A new Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council has been elected in an online annual general meeting – a first of its kind for the county.
Cllr Ieuan Davies, member of Llanybydder ward, took the chain of office live on the internet on Wednesday.
The council holds an AGM every year to install a new chair for the coming year and for the Leader to present his review of the previous year.
It is usually held in the chamber at Carmarthen’s County Hall with invited dignitaries and guests but due to ongoing restrictions with Covid-19, the whole council met online for the first time. The meeting was live streamed on the council website.
Taking the chair Cllr Davies paid tribute to outgoing chairman Cllr Kevin Madge for his dedication, passion and commitment during the last year.
Cllr Davies will chair the council for the next 12 months with Cllr Eirwyn Williams, member for Cynwyl Gaeo, as his vice chair. Duties include chairing full meetings of the council, representing the council at formal and ceremonial occasions, welcoming visitors to the county, and attending and supporting events organised by local people and organisations.
He has chosen The Prostrate Cancer Trust and St Peter’s Church, Llanybydder as Chairman’s Charities of the Year.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Davies said: “It gives me great pleasure to be elected as Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council for the municipal year 2020/21. I started on Llanybydder Community Council some 40 years ago, and in 1995 was elected County Councillor. I live my life to help others in my community and have been involved in various local organisations over the years. I will continue to raise funds for my chosen charities, but in a different way due to the coronavirus pandemic. Social media is a powerful tool in this fast and changing world, and it is surprising what can be done digitally. I look forward with renewed energy to carry out my new role and to do my very best in these challenging times.”
Educated in Llanybydder, Lampeter and Llandrillo yn Rhos College in North Wales, Cllr Davies has been a county councillor for the last 25 years.
He is a founder member and trustee of Llanybydder Old School Community Centre and chair of Llanybydder and Lampeter Branch Cancer Committee, organiser of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, Llanybydder branch, and school governor for Llanybydder Primary School.
He serves as Vice Chairs on the council’s Social Care & Health Scrutiny Committee and Housing Review Panel and is a member of the Planning Committee.
A retired hairdresser, Cllr Davies set up his own salon in Llanybydder in 1974.
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