Porthmadog councilor elects Plaid Cymru Gwynedd’s first female leader

Commander Nia Jeffreys has been named leader of the Plaid Cymru Gwynedd Group, the first woman to hold this role.

Elected at a meeting in Caernarfon on Wednesday, November 13, Dwyrain Porthmadog District borough councilor since 2017 replaces Major Dyfrig Siencyn, deputy leader since 2022.

Major Jeffreys, who has also been made interim leader of Gwynedd Council since the former leader (also Major Siencyn) resigned in mid-October, said: “It is a great privilege to lead the group of councilors in Gwynedd. I look forward to working with them for the trust they have placed in me.” I look forward to continuing the work at hand to benefit the people of Gwynedd.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the former leader for his work in recent years and his services to the local government. “I look forward to taking on my new role with strength and enthusiasm.”

Gwynedd Council will meet on December 5 to elect a new leader. Gwynedd’s cabinet, led by Major Jeffreys, will continue until a new leader is appointed.

Liz Saville Roberts MP said: “Nia has a wealth of experience as deputy council leader in challenging times for local government. From the Covid pandemic to the funding crisis facing councils, Nia has been a calm but serious voice.

“Nia has her roots in her local community in Porthmadog, a community that exemplifies Gwynedd in many ways. Many of the challenges faced by people living there, whether it’s the housing crisis, lack of economic opportunities or lack of rural infrastructure, are also faced by others in Gwynedd.

“I understand Gwynedd and its communities and look forward to working with him to improve lives in my constituency.”

Siân Gwenllian MS said: “I would like to congratulate Nia on her historic election as the first female leader of the Plaid Cymru group in Cyngor Gwynedd, and also the first woman to represent her ward as a councillor.

“During his time as deputy leader, Cyngor Gwynedd has often been cited as a radical and influential council and I am confident that councils across the UK will look to Gwynedd for inspiration in the years to come.

“I know Nia has the experience and skills to lead the council through an extremely challenging time and I look forward to working with her on behalf of Arfon and the people of Gwynedd.”