A tribute to Councillor Keith Reynolds

IT is with great sadness that we have been informed Councillor Keith Reynolds, Leader of Caerphilly Council, and a member of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal Regional Cabinet, has died.

Cllr Reynolds had been leader of the local authority since 2014. He began his political career in 1979 and spent 38 years in local government, representing his community for almost four decades.

Councillor Andrew Morgan, Chair of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal Regional Cabinet, said: “My colleagues and I would like to offer our sincere condolences to Cllr Reynolds’ wife, Sheila, his two sons and grandsons. His substantial experience in local government ensured that he played a vital role in the City Deal process over the past 18 months. It has been a privilege to work alongside him on the City Deal, and we anticipate that the legacy of his contribution will be felt across the region for many years to come”

In March, Cllr Reynolds announced he would stand down at the forthcoming May council elections, citing health issues.

In a statement at the time he said: “I am extremely proud and honoured to have represented the community of Aberbargoed for the last four decades and I would like to say a huge thank you to all those who supported me throughout this time.

“I have also had the honour of serving as the leader of the council for the past three years, and I would like to thank my fellow councillors, staff across the authority and our partner organisations for their support too.

Caerphilly Council deputy leader David Poole said: “Keith was an outstanding public servant who had an unrelenting drive and determination to do his very best for his local community and for our county borough.

“He was a wonderful colleague and friend and I know everyone will join me in offering our sincere condolences to Keith’s wife Sheila, his sons, grandsons, family and friends at this extremely sad and difficult time.”