Council elects its first female leader

DEGANWY councillor Julie Fallon is the new leader of Conwy County Council - and the first woman to be placed at the helm of the authority.

- By RICHARD EVANS Local Democracy Reporter Fichardevans@reachplccom

At a special meeting at Conwy ‘s Coed Pella HQ yesterday, Cllr Fallon, of the Conwy First Independent Group, was elected with 40 votes to Abergele councillor Paul Luckock’s seven, with one abstention.

The vote follows former leader Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, also of the Conwy First Independent Group, stepping down, with the special meeting being his last as leader.

Cllr Fallon, who has held the cabinet position for education, told the chamber she would not let them down.

“Thank you, everybody. I promise I won't let you down,” she said. “I meant every word that I said in terms of I want to be approachable.

“Feel free, any of you, at any time, to come and knock my door.

“We've got 18 months. It’s not a long time, so let's work together and make this the best 18 months it can be. Let's get on with it”

She added: “To be the first female leader is a real honour”

Having been put forward by Penrhyn Bay councillor Chris Cater, Cllr Fallon gave a presentation to the chamber before the vote.