Mayor

The Mayor is the first citizen of Caerphilly County Borough Council and is elected each year at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the council. The Mayor has several specific roles to play during their term of office. This includes chairing full meetings of the council and also representing the council and local community at formal and ceremonal occasions in the county borough and elsewhere.

Caerphilly's current Mayor is Cllr Michael Gray who represents the Crosskeys ward.

At the AGM on 9 May 2013, last year's Mayor, Cllr. Gaynor Oliver, handed over the prestigious position to Cllr Michael Gray and wished him every success for the next 12 months.

Michael has been a county councillor for the Crosskeys ward for 28 years, representing his constituents in the Islwyn Borough Council before Caerphilly County Borough Council was formed in 1996.

The Mayor stated, "Being named Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council is an honour that I am proud to accept. I am looking forward to my year in office and making the most of the opportunities that will undoubtedly arise. I am passionate about our wonderful county borough, the people who live here and the issues that they all face. I am looking forward to meeting with residents from communities across our county borough and providing them with a proactive and enthusiastic ambassador."

Although born in Tredegar, Caerphilly County Borough has played host to Michael's education and working life. He was educated at The Lawn Grammar School in Rhymney and went on to secure a 5 year apprenticeship with the South Wales Switchgear Company in Pontllanfraith. After another 5 years with the company, he then went on to work for 26 years at The Post Office Factory in Cwmcarn, as a British Telecom Technician.

Family and faith are incredibly important to Michael, who is a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and has played the organ for his church for 60 years. He and his wife Ruth, who has been appointed Consort to the Mayor during his time in office, have been married almost 52 years and have one son, who is a Methodist Church Minister, and one grandson who is studying Politics and International Affairs at University.

Michael also plays a major role in his community as the current Chairman of the Crosskeys Silver Band as well as holding the position of Chairman of the Wales Brass Band Association. He is also the secretary for the Crosskeys branch of the Royal British Legion.

Mayor's charity

Cllr Gray's chosen charities for the forthcoming year are LATCH, the Welsh Children's Cancer Charity, which provides support to children and their families during treatment for cancer and leukemia at the Children's Hospital of Wales, and The Alzheimer's Society, a charity which works to improve the lives of people who suffer with dementia.

Mayoral invitations

The Mayor welcomes invitations to attend events held by local organisations. Please contact the Mayor's Office for further information. Due to demand it may not be possible to attend every event. However, if the Mayor is available, you will be contacted in good time.