A new chair and vice chair for Monmouthshire County Council have been voted in at the AGM of the Local Authority.

Welsh Labour’s Cllr Tudor Thomas, county councillor for the Park Ward in Abergavenny, will take over from former chair Cllr Peter Strong and popular Independent councillor, Cllr David Jones for the Crucorney ward, as vice-chair of Monmouthshire County Council.

During the meeting, councillors also formally reappointed Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby as Council Leader, who will continue to guide the council’s work in delivering its priorities for residents and communities across Monmouthshire.

Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby added: “I would like to thank Cllr Peter Strong for the work he’s done over the last year as Chair of the council and also Cllr. Martyn Groucott for his sterling support as Deputy Chair. My best wishes to Cllr Tudor Thomas, all the best for the upcoming year.”

Cllr Tudor Thomas will be supported by Cllr David Jones, County Councillor for the Crucorney ward, as Vice-Chair of Monmouthshire County Council.

With the 2026/27 budget in place and the Community and Corporate Plan at its heart, the council remains focused on delivery, supporting people, strengthening communities and protecting essential services.

This includes continued investment in schools and support for children and young people, alongside strengthened social care services that help people remain independent and well. Essential neighbourhood services will continue to be protected, ensuring communities stay safe, connected and supported.

The council will also continue to invest in infrastructure, local economies and community wellbeing, while expanding access to services closer to home.

Central to these priorities is a commitment to working alongside residents, partners and local organisations. By building on strong engagement, the council will ensure community voices continue to shape decisions and the future of Monmouthshire.