VETERAN councillor Leon Gardiner has been elected as the new Mayor for Caerphilly County Borough Council – at the age of 81.

A number of key announcements were made at the council’s Annual General Meeting held on Thursday, including a re-shuffle of the cabinet.

Cllr Gardiner, who replaces outgoing civic head Cllr David Carter, represents the Argoed ward. He first became a councillor for Bedwellty in 1971, and went on to be a member of Islwyn Council, Blackwood Town Council and now Caerphilly County Borough Council. He was also previously Mayor for Islwyn and was the first Mayor of Blackwood Town Council.

Cllr Gardiner has been married to his wife, Alma, for 31 years and they have two daughters, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

His beloved Argoed was in the media spotlight for all the wrong reasons last year, following the brutal murder of Cerys Yemm at the Sirhowy Arms Hotel.

The 81-year-old’s deputy for 2015/16 is Cllr Dianne Price, who represents the Bargoed ward.

Thursday’s meeting began with several tributes to Cllr Ray Davies, who died earlier this month at the age of 85.

A standing ovation was then given to Cllr Gerald Jones, who was elected as Member of Parliament for Merthyr and Rhymney at this month's General Election.

Leader Keith Reynolds was among those who paid tribute to Mr Jones, claiming his Labour colleague was “always destined to play a huge role in politics”. Mr Jones announced he would be stepping down from his role as New Tredegar councillor, to take up his post as MP.

Cllr Nigel George will join the cabinet and take responsibility for Community and Leisure Services, while its incumbent cabinet member Cllr Dave Poole becomes the new deputy leader of the council and will take over responsibility for Housing.

Cllr Michael Gray, Crosskeys ward member and the council Mayor for 2013/14, also announced he would be stepping down as a councillor following the AGM, due to health reasons.

Cllr Reynolds, leader of the council, said: "Tonight's meeting has been one of mixed emotions as we say a fond farewell to old friends and celebrate a new start for others.

"I would like to congratulate our new Mayor and wish him the best of luck for his year in office. I would also like to thank our outgoing Mayor for representing the authority and being an excellent ambassador for the county borough over the past 12 months.”