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Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Independent group has chosen its new leader after Blackwood’s Kevin Etheridge stepped down from the position.

Councillor Nigel Dix, who also represents Blackwood, will now take over the leadership.

Cllr Etheridge stepped aside as the group’s leader earlier this month in protest over constitutional changes to how council scrutiny committees were staffed.

The long-serving councillor also announced that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer but will continue to serve as a councillor.

Thanking Cllr Etheridge for his “sterling work”, Cllr Dix told Caerphilly Observer how this role was “never an aspiration” for him. He continued: “It’s something that’s clearly needed in Blackwood and although we’re only a small group, I’ll do everything I can to hold the council to account.”

Being part of a group or party allows councillors to sit on scrutiny committees, something independent candidates alone cannot do.

Cllr Dix continued: “We know what we’re up against with a Labour council but I believe everyone should have a say on how things are run.

“Waste and refuse are at the top of my agenda with the constant plague of fly-tipping in the borough, but largely I want to continue with the good work we’ve been doing already.

“Spending commitments are something I’ll be watching very closely. I’m not convinced by Blackwood’s masterplan and we can’t see money spent that would be a drain on the taxpayer.”