Nurse who worked on frontline against coronavirus appointed mayor

A staff nurse who has served on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus has been appointed as the new mayor of Caerphilly County Borough.

Councillor Carol Andrews, who represents Bargoed, takes on the role having served as deputy mayor.

Cllr Andrews was appointed during the council’s annual general meeting, which was held remotely on Thursday (September 3).

She currently works at the Bargoed Ward in Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr, Ystrad Mynach, and has looked after Covid-19 patients during the pandemic.

Cllr Andrews’ chosen charities are The Alzheimer’s Society, Valley Daffodils and The Friends of Bargoed Ward at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr.

Cllr Andrews will replace outgoing mayor Cllr Julian Simmonds, whose term as mayor has come to an end.

Mayoral terms last a year and it is common for the deputy mayor to take over as mayor.

Cllr June Gale, who represents the Bedwas, Trethomas, Machen ward, has been announced as the new deputy mayor.

Cllr Andrews said it’s a “huge privilege” to be appointed mayor, and paid tribute to her predecessor, who she said has “experienced unprecedented circumstances during his time in office”.

She added: “My daughter Megan will be joining me in representing Caerphilly County Borough, taking the place of my mother who very sadly passed away recently.

“I’d like to thank Megan for stepping into the huge space left by my mum, who was consort during my time as deputy mayor.

“We look forward to performing our new roles, despite these unusual times.”