The independents will continue to lead Merthyr Tydfil Council for the next five years after the mayor made the casting vote following a tie among councillors. At the council’s annual general meeting which was held on Wednesday, May 25, Councillor Geraint Thomas was elected the new leader of the council after the new mayor used his deciding vote in his favour.
Cllr Thomas is the leader of the independent group after the previous council leader Councillor Lisa Mytton decided to stand down and ruled herself out of any potential cabinet role. The election on May 5 saw independent and Labour candidates tied with 15 seats each.
The new mayor is Councillor Declan Sammon and the new deputy mayor is Councillor Malcolm Colbran, despite Labour nominating Councillor Scott Thomas for both. The nominations of Cllr Thomas for both roles were defeated by the casting vote of the mayor following tied votes as well.
