CAERPHILLY County Borough Council has selected its new mayor and deputy for the forthcoming municipal year. Cllr Mike Adams, who was the deputy mayor in the previous council year, will take over the responsibility from Cllr John Bevan. He was nominated for the position by Cllr Colin Gordon, who described his Pontllanfraith ward colleague as someone who was “born to do this job”, at the annual meeting of the council on Thursday, May 10. “He has been a councillor for 14 years, successfully fighting four elections – in the last two topping the poll,” said Cllr Gordon. “This just shows the respect and confidence the people of Pontllanfraith have for him.” “It gives me great pleasure to nominate Cllr Michael Adams for mayor for the next 12 months.” The nomination of Cllr Adams was seconded by Cllr Gez Kirby, also a member of the Pontllanfraith ward. During this first announcement as mayor, Cllr Adams picked a Blackwood-based charity for his chosen cause during his term of office. “My chosen charity for this year is Matthew Walklin’s Make a Smile Foundation,” he said. “This was Matthew’s own creation before his journey sadly ended just before his 28th birthday in 2012.” The charity aims to improve the support available to cancer patients by provision of additional facilities, services and equipment to improve their comfort and welfare while undergoing treatment. Cllr Julian Simmonds, the council’s new deputy mayor was nominated by Abercarn ward member Cllr Denver Preece and seconded by Argoed’s Cllr Walter Williams “I am really quite humbled actually to take this position,” said Cllr Simmonds, the Crosskeys councillor. “I’ve been very grateful for all the support I’ve had since being elected here two-and-a-half years ago into this chamber. “I’ll do my best for you as the deputy mayor and an ambassador for this county.” At the annual general meeting, it was confirmed that Cllr David Poole would remain as the leader of the council. Cllrs Barbara Jones and Sean Morgan were confirmed as the deputy leaders and retained their respective cabinet portfolios. All the other cabinet members – Cllrs Carl Cuss, Nigel George, Colin Gordon, Philippa Marsden, Lisa Phipps and Eluned Stenner – kept their areas of responsibility also.