Next, a look at the four very large councils covering central Wales and the west.
- Current Administration: Independent-Conservative coalition.
- Current Leader: Cllr. Rosemarie Harris (Ind).
- Number of Seats (2022): 68 (-5).
- Current Seat Distribution: Independents & Non-Affiliated (33), Liberal Democrats (14), Conservative (13), Labour (8), Plaid Cymru (3), Abolish the Welsh Assembly (1), Vacant seat (1).
Previous Results:
- 1995 – Independent control.
- 1999 – Independent control.
- 2004 – Independent control.
- 2008 – Independent control.
- 2012 – Independent control.
- 2017 – No Overall Control.
Similarly to Pembrokeshire, Powys has long been dominated by Independent candidates. Is that about to change? Powys has probably had the most significant range of boundary changes in Wales.
It’s also one of the few remaining Lib Dem “strongholds” and they’ve put up more than 40 candidates, which only the Conservatives and Independents can match. There’s the chance that they could put in a good showing this year and even make a few gains if they turn apathy and disgust with the Tories to their advantage.
The Lib Dems will want to be in a position to either be the largest opposition group, or the lead candidate to form a coalition with Independents.
The Conservatives have been the party in the ascendency over the last few elections but, perhaps surprisingly, achieved this by taking seats from Independents rather than the Lib Dems. They’re arguably now the dominant force in the former Montgomeryshire, though the Independents are the only group who perform consistently across the whole county.
Labour has traditionally secured most/all of the seats in the Ystradgynlais area and won seats in Brecon more recently. They’re likely to repeat this.
