Councillor Keith Evans has been elected as Chairman of Ceredigion County Council for 2024-2025 during an Annual General Meeting held on Friday 17 May 2024.

This brings Councillor Maldwyn Lewis’ time as Chairman for 2023-2024 to an end, where he has steered the Council through a very challenging period with the rise in cost of living and budget cuts.

The new Chairman, Councillor Keith Evans, was elected as Councillor for Ceredigion District Council in 1987 and then in the period of Local Government reorganisation, was elected to Llandysul South Ward, Ceredigion County Council, in 1996.

Over a period of nearly 40 years involved in public life, he has gained the experience of working at Local, Regional and National level. During the period, he has managed and chaired a number of committees, been a Cabinet Member on various portfolios and a Leader of the Council. He is also a member of Llandysul Community Council.

He is originally from the village of Prengwyn near Llandysul and has a keen interest in sport and the development of the economy. Councillor Evans said: “It is a privilege and an honour to be elected Chairman of the County Council and I look forward to working with my colleagues and the County’s residents in a terribly uncertain time. The Cardi’s pride will once again be evident as we are the Feature County of this year’s Royal Welsh Show; the last time we were the Feature County, I was the Leader.”

Councillor Ann Bowen Morgan was elected Vice-Chairman.

Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, said: “I would like to congratulate Councillor Keith Evans on being elected as Council Chairman, Councillor Ann Bowen Morgan on being elected as Vice Chairman, and sincerely thank Councillor Maldwyn Lewis for his tireless work as the pervious Chairman.”

Questions for the Former Chairman

Councillor Maldwyn Lewis Llandysul North and Troedyraur ward, was the Chairman of Ceredigion County Council for 2023-2024. Here is a look back at his year.

What was it like to be the Chairman of Ceredigion County Council during the last year?

It was the greatest privilege and honour of my life, to be Chair of Ceredigion County Council from May 2023 to May 2024. My hope was to work to the best of my ability to carry out all my duties as Chairman. It is good to acknowledge that it was only possible to achieve that with gratitude and unwavering support. I’d like to say a special thanks to Sonia Davies, Lowri Edwards, my wife Carys Ann, and many others. I feel that I have achieved a lot during the year.

I received a warm welcome throughout the County. It was great to meet new faces along with the familiar ones. I learned a lot through different activities, organisations, voluntary organisations. I learned and saw all the good work that is going on across the county. I have often had the privilege of being accompanied by Ukrainian Refugees and their families; refugees who have taken refuge within our County.

It was great to be part of important events held within the County; such as the official opening of Eos Children’s Integrated Centre in Penparcau, the new building for the Mudiad Meithrin in Llanarth and a visit to the new school site in Dyffryn Aeron. Presenting awards and sharing in the success of the County’s children and young people by joining them and their families at Urdd Llangrannog Camp Centre, at Theatr Felinfach, and also at the Council Chamber, Penmorfa, Aberaeron.

I would like to say that I appreciate the support, respect and courtesy shown to me by Members, Officers and Staff, together with the public, as we treat and discuss the future of our county and our people. In one word, THANK YOU.

What was the best thing about your experience?

I’ve had a very wide range of experiences. The experience that stands out was feeling the gratitude of the refugees who found refuge in Ceredigion. They were so sincere in their appreciation for being able to feel safe, respected, cared for and supported. By listening to their experiences, their stories, I can only thank them for the privilege of meeting them. It is my privilege to live among them, as a resident of Ceredigion.

What is your message to the new Chairman?

I wish Councillor Keith Evans and his Consort Mrs Eirlys Evans well for the next year. I wish them every success for the year ahead.