The 10 councillors who will represent Newtown in the next session of the town council have been confirmed.

All 10 were returned uncontested, as there were 16 seats available across the town's five electoral wards, and it means that six vacancies remain on the council.

As such, the results have been announced well ahead of the forthcoming local elections across Wales on May 5.

Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council clerk Ed Humphreys said: "Town councillors are elected as representatives of the community to consider matters, together, and then make collective decisions on behalf of the community as a whole.

"The elections process was the opportunity for those who have observations and ideas about whether or how to change the status quo and make a difference to the community for the better, to come forward to try to put them into practice.

"I extend a welcome to all new town councillors and thank retiring ones for their past service.

"Whilst some might be disappointed that that so few have been prepared to stand and be counted, being a councillor is unlikely to be everyone’s liking and there are other ways to influence community for the better – perhaps through the potential Town Partnership or delivering projects from the community’s own Place Plan."

Current Newtown Mayor Richard Williams will be among those standing down at this election.

The newly-returned councillors are:

Newtown Llanllwchaiarn North

  • Tracy Owen
  • Rex Shayler
  • 1 vacancy remaining

Newtown East

  • John Byrne
  • Val Howard
  • 1 vacancy remaining

Newtown South

  • Richard Edwards (Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales)
  • 2 vacancies remaining

Newtown Llanllwchaiarn West

  • Mike Childs (Welsh Labour/ Llafur Cymru)
  • Peter Lewington (Welsh Conservative Party Candidate Ymgeisydd Plaid Geidwadol Cymru)
  • 1 vacancy remaining

Newtown Central Ward

  • David Selby (Welsh Liberal Democrats)
  • Rupert Taylor (Independent)
  • Richard White (Independent)
  • 1 vacancy remaining

Mr Humphreys added: "Newly elected town councillors will assume office on May 9 and will be required to sign a declaration of acceptance of office and an undertaking to abide by the code of conduct. The town council may co-opt to fill remaining vacancies, for which public notice will be given.

"The new council’s first business will be transacted at the Annual Meeting on May 23 when it elects the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, committees, and ‘representatives to outside bodies’. After that the new council will conclude the current five-year business plan and work with the community to set out a new one using the Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Place Plan as a starting point.”