Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

A coalition has been formed between the Labour group and Independent councillors in Carmarthenshire. The announcement was made today following discussions which have taken place since the results of the elections were made on May 4. It follows eight years of coalition working between Independents and Labour previously, however the balance of power has now shifted with 21 and 23 county councillors respectively. It means the Labour group will choose the Leader and Cllr Meryl Gravell, currently the longest serving Leader in Wales, will step down after 13 years. The agreement is for a 12-month partnership which will be reviewed after a year. The Labour group will meet tonight to choose a Leader and Deputy Leader, and further announcements on executive board and other positions are expected in the future. Current Labour Leader Cllr Kevin Madge said: “I am delighted that we have formed the new coalition with the Independents. We can carry on the good work done over the last eight years ...

Carmarthenshire residents are being reminded that time is running out to be registered to vote. The county, town and community council elections are taking place on May 3 and everyone needs to be registered to enable them to vote. Registration forms must be completed and returned by April 18, contact electoral services at Carmarthenshire County Council for more information. Details of local polling stations will appear on individual polling cards. People can also apply for a postal vote if their local polling station is inconvenient, or if they are going to be away. Postal application forms must also be completed and returned by April 18. Contact electoral services on 01267 228889 or email electoralservices@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

With a month to go before the May elections, Tuesday 3 April is Register to Vote Day. Carmarthenshire County Council is urging residents to take five minutes to secure their vote. “Now's the time to make sure you can have your say in the local elections,” said Mark James, Electoral Registration Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council. “Make sure you are registered to vote, especially if you have moved house this year. And if you want to vote by post or proxy, rather than by going to the polling station, then this is the time to sort that out too. Residents can print off the relevant form from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk , or call 01267 228889. It just takes a few minutes, but you need to act now, before the deadline of 18 April. We don’t want anyone to miss their chance to have a say.”

Rupert Moon limbers up to tackle battle to win seat on Carmarthenshire Council | This is South Wales Former Wales rugby star Rupert Moon is to try his hand at a new game — politics. The scrum-half, turned Scarlets commercial director, wants to be one of the candidates lining up to compete for the two Carmarthenshire Council seats in Gorslas up for grabs in May's local elections.

The Electoral Commission, the independent elections watchdog, is offering training sessions for people wishing to stand as independent candidates in this year’s local government elections in Wales. Kay Jenkins, Head of the Electoral Commission’s Wales Office said: “It’s important that those considering standing as a candidate in the upcoming local elections in Wales are fully aware of the rules and regulations in place. “We look forward to working with the respective local authorities and with prospective candidates to ensure that this information is communicated effectively making the process of standing for election as straightforward as possible.” There are two training sessions, taking place on: Monday 5 March in in Llanelli Wednesday 7 March in Aberystwyth. The sessions will focus on all aspects associated with standing for election including nominations, campaigning, the count and election spending and will include detailed presentations from Commission staff as well as f...