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The leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council has said major events such as the Tour de France should deliver benefits across Wales, after he was appointed to a key Welsh Local Government Association role.

Cllr Jamie Pritchard has been appointed as the WLGA’s spokesperson for culture and sport – a role he will hold in addition to his job as council leader.

The appointment comes as Torfaen Council leader Anthony Hunt takes over as the new head of the WLGA.

Announcing his new role, Cllr Pritchard said major events coming to the borough, including the Tour de France, present an opportunity to secure wider economic benefits.

“I was delighted to have been appointed as a WLGA spokesperson for culture and sport,” he said. “With many major events like the Tour de France coming to the borough, we need to ensure all the economic benefits are realised, not just for Caerphilly County Borough, but for Wales.”

Cllr Pritchard said he looked forward to working with Cllr Hunt, who he described as having a strong record of protecting public services, to make the case for greater investment in the Valleys.

Welcoming the appointment, Cllr Hunt said: “It’s great that Jamie has stepped forward as culture and sport spokesperson.

“He’s a powerful advocate for his communities and understands the role sporting and cultural events can play in boosting our areas.

“As a fellow Valleys leader, I look forward to making the case alongside him for the investment we need and for local public services.”

The announcement follows Cllr Pritchard’s recent attendance at a Cardiff Capital Region engagement event at Cardiff Arms Park, where he said his priority as council leader was to ensure Caerphilly County Borough had a strong voice in regional discussions.

“As leader of CCBC, my commitment is to be at the table making the case for our borough,” he said.