A long-serving Councillor will be Swansea’s next Lord Mayor.
Cllr Richard Lewis, who represents the Gower ward, was unanimously nominated by Full Council to take over the prestigious position from Cllr Alan Lloyd in May.
Cllr Lewis, a father-of-three and a grandfather, has been a Councillor since 1973.
He was educated at Queen’s College in Taunton and served with Fighter Command in the RAF.
Cllr Lewis then became a partner with his father in Kattoys Cash and Carry and has for the last few years worked for an American company in career management.
His wife, Angela, is also a familiar face in Swansea. She’s worked for Swansea Council’s Education Department in the past as well as for the Chief Prosecuting Solicitors Department of South Wales Police.
Cllr Lewis is looking forward to the role.
He said: “Receiving unanimous, cross-party support in Council was fantastic and I’m very proud to be named as Swansea’s next Lord Mayor.
“Helping charities in Swansea will be one of my main priorities. I’ve held events in the Mansion House in the past that have raised a lot of money for many worthy causes and I’ll be looking to do more of the same during my term in office.
“I’ll also be looking to support both the business community during these tough economic times and young people who find it hard to secure work after leaving school or university.”
Cllr Lewis will support many charities during his time as Lord Mayor but he’s already named St Dunstan’s and the Swansea Air Cadets as among those that will receive his backing.
Cllr Ioan Richard, who represents the Mawr ward, was unanimously nominated by Full Council to become Swansea’s next Deputy Lord Mayor.
Cllr Richard has been involved in local government since 1976.
The grandfather-of-eight taught science for many years and is a former prop forward of Faerdref RFC and Ystalfera RFC.
His wife, Iris, taught in several primary schools in a career spanning over 40 years.
Cllr Richard said: “I’m delighted to have the support of my colleagues and am pleased for myself, my community and my family.
“I’m looking forward to getting on with it and serving the people of Swansea.”
