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Aber Valley councillor John Taylor has been named as the deputy leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Plaid Cymru group.

Cllr Taylor takes over the role from Lyndon Binding, who stepped down from the role last month due to health reasons.

Cllr Binding also stepped down as a councillor, having represented the Aber Valley ward for 13 years.

Cllr Taylor previously worked as head of the special needs department at the former St Ilan Comprehensive School in Caerphilly and went on to work for various members of the Senedd after leaving teaching in 1999.

He was first elected as a councillor in 1983, back in the days of the old Rhymney Valley District Council.

He is currently a governor at both Cwmaber Infants and Cwmaber Junior Schools, as well as treasurer of Beulah Baptist Church in Abertridwr.

Cllr Taylor said: “I’m delighted to have received a vote of confidence from fellow members of the Plaid Cymru group and give my full support to the group’s leader, Cllr Colin Mann.

“My aim during the next 12 months will be working with others to ensure Plaid Cymru regains control of Caerphilly Council at next May’s elections.”

He took aim at the ruling Labour group, and said: “Under the woeful Labour administration, residents have had to watch as millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money has been squandered on the senior officers’ pay scandal and communities across the county borough have been plunged into darkness by the flawed decision to switch off street lights in the early hours.

“In addition, council tax bills have rocketed well above inflation while families and individuals have struggled to make ends meet. Caerphilly needs a new start.”