Oldest councillor passes baton on to the youngest

A local authority's oldest councillor has stepped down after more than 50 years to "give way" to its youngest.

Gareth Morgan, who will be 90 in October, has been a Powys county councillor in Llanidloes since the formation of the local authority in 1974.

In his place will be the council's youngest representative Glyn Preston, who was just 22 when he was first elected three years ago and has shared responsibility for the Llanidloes ward with Mr Morgan.

Preston described Mr Morgan's contribution to the community as "immense", and said he expected people will go and see him about their problems even after he has left, because they always have done.

"In many ways there comes a tide in the affairs of men they say, it's come to me now in what has been 52 years," Mr Morgan told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

"I haven't got the energy I once did years ago and I thought it's time to give way to a younger person."

Mr Morgan said he had seen a big change on Powys council in recent years, with a large number of younger councillors being recruited.

"They're paid now and that makes it more affordable for younger people now and supplements what you're earning otherwise, the average age of Powys councillors has dropped dramatically," he said.

During his time as councillor Mr Morgan held the position of council chair between 1999-2000.

He also held the position of board member for arts and culture from 2002 until 2008.

But while it may be time for Mr Morgan to slow down, he said he was not prepared to "creep into the corner and do nothing" as he has plans to remain on Llanidloes town council.

"I look back and how much I've enjoyed it. There have been moments of great anxiety, but I've enjoyed it so much," Mr Morgan said.

"Most of my old council colleagues have passed away.

"I was there at the beginning in the early days, when Powys council was formed from the old counties of Montgomeryshire, Radnorshire and Brecknock.

"It's been a big part of my life. Angela my wife even became a town councillor," he added.

Preston said the people of Llanidloes knew they could rely on Mr Morgan and his open door policy and "people can go in for tea and cake and chat about their problems".

"When I was knocking on doors three years ago trying to get elected, I was met with the same response on nearly every single door - 'don't worry, your vote is safe, if Gareth says you're alright, you're getting our vote'," the councillor said.

He recalled how Mr Morgan once helped a man who had an operation out of the area and was denied recuperation at the local hospital in Llanidloes.

"Gareth's solution was to invite this man to stay with him and his wife at their home for 11 days," Preston said.

"They looked after him until he was back on his feet".

"He also gave a constituent the use of his car when they fell on hard times," he added.

"Gareth told them to use it whenever they needed it, he just gets things done for people."

When it comes to advice on what makes a great councillor, Preston said Mr Morgan had taught him much about the role in the time he has been part of the council.

"You must have integrity, enthusiasm and genuine care for the public and they must come first - before politics," Mr Morgan said.

"You must have commitment and dedication. It's a huge commitment and particularly the more senior you become."

He thanked the community for repeatedly electing him, as he said "there is no guarantee you're going to be there indefinitely".