Blaenau Gwent considers sharing its chief executive with Torfaen, raising fears about future independence if council leadership changes later.
Councillor Millard is worried about future elections. Labour currently leads both councils. He wonders what happens if power shifts later. Local elections in Wales are in May 2027.
Council Leader Steve Thomas hopes the plan proves useful. He wants future leaders to continue the arrangement. He admitted any new council could end the partnership and it can be dissolved if they choose to.
Millard wants clear rules for joining or leaving the federation. He wondered how growth would affect the council and noted other councils are larger, like Monmouthshire.
Thomas said nobody else has asked to join. Future ventures would be handled similarly. He sees the federation as a partnership of equals and affirmed that Blaenau Gwent will always make its own choices.
Thomas said they’d defend Blaenau Gwent’s interests. Councillors agreed to continue the partnership. Vickers will stay as joint chief executive, and the councils will deepen their cooperation.
Gwent County Council was created in 1974. It took its name from an old Welsh kingdom. Gwent replaced Monmouthshire and Newport. These areas were legally part of England before 1972.
Gwent County Council existed for 22 years. It was abolished in 1996 during a reorganization. This created Blaenau Gwent and other councils, including Caerphilly, Monmouth, Newport, and Torfaen.
