New Powys Group Leader Welcomed by Kirsty and Roger

12.00.00am GMT Tue 6th Jan 2009

Powys Faces Tough Times Ahead Says New Council Group Leader

The members of Powys County Council's Welsh Liberal Democrat Group have elected Cllr. Leslie Davies as their new Group Leader, following the decision of the Group's previous Leader, Cllr. John Morris, to step down. Cllr. Davies represents the Disserth & Trecoed Electoral Division on the Council, and is the Council's Board Member with Portfolio responsibility for Corporate Performance and Equalities (policies to prevent discrimination in the workplace and to encourage better employment opportunities and access to services for disabled and disadvantaged people).

Commenting on his election, Cllr. Davies said:

" I am delighted with this opportunity to lead the Group, which plays such a pivotal role on the Council and must thank our previous Leader, Cllr. John Morris, for his hard work and leadership over the past 9 months. I must also thank the other candidates in this election and I am certain we will continue to work closely as a team in the coming months and years."

" The Group is well-established and blessed with talented and hard-working councillors who serve the people of Powys very well. All of us in Powys face difficult times ahead and the County Council has a crucial role to play in providing vital services and supporting families and businesses through the difficulties. It will have to face increased challenges and demands for its services against a background of reduced funding from the Welsh Assembly Government and the need to keep Council Tax levels as low as possible. It will not be easy, but I and my colleagues are ready for the challenges."

Cllr. Davies's election was warmly welcomed by Brecon & Radnorshire's Liberal Democrat MP, Roger Williams, and newly-elected Welsh Lib. Dem. Leader and Brecon & Radnorshire AM, Kirsty Williams, who said:

" Cllr. Leslie Davies has proved himself to be an able and dedicated councillor and is well-respected by all members of the Council and officers alike. The Welsh Lib. Dem. Group is the second-largest on Powys County Council and it plays crucial, often-leading roles in the workings of the Council. Cllr. Davies is well-placed to extend the Group's influence and both I and Roger Williams are looking forward to working with him and his Group members through the coming years."