In a recent development within Merthyr Tydfil Council, two independent councillors have broken away from the main Independent group to form their own group. Councillors Declan Sammon and Paula Layton, representing Dowlais and Pant, have established the Dowlais and Pant Community Independents on the council. Upon leaving the Independent group, Cllr Sammon expressed that the decision was taken in the best interest of themselves and the residents of Merthyr Tydfil. They aim to collaborate with other councillors who share their goal of enhancing the quality of life in the communities and the Borough of Merthyr Tydfil.
Cllr Sammon has served as an independent councillor since his election in 2017, while Paula Layton, elected in 2022, currently holds the position of deputy mayor of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough. The shift in council dynamics follows Gillian Preston’s victory in the Bedlinog and Trelewis by-election, resulting in the Labour group now consisting of 14 councillors. The main Independent group now stands at 12 councillors, with the addition of two Dowlais and Pant Community Independents councillors and two independent councillors, Kevin Gibbs and Jamie Scriven.
During the last local elections in 2022, both Labour and independents secured 15 seats each, leading to Councillor Geraint Thomas’s appointment as leader through a casting vote by the mayor following a tie. Since 2017, the Independent group has been in control of the council after taking over from Labour. This alteration in the council’s composition reflects the evolving political landscape within Merthyr Tydfil, shaping future decision-making and governance processes in the region.