Mark Drakeford congratulates new WLGA leader Debbie Wilcox

Following the WLGA’s Annual General Meeting in Cardiff earlier today, Mark Drakeford said:

“I’d like to send my warmest congratulations to Cllr Wilcox. I am sure she will lead the WLGA with the utmost professionalism and expertise in the years ahead.

“This is a very significant moment for the WLGA which today sees the election of its first female leader since the body was created in 1996.

“While it is clear we still have some way to go before our councils are fully reflective of the people they serve, it is encouraging to see women leading Anglesey, Ceredigion and Powys councils as well as Newport.

“We also now have a new generation of councillors in Wales – all of whom will bring new ideas, different ways of doing things and a fresh perspective.

“I hope to continue the constructive working relationship I’ve had with the WLGA since I took up this post last year. 

“I have been encouraged by a willingness to engage on areas such as local government reform and have been pleased with the positive progress we’ve made.

“It is vital that we continue to make progress on reforming local government and I look forward to working with Cllr Wilcox and the leadership of the WLGA on the serious and credible set of proposals that the Welsh Government has put forwards.”