**Longstanding Cardiff Councillor Steps Down, Triggers Llanrumney By-Election**
Cardiff is set for a political shake-up in its Llanrumney ward following the resignation of prominent Labour councillor and former Cardiff Council leader, Heather Joyce. After serving for over seventeen years—a period marked by several significant local developments—Ms Joyce leaves her post due to poor health, prompting a by-election scheduled for Thursday, 24 July.
Heather Joyce made history in 2012 as the first woman to lead Cardiff Council, a position she held until 2014. Her rise to power was a watershed moment, both for gender representation at the highest level of the city’s governance and for her local community. Hailing originally from Hirwaun and later settling in Llanrumney, she often highlighted her wide-ranging experience and deep community roots as key motivators behind her work in local government.
In a resignation letter addressed to constituents, Ms Joyce reflected on her lengthy tenure and the advancements made in Llanrumney during her service. She expressed deep pride in the transformation she witnessed and helped to steer—most notably, the construction of state-of-the-art secondary school facilities. “I hope residents feel I leave the ward a better place than I found it,” she wrote, pointing to a sense of accomplishment and gratitude.
Among other achievements, Ms Joyce praised the introduction of a BMX track, a skate park, and new football training facilities for Cardiff FC in Llanrumney Fields. She identified these projects as central to strengthening community spirit and improving quality of life for residents, especially young people. The anticipated construction of a new bridge to provide a much-needed third exit from the estate was also cited as a testament to ongoing investment in local infrastructure.
Ms Joyce used her resignation to encourage others from all backgrounds to enter public service. Recalling her journey from a council house to the position of council leader, she said: “Serving as leader of the capital city of Wales — a grandmother from a council house in Llanrumney — was an incredible honour. I hope my journey proves that anyone, regardless of their background, can aspire to serve in such positions.”
Reflecting further on her leadership, Ms Joyce recounted some of her proudest moments, including championing Cardiff as the first council in Wales to pay the real living wage, launching major redevelopment in the city centre, and addressing a youth unemployment crisis. She offered heartfelt thanks to family, colleagues, and the people of Llanrumney for their enduring support, noting the challenge and satisfaction of winning four successive elections.
The Labour Party has confirmed it will reveal its candidate for the upcoming by-election shortly. The official list of nominees is expected to be published by Monday, 30 June, with all major local parties anticipated to contest the seat in what could prove a closely fought contest.
Commenting on Joyce’s departure, Cardiff Council leader and Labour group head, Councillor Huw Thomas, noted the deep sense of loss felt within the party and the local authority. “The whole Labour group, and I’m sure the wider council, were saddened to hear that Heather is to step down but totally understand her decision in view of her ongoing illness,” he said. Cllr Thomas highlighted her historic legacy, including electoral success in 2012, when Labour increased its council seats from fourteen to forty-six and introduced enduring reforms such as the council’s real living wage initiative.
On a personal note, Cllr Thomas expressed gratitude for Joyce’s mentorship, stating: “Heather gave me my first opportunity in cabinet and I will forever be indebted to her faith and support to me then and since. We all wish her and her husband Lyn the very best for the future.”
With Llanrumney soon heading to the polling stations, residents now face a pivotal decision over who will take over from one of the area’s most influential local government figures. The outcome will not only determine local representation but could prove an early litmus test of broader political currents in Cardiff ahead of future local elections.