Monmouthshire County Council has chosen a new Chair to serve for the next twelve months. Councillor Laura Wright was elected at the council’s annual general meeting on Tuesday 17th May following nomination by the Leader of the Labour group, Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby.
Councillor Wright said: “Friends, colleagues, thank you so much for electing me to the position of Chair and putting your trust in me. I will do my very best to repay this honour as Chair of Monmouthshire County Council. I am grateful to colleagues, and to the residents of the Grofield ward in Abergavenny, who have supported me.”
Councillor Wright serves as the member for the Grofield ward in Abergavenny. She has chosen to vary her consort for her year of office to reflect family, caring and work commitments that so many residents face in their daily lives and in-keeping with a modern and flexible Monmouthshire approach. “By not having the same person with me at every event reflects our ambitions to be a modern, flexible council. I know that many of you will have jobs, families, caring responsibilities – so by not always having the same Consort I believe this shows that we can find ways of being inclusive, a representative group of people,” said Cllr Wright.
Councillor Laura Wright was born in Wrexham and has a background working in mental health support, having trained as a psychotherapist. “I look forward to representing the community’s interests in a diverse and inclusive way. I am also committed to working to support the natural environment in our beautiful county and tackling climate change is one of my key priorities. I feel honoured to be elected to the role of Chair of Monmouthshire County Council and will strive to help maintain a fair, impartial and open approach to all our council meetings.”
The outgoing Chair, Councillor Mat Feakins said: “It has been my great honour and pleasure to have represented Monmouthshire as Chair of the County Council over the past 12 months. Whilst the civic side was very much hampered by the ongoing pandemic, there were still many highlights. A most enjoyable part has been getting to know individual team members of MCC, their dedication and determination is inspirational. I would like to sincerely thank everyone for their help and assistance during my term of office and wish Laura the very best for her year ahead.”
Councillor Ann Webb who represents the St Arvans ward in Chepstow was elected as Vice-Chair of the council for the second year running.