Schools vote set to be a lot closer next time

A close look at how individual members of the old Gwynedd Council voted on the schools issue last December makes interesting reading - especially when you compare it with the make-up of the new council.
Back in December 44 councillors voted in favour of the controversial proposals, 23 voted against, five abstained and another five were absent.
But in the May 1 election only 23 of those who voted in favour were re-elected. On the other hand, 16 of the 23 who voted against were also returned - alongside an extra 10 Llais Gwynedd councillors who are committed to opposing school closures. This makes a total of 26.
In addition, 4 of the 5 abstainers have been re-elected as have 2 of the absentees.
If these six still do not vote on the issue, the future of our rural schools seems to be in the hands of the 20 remaining new councillors, who are 7 independents, 2 Liberal Democrats, 8 Plaid Cymru, 2 no party and 1 vacancy. It all looks pretty even.
To be fair to Deiniolen's Cllr Len Jones, he defied his party last December and voted against the schools proposals. Let's just hope he continues to vote according to his conscience next time around.

Plaid goes it alone but has to listen

The new council has met for the first time and confirmed the Plaid Cymru group leader as Leader of the Council.
Apparently Plaid have not done any coalition deals, so are intent on serving as a minority administration. That's great, because it means they will have to take notice of the other parties, including Llais Gwynedd, or risk facing defeat in the council chamber.
Already, the new Council Leader is saying that they will have to look again at the whole contentious issue of schools. So, now they have received a 'bloody nose' at the ballot box they finally seem to be ready to listen to the will of the people.
Oh well, better late than never!