Gareth Ratcliffe continues in his role as vice-chairman

Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe has been re-confirmed in the role of vice-chairman of Powys County Council, but only after a vote took place.

Following the issues surrounding the re-election of Cllr Gwynfor Thomas (Llansantffraid – Conservative) to the role of chairman which saw Cllr Ratcliffe nominated to stand against him, another candidate was put up for the role of vice-chairman.

At the meeting on Thursday, May 13, with the normal rules for electing the council’s civic roles suspended, Cllr Tim van Rees (Llanwrtyd – Independent) nominated Cllr Edwin Roderick (Maescar/Llywel – Independent) for the role.

Cllr Phil Pritchard, (Welshpool Castle – Independent) said: “The standing orders are suspended, it’s open to any nominations as far as I am concerned.”

At this point, Cllr Ange Williams (Knighton – Action for Powys) nominated Cllr Jon Williams – the assistant vice-chairman – to move up a rung.

But Cllr Williams, (Llandrindod East/West – Action for Powys) withdrew his nomination.

Former council chairman, Cllr Beverley Baynham (Presteigne – Independent) said: “As things stand, Cllr Gwynfor (Thomas) is our chairman and the natural progression would be to have Cllr Gareth (Ratcliffe) as vice-chair and Cllr Jon (Williams) to continue as assistant vice-chair, it’s all getting out of hand.”

Cllr Ratcliffe (Hay – Liberal Democrat) told the meeting that he had received a call earlier in the day, threatening that he would face a challenger if he allowed himself to be nominated to stand for the chairman’s role against Cllr Gwynfor Thomas.

Cllr Ratcliffe said: “This is disgraceful, it’s not about me, this is the way politics in Powys has become.

“I will have to seriously consider if I stay here as a councillor.

“I let my name go forward because I am a man of honour and I promised people like (Cllr) Tim van Rees, who said you must stand when you have your opportunity.

“If members wish to use me as a political football, so be it.

“But this is a dark day for Powys, it’s beyond politics, we need to grow up and represent our residents properly because we’re not doing it here like this.”

He added if elected he would give Cllr Thomas his full support.

Cllr Kath Roberts-Jones, (Kerry – Independent), said: “We are in unprecedented times, the coronavirus has caused us all sorts of difficulties to us  as a county council.

“We allowed Cllr Bev (Bayhnam) last year to stay on for 18 months because of this, and I think it’s only fair that we continue in the same vein until the election next year when hopefully we’ll be in a better position.”

The vote was held, and Cllr Ratcliffe received 44 votes and Cllr Roderick 24.

Cllr Williams was then elected unopposed to continue as assistant vice-chairman.

Cllr Williams congratulated both Cllrs Thomas and Ratcliffe and said he looked forward to working with them.

“I hope as a council we can put this behind us and actually work together for the reason we’re here, for our residents and towards a better Powys,” said Cllr Williams.