Plaid Cymru Caerphilly Together, We Can Build a Brighter Future

The leader of the Plaid Cymru group Lindsay Whittle has come out against moves to axe the role of Mayor of Caerphilly County.

Councillors have been asked their views before the annual meeting of the authority next week on whether Caerphilly should continue to have a mayor after 2025-26.

Councillor Lindsay Whittle, speaking in a personal capacity, said: “When I was leader of the authority we did change the role from Mayor to chair. We were wrong and changed our minds. When the mayoral role was restored, I witnessed how many people regarded it in high esteem compared to the chair.

“I’ve observed on many occasions older residents and younger one’s too enjoying a visit from the mayor with the regalia on special days, events, wedding anniversaries and even 100-year-old birthdays.

“The mayor is easily identifiable as the civic head and brings a sense of pride and what happens when we have visiting VIPs? Is Caerphilly diminished by not having a mayor?”

He said: “I gather Labour may have had problems filling the mayoral role which does involve a huge commitment. Well, if that’s the case they could open the role out to other parties.”