Tributes have been paid to a Rhondda Cynon Taf councillor who has died just months after being elected. Tony Burnell was elected as a Plaid Cymru councillor for Ynysybwl in May and was also a community councillor on Ynysybwl and Coed-y-cwm Community Council.
He was elected alongside fellow Plaid Cymru councillor Amanda Ellis at the council election held on May 5 this year. His Plaid Cymru colleagues have paid tribute to a man they described as a “huge character” and a “true community champion” after his passing was announced on Tuesday, July 19.
Heledd Fychan, Plaid Cymru MS for South Wales Central and former RCT councillor for Pontypridd Town and current Pontypridd town councillor, said: “Tony was a huge character and was very active in his much loved community of Ynysybwl, serving as a county councillor and community councillor.
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“He truly was one in a million, always working tirelessly for the residents of Ynysybwl. He had a huge heart and an infectious smile. It is a tremendous loss for his family and friends, his community and for Plaid Cymru. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all that knew him.”
Councillor Karen Morgan, who is the leader of the Plaid Cymru group on RCT council, said: “We are devastated at the loss of our friend. Tony was a true community champion, passionate about serving the communities he loved. He did so much for Ynysybwl and Coed y Cwm over many years and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his wife and loved ones.”
Councillor Wendy Treeby, mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf, said: “On behalf of the council, I would like to express our deepest sympathies to councillor Burnell’s family on their loss; our thoughts are with them at this deeply sad time. Our sympathies and thoughts are also with his fellow Plaid Cymru group councillors.
“Despite only being elected to Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council in May 2022, Anthony’s warm and friendly persona will be fondly remembered. Anthony was a former employee of the local authority and had for many years as a member of Ynysybwl Community Council, been a champion for his local community of Ynysybwl.
“Anthony was thrilled and humbled to be elected to represent his community on Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, and I know how much he was looking forward to representing his constituents, many who were his neighbours and friends, on the county council.”
His fellow Plaid Cymru ward councillor Amanda Ellis said: “What can I say about Anthony?
“He was a community champion, and worked tirelessly for many years for the community that he loved. Ynysybwl born and bred.
“He was dedicated, committed and passionate about Ynysybwl and Coedycwm. He had a huge heart and was responsible for the starting of the Gwyl festival. He was known locally as Mr Gwyl.
“His love of music is well known. He was so proud to be elected as borough councillor for Ynysybwl ward and he deserved it. He has served with me as a community councillor for close to 20 years and in that time has helped drive many projects locally.
“The village will miss him very much, but I am sure his memory will live on. He will be a difficult act to follow. My thoughts are with his wife Meryl and all his family.”
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