**Paula Layton Elected as Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil: A Local’s Heartfelt Commitment to Community**
Merthyr Tydfil has welcomed a new civic leader, as Councillor Paula Layton steps into the role of mayor following the annual meeting of the county borough council. The appointment marks a significant moment for Layton, who calls her hometown one of the most important places in her life.
At the council’s gathering on 13 May, Layton officially took on the mayoral chains from her predecessor, Councillor John Thomas. Her ascension to the mayoralty is not only a personal achievement, but also a testament to her longstanding involvement in the community, having lived her entire life in Merthyr Tydfil.
The newly appointed mayor, who brings two decades of partnership with her now husband, fellow councillor Declan Sammon, described the honour as deeply meaningful. Layton expressed her pride in her heritage, stating, “It means the world to me to represent somewhere that holds such a special place in my heart.” She highlighted her intention to serve the people of Merthyr Tydfil with dedication and to embrace her responsibilities with enthusiasm and respect.
Layton’s career before politics included managing customer service at T-Mobile, before she transitioned into the culinary world by co-running The Stables View Dowlais, a renowned local restaurant, alongside her husband. This mix of professional backgrounds has contributed to her practical approach and community focus. In terms of family, she is not only a devoted wife and partner but also a mother and grandmother, which she cites as a source of personal strength.
Since joining the council in 2022 as a representative for Dowlais and Pant, Layton has distinguished herself through active participation. Her roles have included serving on committees focused on neighbourhood services, countryside and planning, and local government audits. Notably, she has worked on a specialist group targeting fly-tipping—an issue of importance for the borough.
Beyond her formal council work, Layton’s commitment to grassroots initiatives is evident. She is regularly involved with local groups such as Active Kids and the Dowlais Community Action Group, where she frequently participates in litter picking events. Her support for Becca’s Besties, a wellness group designed by and for women in the community, demonstrates her focus on holistic local wellbeing.
The mayoral position entails significant responsibilities, from chairing full council sessions to representing Merthyr Tydfil at events across Wales, the UK, and further afield. Layton is keen to embrace both ceremonial and practical aspects of the role, looking forward to welcoming guests and lending her support to diverse local events and initiatives. For the 2025-26 municipal year, her consort will be Councillor Sammon, her husband.
In the spirit of giving back, Layton has selected two causes to support during her mayoralty. The first is Macmillan Cancer Support Merthyr, which provides vital information, guidance, and emotional support to those affected by cancer and their families. The second charity is Central Beacons Mountain Rescue, a volunteer organisation based in Dowlais. The group operates across challenging terrains in the Brecon Beacons, including some of South Wales’ highest peaks, and extends their help to areas like Cardiff, Newport, and the valleys.
Councillor David Isaac has been named deputy mayor for the coming year, with Deborah Isaac serving as his consort. Together, these appointments signal a period of renewed local leadership, reflective of Merthyr Tydfil’s sense of community and resilience.
The election of Paula Layton is widely seen as an affirmation of local values and a commitment to progress. As she embarks on her mayoral term, residents await how her blend of personal devotion and practical experience will translate into her service as the county’s first citizen.