In a surprising political move, Sean Morgan, the leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, has resigned, stating that his “moral standing” no longer aligns with the Labour Party under Keir Starmer. Serving the Nelson ward, Morgan, who became council leader in 2022, will continue his role as an independent councillor until the 2027 elections.
His sudden exit leaves many questions unanswered, as Caerphilly Council mentioned that the election of a new leader will happen “in due course.” While Sean Morgan’s social media presence is minimal, he has been vocal about the detrimental effects of public service cuts and austerity in the past.
Reflecting on his tenure, Morgan expressed pride in the council’s accomplishments over his three years as leader, particularly in transforming and modernising services amid severe budgetary challenges. Just this June, he had highlighted the risk of a projected £36 million budget deficit without increased central government support.
Richard Edmunds, the council’s chief executive, praised Sean Morgan for his unwavering dedication and expressed gratitude for the support during his own tenure.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party in Caerphilly is prepping for a Senedd by-election after the passing of its Member of the Senedd, Hefin David. Richard Tunnicliffe has been nominated by Labour to contest the by-election.
Morgan’s departure marks a significant shift in the local political landscape, leaving everyone speculating about what this means for the Labour Party and Caerphilly’s future direction. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds! 🗳️🔄