A MEMBER of Conwy County Borough Council has stepped down from her role in the local authority’s cabinet.

Cllr Liz Roberts (Betws-y-Coed and Trefriw ward) was cabinet member for children, families and safeguarding.

She said she has made this decision to “allow more time to work on community development in my ward”, and will be replaced in the cabinet by Cllr Cathy Augustine (Penmaenmawr ward).           

“The role of cabinet is a demanding one and one that needs full-time attention,” Cllr Roberts said.

“By stepping down, it will allow more time to work on community development in my ward, working with residents in the communities of Dolwyddelan, Betws-y-Coed, Capel Curig and Trefriw.

“It goes without saying that it has been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to have worked alongside my cabinet colleagues and officers, not only in social care, but across all services in the authority and with partner agencies, both statutory and third sector.”

Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, leader of the council added: “I’m sure that I speak for all of Cllr Liz’s colleagues across the council when I thank her for her heartfelt dedication to the role and to communities across Conwy County Borough.

“I’m very pleased that Liz will be continuing her tireless work as Armed Forces champion.

“I am delighted to announce that Cllr Augustine has agreed to replace Cllr Liz on cabinet, taking over her existing portfolio, and will bring transferable skills to the role from a career that has included engagement, communications and transformation projects for FTSE 100 companies.”

Outside work, Cllr Augustine has been an active campaigner for equalities and for the voices of minorities to be heard in decision making and will continue in her liaison role with Conwy’s Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community.

She said: “It’s a real privilege to take on this role and I recognise the huge responsibility of helping the council fulfil its duty to some of our most vulnerable children and young adults.

“I know I’ll be working with some fantastic colleagues – elected members and officers – as part of a committed and experienced team. 

“On a personal level, over the past five years, I’ve become closely involved with many of the processes associated with children looked after.

“This is why I particularly look forward to working in collaboration with colleagues across the social care, housing and education services with a shared focus of ensuring that the voice of the child is central to our joint goals and work.

“I’m fully aware of the challenges – and of course the current financial context.

“I realise that cabinet is a collective, delivering across all our service areas and to all our residents, and I look forward to being a member of that wider team, too.”