September 08, 2026 - 221 views
Hugh Evans is back at the helm of Denbighshire County Council, four years after stepping down as leader, promising to tackle the authority’s financial challenges and restore confidence among residents and staff.
The veteran Independent councillor was elected leader at a full council meeting at County Hall in Ruthin today (Tuesday, 8 September), taking charge with just eight months before the next scheduled local government elections.
Councillor Evans, who represents Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd and Gwyddelwern, has served on the council since 2004 and previously led the authority between 2007 and 2022.
Following his election, he announced a new Cabinet and said his immediate focus would be on laying strong foundations for the future and addressing the challenges facing the county.
He said he had spent the past week meeting the Chief Executive and senior officers to gain a better understanding of the council's current position.
Councillor Evans said the authority had many dedicated officers and strong services, but that the connection between its strategic ambitions and the everyday experiences of residents needed to be strengthened.
He said he wanted to create a culture of openness and transparency, with the Cabinet focusing initially on three key areas – the council's budget, its role as an authority, and its communities and culture.
He said: “We have only eight months, but there is much we can achieve.”
Councillor Evans also thanked outgoing Leader Jason for the work carried out by the previous Cabinet, adding: “We're all here for our residents. We are all champions for our communities.”
Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Independent member for Ruthin, has been appointed Deputy Leader.
He has been a county councillor since 2012 and previously served as Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and the Welsh Language between 2017 and 2022.
He said it was a "huge honour" to become Deputy Leader and that he looked forward to working with Councillor Evans and the new Cabinet to restore trust and confidence in the council.
