The Conservative Group on Monmouthshire County Council has re-elected Mitchel Troy and Trellech councillor Richard John as its leader.

Richard John has led the group since 2021, including a stint as Council Leader, prior to the council flipping to a minority Labour-led administration at the last local elections.

Last month, the Conservatives came within one vote of ousting Labour leader Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby and forming a Conservative-led administration.

At the Council’s AGM, the Conservatives took up a larger share of committee seats at Labour’s expense, following the group’s increase to 19 members following the Conservative by-election gain in Monmouth Town ward, which saw Cllr Martin Newell elected, following the resignation of new MP Catherine Fookes.

Speaking following his group’s AGM, Cllr Richard John said, “I’m really proud to lead the most experienced team of councillors in Monmouthshire, who stand ready to take over the reins of our local authority and begin repairing the damage of years of Labour rule.

“We have a team of hardworking community champions, who recognise the value of taxpayers’ money.

“Under Labour council tax has increased by almost 25%, while services have been cut back and millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money has been wasted on pointless vanity projects like bird houses, the ‘Great Wall of Clydach’ in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park and unwanted traffic reconfigurations.

“The Conservatives in Monmouthshire are the hardest working group on the council, always dominating council meeting agendas with motions and questions, standing up for our residents on the issues that matter to them. While in our individual wards, we strive to provide the best service we can to residents.

“Over the coming months, we will continue to hold this failing Labour-led administration to account for its decisions, challenge where necessary and stand up for the people of Monmouthshire.”