightforward task of rubber-stamping of the chairman, vice-chairman and assistant vice-chairman roles at the council's annual meeting on Thursday, May 13 fell into chaos and recriminations when an alternative candidate was put forward for the top post.
Cllr Thomas had already been nominated to stay in the role when Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe, the Liberal Democrat vice-chairman, was nominated to step up to become chairman.