It is with great sadness that the WLGA has learnt of the passing of Councillor Keith Reynolds, Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Councillor Reynolds had served as leader of the council since 2014 and had represented his Aberbargoed ward since 1978. He was also the WLGA Spokesperson for Anti-Poverty and Welfare Reform.

Keith was a very active local member, taking great pride in his ward and community of Aberbargoed. He was actively involved in the regeneration work that took place in Bargoed and Aberbargoed, being on the town centre liaison group and on the Greater Bargoed Forum. He was also deeply interested in the development of whole of the Rhymney Valley and, after 1996, the wider County Borough of Caerphilly.

Paying tribute, WLGA 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.”

“More recently, after he became Leader of Caerphilly, he was active on the all-Wales stage as the WLGA’s Spokesperson on Anti-poverty and Welfare Reform. In this capacity, Keith played a central role in seeking to mitigate the effects of welfare reform on some of the most vulnerable people in society. He always brought a measured approach to discussions and ensured he listened to all views carefully. It’s clear that Keith was very popular amongst members and officers of the authority, and I’m sure everyone in local government in Wales would all want to join me in sending our sincere condolences to his family at this very sad time. He will be greatly missed by all members and officers within the WLGA.”

ENDS