Gary Pritchard has been elected as the new leader of Anglesey Council.

The Seindorf ward councillor, who leads the Plaid Cymru group, takes over the role from Llinos Medi, who stood down after being elected as Ynys Môn MP.

The new leader said the local authority would "continue to work hard on behalf of residents" and seek to collaborate locally, regionally and nationally.

Cllr Pritchard said: "Consistency, perseverance, and collaboration will be key as we move forward."

"As leader, I will give a hundred percent to ensure that this council provides the people of the Island with the best possible services. That is the aim – even though we continue to face significant financial challenges as we try to set the 2025/26 budget.”

"I will build on the hard work of the former leader...who managed to set the council on strong foundations, and in the same manner, I’m willing to work with all elected members in order to achieve our aims and values for the benefit of all our communities and residents.”

"The aim of Plaid Cymru, as a ruling group, is to continue to lead a council which performs well and meets the aims of the council plan to ensure that Ynys Môn is a healthy and prosperous island where people can thrive. This vision commits us to providing the best possible services to all island residents."

Cllr Pritchard, best known for his work as a football journalist and commentator working for S4C's Sgorio, was first elected as a Plaid Cymru councillor in May 2021.

He joined the cabinet a year later, holding the portfolios for children and young people, and latterly, housing. For the past year, he has served as the council's deputy leader - a role now filled by Cllr Robin Williams, the portfolio holder for finance and housing.

Cllr Pritchard will personally oversee economic development while the rest of the council's executive consists of:

• Cllr Dafydd Roberts – Education and the Welsh Language
• Cllr Dyfed Wyn Jones – Children, Young People and Families
• Cllr Carwyn Elias Jones – Corporate and Customer Experience
• Cllr Alun Roberts – Adults Services and Community Safety
• Cllr Dafydd Rhys Thomas – Highways, Property and Waste
• Cllr Nicola Roberts – Planning, Climate Change and Public Protection
• Cllr Neville Evans – Leisure, Tourism and Maritime

Cllr Pritchard added: "We are extremely pleased with recent positive reports received by our children's services, adult Services and education department."

"The housing service continues the respond to the challenges of providing local housing and our economy development team works tirelessly to respond to the strategies of both governments. Each of our council department is achieving. Our staff are an invaluable asset, and we thank them for successfully meeting our demands...and more."

“As leader, I will also focus on continued collaboration regionally and nationally to ensure the council a strong voice."

"The current economic climate and cost-of-living crisis continue to bite. There is a growing demand on our services and we face challenging times as budgets are squeezed."

"Despite this, there are also exciting opportunities ahead for the Island, but the government must make timely decisions so that we can be part of any journey and deliver significant benefits to Anglesey and its residents."

Cllr Pritchard's predecessor, Llinos Medi, led the local authority for seven years until her election as MP at the UK general election in July.

Dylan Williams, chief executive of Anglesey Council, said: “I would like to congratulate Councillor Gary Pritchard on being elected as the leader of the county council and look forward to working closely with him in future.”