Council leader to take on senior health board role

The leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is set to take up a senior role in Gwent’s health board.

Andrew Morgan, who also leads the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), will become the new chair of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) on May 5, when he takes over from Ann Lloyd.

As part of the job, which has a £69,840-a-year salary, Mr Morgan will be tasked with holding ABUHB’s chief executive to account, chairing board meetings, and setting a “strategic vision” for the organisation.

The role also includes challenging or supporting the executive directors to develop strategies and improve performance, and to be accountable for the board’s performance.

Mr Morgan has announced he will step down from his council leader role in April, and will step down as a councillor altogether at the council elections next year. He also confirmed he will resign from his role at the WLGA following May’s Senedd election.

‘A little bit of cronyism’

Mr Morgan appeared before the Senedd’s health and social care committee on February 26, where he was quizzed by Senedd Members about his credentials for the role.

Reform MS James Evans, who recently defected from the Conservatives, pointed to Mr Morgan’s Labour Party allegiance and support of current health secretary Jeremy Miles’ failed 2024 Welsh Labour leadership bid.

“There will be elements out there who will say this is a little bit of cronyism, jobs for the boys in a way,” said Mr Evans. “I’m just interested in how do you manage that perception going into an organisation like Aneurin Bevan, which has got some very big strategic challenges.”

In response, Mr Morgan said: “Anybody who knows me knows that I wouldn’t be that way inclined, in terms of if I go for something, I think it’s based on ability.”

He pointed to his record in public office, including RCT Council’s “exceptionally good outcomes in inspections over the last 12 months, amongst the best in Wales” – and working cross-party in his WLGA role.

“I hope that people would judge me on my track record as an individual leading organisations, rather than my party politics, which I have to say I’ve always tried to be very middle of the road to work with everybody. I’ve always been that way inclined.”

‘A wealth of experience’

ABUHB chief executive Nicola Prygodzicz welcomed Mr Morgan’s appointment and said he “brings a wealth of experience in leadership, governance and public service”

Ms Prygodzicz continued: “Andrew will provide leadership to the board, working closely with non executives and executive colleagues to ensure that we continue to deliver safe, effective and compassionate care for our residents.”

She also thanked the departing Ann Lloyd for her “dedication and contribution” and said: “Ann’s leadership and commitment to staff, patients and partners have made a lasting impact on the organisation.”

Health secretary Mr Miles also welcomed the appointment and said: “Andrew brings extensive public‑sector leadership experience.

“His strategic insight, proven ability to navigate complex challenges, and strong understanding of local and national systems will, I am confident, provide ABUHB with the assurance, guidance and strategic leadership needed to support the organisation through the significant challenges ahead.

“I should also like to thank Ann Lloyd… for the significant contributions she has made during her service since 2017.”