Welshpool town council has elected a new mayor for the municipal year of 2024/2025.

At the town council’s annual full council meeting, which was held on Wednesday, May 15, councillors elected Cllr Phil Owen as the new mayor, succeeding Cllr Nick Howells as his term as mayor came to an end.

Cllr Owen serves for the Llanerchyddol ward as an independent councillor and was nominated for the position of mayor by Cllr Alison Davies, who has also held the position of mayor previously.

Cllr Chris Davies was also nominated for the role, leading to a vote between the two candidates by the council, with the majority of votes going to Cllr Owen.

Speaking after his appointment to the role, Cllr Owen said: “I will try to fulfil the role of mayor to the best of my ability.

"It’s an exciting time for Welshpool and I’m looking forward to working with council staff and other town councillors for a more constructive and harmonious environment, as it’s only that way which things will be get done.

“I’m very honoured to have been appointed to this position by my fellow councillors.”

Cllr Nick Howells revealed in April that he was not planning on running for another term, citing that he was “fed up with all the negativity in the council chamber”.

Commenting on his predecessor, Cllr Owen added: “Can I just express my thanks to Nick for the wonderful job he’s done over the past 12 months.

County Times: Cllr David France, Welshpool's deputy mayor.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to is sad to see you go, you’ve been very popular with the townspeople, but I know you’ll be continuing the good work you do at the hub and as part of this council. So, I’d like to thank Nick for the wonderful job he’s done.”

In addition to a new mayor, the council also elected a new deputy mayor in the form of Cllr David France, a Labour councillor from the Llanerchyddol ward.

He said: "I’m grateful for the opportunity to better serve the Welshpool community. I’ll be doubling down efforts to engage with residents so I can better represent their interests.”