TRIBUTES have been paid to the leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council after he died earlier today.

Cllr Keith Reynolds started his political career in 1979 and spent 38 years working in local government.

This included representing his community of Aberbargoed for almost four decades and as leader of Caerphilly CBC since 2014.

He announced he would step down as Caerphily CBC's leader in May this year to "focus on his health and spend more time with his family".

A Caerphilly CBC spokeswoman said: “It's with great sadness that we announce the council’s Leader, Cllr Keith Reynolds, passed away earlier today”.

Deputy Leader, Cllr David Poole, described Keith as an “outstanding public servant” and credited his “unrelenting drive and determination to do his very best for his local community”.

“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,” he added.

Interim Chief Executive at Caerphilly CBC, Chris Burns, added, “On behalf of all staff at Caerphilly County Borough Council, I express our sadness and thoughts with Keith’s family at this time”.

Welsh Labour leader and First Minister Carwyn Jones said: "Keith was a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly for the people of Aberbargoed.

"His passing will be felt deeply not just by his family and friends but by communities across Caerphilly where he made his impact as a councillor, local campaigner, and civic leader."

Dawn Bowden, AM for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, has also issued a statement on Twitter.

Islwyn's AM, Rhianon Passmore, also issued a tribute on Twitter.

Caerphilly's Assembly Member, Hefin David, also released a tribute to the late councillor.

He said: “Keith spent his entire working life in public service. He was committed to his community and all the people he represented.

"He will be a great loss to civic life and was an example to any aspiring councillor."

Labour MP Wayne David, also issued a tribute.

He said: "Like so many people, I am extremely sad that Keith has passed away.

"He was a wonderful man who cared deeply about the community he served. He led Caerphilly County Borough Council with honesty and determination and helped to establish a fine record of delivery by the Council.

“On a personal level, Keith was a good friend. We often 'put the world to rights' over a quiet pint and I was always impressed with Keith's political knowledge and common sense, as well as his unwavering commitment to the Labour Party and social justice.

"Caerphilly Borough Council, the Labour Party and the village of Aberbargoed will miss him greatly."
 

Welsh Local Government Association Chief Executive Steve Thomas CBE said: “I have known Keith for over 20 years and he was an incredibly committed and hard-working public servant.

"He was completely dedicated to the people of his community in the old Rhymney Valley and latterly the whole of the County Borough of Caerphilly.”

As a young man beginning his career, Cllr Reynolds worked as a colliery blacksmith for over 29 years, 16 of those spent in Bargoed and 13 in Penallta Colliery.

He then spent 18 years as a Community Health Council (CHC) Chief Officer, firstly at Merthyr and Cynon Valley, and latterly, following a re-organisation at the newly created Cwm-Taf CHC, where he retired in 2010.

The council spokeswoman added that details of funeral arrangements will be "announced in due course".