The Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, has paid tribute to long-standing Rhoose councillor Jeff James who will stand down from the council this May.
Mr Cairns said: “Jeff has been a stalwart of the community in Rhoose, sitting as an elected councillor continuously for nearly four decades.
“In that time he has represented Rhoose conscientiously and effectively, served as council leader, as chairman of the planning committee and in the council’s cabinet.
“He is widely recognised as one of the wisest and most able councillors ever to have served in the Vale. It is difficult to underestimate Jeff’s role in the community of Rhoose, taking a leading role with the community hall, the lifeguards, the local Remembrance ceremonies, in the governance of local schools and the history society. He is a local institution, having helped countless local people in his role as their local representative.
“His retirement is a loss to the Vale, but extremely well-earned. I am sure he will continue to be active in the community in Rhoose and in the many other roles he undertakes in the area. I want to take this opportunity to thank him for his long and distinguished public service.”