Pembrokeshire council leader Cllr Jon Harvey, who announced he is to step down and not seek re-election, has backed Cabinet member Cllr Tessa Hodgson as his successor.
Pembroke St Mary North member Cllr Harvey became leader in May 2024 after narrowly beating fellow leadership hopeful Conservative group leader Di Clements by 30 votes to 27.
Cllr Harvey replaced Cllr David Simpson as leader.
Following his decision to step down, Cllr Harvey said: “It has been a fantastic two years, a real honour and privilege to lead the council, working with a talented and committed cabinet. After much thought and reflection, I feel now is the right time to make way for someone else to lead the council through the next 12 months to the local government elections in May 2027.”
With Cllr Harvey not remaining as leader, three nominations have been received for the all-women leadership battle at the May 15 AGM: Conservative Group Leader Cllr Di Clements, unaffiliated member and current Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and Leader of the Independent Group Cllr Anji Tinley.
Cllr Harvey has backed Cllr Hodgson for the top job.
He said: “We are living through turbulent times, and following the Senedd election next week, we will almost certainly have a new government in Cardiff, and we need leadership and a cabinet in Pembrokeshire, that has experience and is able to build on the great work already in progress, and that is why I will be 100 per cent supporting Tessa in her bid to become the next Leader.”
Cllr Hodgson was first elected in 2012 as the member for Lamphey and is currently the cabinet member for adult social care and safeguarding.
Cllr Hodgson said: “I was sad to hear that Jon had decided not to seek re-election, he has much to be proud of and it has been great to serve in his cabinet and to work alongside him with such a dedicated team of cabinet colleagues. Should I be successful in my bid to be leader, I would look to build on the successes of the last nine years and use my experience, energy and ideas to lead the council through the next 12 months and to work collaboratively with all members in the best interests of Pembrokeshire.”
Fellow hopeful for the leader role, Cllr Clements gave her reasons why she should lead: “My Conservative Group are laser-focussed on making sure the people of Pembrokeshire get value for their money, delivering good statutory services and tackling the failure of leadership on education seen in Pembrokeshire. People I talk to are concerned about making ends meet and are worried that our local economy is stagnating. In these particularly challenging times, we need to make sure that our council tax is as low as practicably possible so they have more money in their pockets and prove to them that the council can spend their hard-earned money more wisely on services that really matter to the residents whom we serve. Resident’s priorities are our priorities.”
Cllr Tinley has been contacted for a statement.
When Cllr Harvey’s decision became public, former leader of the Independent Group on Pembrokeshire County Council Cllr Huw Murphy, in a statement, claimed Cllr Havery has been removed in a “coup”.
Cllr Harvey has denied any ‘coup’ taking place, saying: “Honestly, I had to laugh at this statement by Cllr Murphy. I’ve enjoyed my time as Leader immensely and I am proud of my record, but I have done a full leadership term.
“The decision to stand down and not seek re-election was mine and mine alone and I’m looking forward to supporting Cllr Tessa Hodgson at the AGM.”
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