New leader of Torfaen council announced as councillor Anthony Hunt - who becomes the youngest council leader in Wales at 36

Councillor Anthony Hunt, aged 36, will take over from current leader Bob Wellington.

Cllr Hunt had been the council's deputy leader and executive member for resources.

He is also the Panteg ward representative on the local authority.

He will take over as leader from January 1 next year, until the end of the municipal year.

Cllr Wellington, the longest serving council leader in Wales, recommended cllr Hunt for the role.

He said: "I have worked with (Anthony Hunt) over the previous years, he brings with him an experience which is quite remarkable.

"I know all the leaders, deputy leaders, AMs and MPs in Wales and would argue that Anthony is head and shoulders above many of these."

He added that Cllr Hunt would bring "vitailty, energy and understanding" to the role.

Speaking after his election, Cllr Hunt thanked Cllr Wellington for his nomination, describing him as a "valued friend, great colleague and good socialist".

In a speech to members, he outlined key objectives for the future including a commitment to residents, council staff and councillors.

Cllr Hunt said: “As leader, I pledge to work hard to deliver a council that is responsive to people’s needs and delivers on our corporate priorities.

"People may not always agree with the decisions we make, but I will listen, act on the evidence and do my best for our residents, their families and the services they rely on.

“We have to cope within the confines of reducing budgets and increasing demand and I fear the consequences for the most vulnerable in our society.

"This situation is especially stark in communities like ours, where benefit reforms, cuts and the need for more and better jobs combine to create a huge challenge.

"My focus as leader will be on what we can do as a council to mitigate the impacts of these cuts.”

Citing five years of cuts to local authorities, he also issued a message to the UK Government.

"I want to be clear, if the UK Government continues with the cuts there's no way that public services as we know it can survive."

Executive member for health, social care & wellbeing, Cllr Richard Clark, was elected to the deputy leader.

He said: "I look forward to working with Anthony to ensure that we do all we can to provide our residents with the high quality public services they deserve.”

The new council leader added that a report will be presented to council in January addressing any outstanding cabinet positions.