A FORMER leader of Cardiff Council has decided to step down in her role as a councillor due to declining health.
Cllr Heather Joyce, who served the ward of Llanrumney as a Labour councillor for more than 17 years, became Cardiff Council’s first female leader in 2012 and held the role until 2014.
The local authority has confirmed that a by-election for the vacant council seat will be held on Thursday, July 24.
In her letter of resignation Ms Joyce said: “I hope residents feel I leave the ward a better place than I found it.
“I take great pride in the progress we have made in the area over the years – particularly the new secondary school facilities for our young people.
“The incredible range of sports facilities delivered around Llanrumney Fields, including the new BMX track, skate park, and Cardiff FC training facilities has further strengthened our community.
“I am also pleased to see the forthcoming bridge across the river, which will provide a much-needed third exit from the estate.
“Serving as leader of the capital city of Wales in 2012 – a girl from Hirwaun; a grandmother from a council house in Llanrumney – was an incredible honour.
“I hope my journey proves that anyone, regardless of their background, can aspire to serve in such positions.
“I will always cherish my time as leader, especially spearheading Cardiff’s push to become the first council in Wales to pay the real living wage, launching the redevelopment of the city centre, and tackling the youth unemployment crisis we inherited.
“I’m deeply grateful to my ward and group colleagues for their support over the years but most of all to my husband Lyn and my family for keeping me grounded during difficult times.
“Finally my sincerest thanks to the people of Llanrumney for placing their faith in me over four successive elections. I hope I have served you well and I wish my successor the very best.”
The Labour Party said it will announce their candidate for the forthcoming by-election in due course.
A full list of nominated candidates is expected to be published on Monday, June 30.
The leader of the Labour group at Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: “The whole Labour group, and I’m sure the wider council, were saddened to hear that Heather is to step down but totally understand her decision in view of her ongoing illness.
“Heather made a historic contribution of Cardiff Council, becoming its first and so far only female leader.
“She led the Labour group to a stunning electoral victory in 2012, growing from 14 councillors to 46.
“Her time as leader has left a long-standing legacy on which we continue to build on, including becoming the first council in Wales to pay the real living wage, committing the authority to the Central Square regeneration programme, and her personal dedication to addressing the inherited issue of soaring numbers of young people not in education, employment, or training which subsequently was reduced dramatically.”
Cllr Thomas, who is also the current leader of Cardiff Council, went on to add: “On a personal level Heather gave me my first opportunity in cabinet and I will forever be indebted to her faith and support to me then and since.
“We all wish her and her husband Lyn the very best for the future.”
