Councillor Ann Crimmings has been elected as the Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Labour Councillors.

Cllr Crimmings was elected Leader at a special Labour Group meeting held last night, following the decision of Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE last week to step down from this role.

Cllr. Andrew Morgan OBE will continue to serve as Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council until the Council’s Annual General Meeting this spring, with Cllr. Crimmings being proposed by Labour Councillors to succeed him as Council Leader.

Cllr. Crimmings is the first female leader of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Labour Group and, pending Council approval at the AGM, will become the second female Leader of the Council.

Speaking following the result, Labour Group Leader, Councillor Ann Crimmings, who has represented the Aberdare West & Llwydcoed ward since 2004, said:

“I am humbled and honoured to be supported by my colleagues to lead our Group and to be able to build upon the strong legacy that Cllr. Andrew Morgan leaves us.

“I look forward to building upon the Council’s strong track record of delivery as we approach the local elections in 2027.

“I am privileged to be proposed as Leader of the Council this spring, and to have the opportunity to follow in Andrew’s footsteps by investing in the Council’s staff and frontline services, transforming our communities, and supporting the most vulnerable, who rely upon the excellent Council services we provide day‑in, day‑out.”

Council Leader, County Borough Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, said:

“I have known Ann personally for many years and have worked alongside her since our election together in 2004. Ann is an incredibly caring and compassionate individual who serves her community passionately.

“Ann had a wealth of experience before entering local government and has been a member of Cabinet since 2014. Ann has played a key role in taking the services she is responsible for forward – delivering, for example, the largest capital investment in leisure facilities and significant improvements in recycling. Ann’s experience makes her the right person to lead Rhondda Cynon Taf Council forward.”

Cllr. Ann Crimmings is currently the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services. She has previously held responsibility for frontline services and leisure. Ann served as Mayor and First Citizen of Rhondda Cynon Taf between 2013 and 2014.

The Council’s Annual General Meeting is currently scheduled for 20th May 2026, where Cllr. Crimmings, with the majority support of Members, will be elected as the Council Leader.