Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE has reconfirmed his decision not to seek re-election in 2027. For this reason, Cllr Morgan will step down as Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf in advance of the Council’s Annual General meeting in May 2026.
Cllr Morgan, who also leads the Welsh Local Government Association, is the current longest-serving local government Leader in the UK, leading Rhondda Cynon Taf Council over the last 12 years.
Andrew Morgan makes this announcement at the same time as Full Council considers the local authority’s Panel Performance Assessment, which praises the Council as a good, well run and ambitious Council, focused on improving the lives of its citizens.
Speaking in advance of his formal announcement to Full Council, County Borough Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, said: “It has been a privilege to lead Rhondda Cynon Taf Council over the last 12 years and represent my community of Mountain Ash for the last 22 years.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity I have had during this time, to help shape and transform Rhondda Cynon Taf over this period. Whilst I would not change any of the opportunities I have had over this period, improving services and delivering visible investment across the County Borough, I decided back at the 2022 election that this would be my last local election and it was time to seek new challenges.
“As I am not seeking re-election in 2027 and to allow my party colleagues the opportunity to select a new Leader to lead the Council into the future, I will therefore step down in the coming months. My intention to step aside was part of the reason for bringing new members into Cabinet last autumn, to provide them with experience of the responsibilities and accountability that come with serving in the Cabinet.
“The one thing I am most grateful for during my time as a Councillor is our staff. I want to place on record my thanks to everyone who has and continues to work for Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“As someone whose career started as a local government apprentice, I recognise the importance of local employment opportunities that the Council provides. We are the biggest employer locally, and that it is why I, during my time as Leader, have invested in creating almost 400 apprenticeships and over 150 graduate positions, to ensure we nurture and grow our local talent.
“It is only through the efforts and dedication of our staff that my colleagues and I have been able to deal with the unprecedented challenges we have faced during my period as a Leader, from the decade of public sector austerity, the covid pandemic and impact of severe weather in recent years.
“Against these challenges we have continued to transform and improve frontline service delivery and transform the County Borough through the largest capital investment programme in Wales, from £1 billion in new 21st Century schools, to new residential care facilities to meet the needs of the next generation of older people.
“The golden thread which has existed during my time as Leader, and my predecessor Leaders, of whom I had the privilege of serving in each of their Cabinets, is the importance of strong and robust financial management. This approach has ensured Rhondda Cynon Taf has been well placed to respond and adapt to challenges, invest in areas such as Education and Social Services, while always ensuring we can effectively deliver the frontline services which residents reply upon day to day. The importance of this approach should always remain a priority for my successor and future administrations.
“Can I place on record my thanks to my fellow Councillors for the support they have provided to me during my time as Leader over the decade. It has been a true pleasure and privilege.”
Cllr Andrew Morgan was first elected to Rhondda Cynon Taf in 2004, having previously worked for the Council’s housing department. Cllr Morgan became a member of the Cabinet in 2008 and Leader of the Council in 2014.
Cllr Morgan was awarded the OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours in June 2022 for his public service. The honour follows his strong leadership of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, but most specifically for his leadership during the severe flooding in 2020, which affected more than 1,500 properties, homes and businesses across the County Borough.
This was immediately followed by the COVID-19 global pandemic, which claimed many lives in Rhondda Cynon Taf and affected everyone. Throughout this national emergency, Cllr Morgan was at the helm at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, working with other local authorities and Welsh Government in his role as Leader of the Welsh Local Government Association.
Born and raised in Mountain Ash, Cllr Morgan OBE attended Darrenlas Primary School, Bryngolwg Lower Comprehensive School and Mountain Ash Comprehensive School, before later becoming an apprentice in the housing department at Cynon Valley Borough Council before working for Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council.
The Council’s majority Group will shortly commence the process of selecting a new Group Leader. It is a matter for Full Council to elect a new Council Leader.
Posted on 28/01/2026