A NEW leader of the Labour group on Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has been elected.
Councillor Ann Crimmings has been elected to be leader of RCT’s Labour councillors after Andrew Morgan steps down.
Cllr Crimmings was elected leader at a special Labour group meeting held this week and Cllr Morgan will continue as leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council until the council’s annual general meeting this spring with Cllr Crimmings being proposed by Labour councillors to succeed him as council leader.
Cllr Crimmings is the first female leader of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Labour group and, pending council approval at the AGM, would become the second female leader of the council.
Speaking following the result Cllr Crimmings, who has represented the Aberdare West and Llwydcoed ward since 2004, said: “I am humbled and honoured to be supported by my colleagues to lead our group and to be able to build upon the strong legacy that Cllr Andrew Morgan leaves us.
“I look forward to building upon the council’s strong track record of delivery as we approach the local elections in 2027.
“I am privileged to be proposed as leader of the council this spring and to have the opportunity to follow in Andrew’s footsteps by investing in the council’s staff and frontline services, transforming our communities, and supporting the most vulnerable, who rely upon the excellent council services we provide day‑in, day‑out.”
Cllr Morgan said: “I have known Ann personally for many years and have worked alongside her since our election together in 2004. Ann is an incredibly caring and compassionate individual who serves her community passionately.
“Ann had a wealth of experience before entering local government and has been a member of cabinet since 2014.
“Ann has played a key role in taking the services she is responsible for forward – delivering, for example, the largest capital investment in leisure facilities and significant improvements in recycling. Ann’s experience makes her the right person to lead Rhondda Cynon Taf Council forward.”
Cllr Crimmings is currently the cabinet member for environmental services.
She has previously held responsibility for frontline services and leisure and served as mayor and first citizen of Rhondda Cynon Taf between 2013 and 2014.
The council’s annual general meeting is currently scheduled for May 20 where Cllr Crimmings would be elected as the council leader with the majority support of councillors.
