A Coalition has been formed

A coalition has been formed between the Labour group and Independent councillors in Carmarthenshire.

The announcement was made today following discussions which have taken place since the results of the elections were made on May 4. It follows eight years of coalition working between Independents and Labour previously, however the balance of power has now shifted with 21 and 23 county councillors respectively. It means the Labour group will choose the Leader and Cllr Meryl Gravell, currently the longest serving Leader in Wales, will step down after 13 years.

The agreement is for a 12-month partnership which will be reviewed after a year. The Labour group will meet tonight to choose a Leader and Deputy Leader, and further announcements on executive board and other positions are expected in the future.

Current Labour Leader Cllr Kevin Madge said: “I am delighted that we have formed the new coalition with the Independents. We can carry on the good work done over the last eight years delivering for the people of Carmarthenshire in both rural and urban areas.

“We are looking forward to delivering more first class services, strengthening and further developing our education and regeneration programmes, and continued partnership working with the Welsh Government.”

Leader of the Independents Cllr Pam Palmer said: “After careful consideration, we have decided that it will be in the best interests of the residents of Carmarthenshire to continue our existing coalition with the Labour group.

“The coalition has delivered record investment in schools, housing and regeneration, and we want to build on that success, with a particular focus on rural areas. We will continue to work in partnership for the good of Carmarthenshire.”