TWO-thirds of councillors in a Welsh local authority now belongs to a Plaid Cymru group for the first time in history after an independent Gwynedd councillor joined the party.

Gwynedd Council’s Plaid Cymru group has welcomed Cllr John Pughe, who represents Morfa Tywyn, and who will join his first group proceedings this week.

The new councillor joins after the by-election victory for Plaid Cymru at Criccieth, when another new councillor, Siân Williams, will also attend her first political group meeting.

Plaid Cymru will now hold two thirds of Gwynedd Council’s seats, with 46 councillors out of the 69 seats now represented by the group.

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Cllr Pughe said: "I'm moving to Plaid Cymru’s Gwynedd group mainly because of the support and the team spirit I’ve experienced working with Senedd member, Mabon ap Gwynfor, Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts, and Plaid Cymru’s Gwynedd leader, Dyfrig Siencyn.

“For me and my electors, getting the job done is imperative, and in this current financial climate, it is important that we work as one to reach our goals.

“I am grateful to the independent group for their support and friendship during my 20 months with them.”

Born in Tywyn, Cllr John Pughe has previously held the chair and the mayor’s role for the town.

Plaid Cymru Gwynedd chair, Cai Larsen, said: "Our political group meeting will warmly welcome two new county councillors this week.

“I warmly welcome our newly elected Criccieth councillor, Siân Williams, to the fold after her resounding win at the recent by-election.

“72 per cent of voters elected Siân, a huge 30 per cent increase in the vote.”

Gwynedd Council leader, Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn, added: “Cllr John Pughe will be an asset to our group.

“His quiet strength and conscientious work locally are an asset to the people of Tywyn, and will, no doubt, strengthen our team, here in Gwynedd.

"It is a deeply challenging period for us as local governments across Wales.

“But as a strong Plaid Cymru team, we will continue in earnest to protect the vulnerable, support the weakest within our communities and offer the best possible opportunities, we can, to our residents.”