Tribute To Councillor Anthony Burnell

Tributes are being paid to Councillor Anthony Burnell, who sadly passed away on Tuesday, July 18.

Councillor Burnell was a serving elected member of the Council, representing the Ynysybwl ward, having been duly elected during the local elections held in May 2022. He was also a member of the Council’s Democratic Services Committee, Governance and Audit Committee and the Corporate Parenting Board as well as an elected member of the Ynysybwl and Coed-y-Cwm Community Council and played a key part in organising the annual Ynysybwl Festival along with other events in the local area. 

Councillor Wendy Treeby, Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf, said:

“On behalf of the Council, I would like to express our deepest sympathies to Councillor Burnell’s family on their loss; our thoughts are with them at this deeply sad time. Our sympathies and thoughts are also with his fellow Plaid Cymru Group Councillors.

“Despite only being elected to Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council in May 2022, Anthony’s warm and friendly persona will be fondly remembered. Anthony was a former employee of the local authority and had for many years, as a member of Ynysybwl Community Council, been a champion for his local community of Ynysybwl.

“Anthony was thrilled and humbled to be elected to represent his community on Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, and I know how much he was looking forward to representing his constituents, many who were his neighbours and friends, on the County Council.”

Councillor Karen Morgan, leader of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Plaid Cymru Group, said:

“The RCT Plaid Cymru Councillors’ Group are devastated at the loss of our friend. Tony was a much respected, true community champion, passionate about serving the communities he loved. He did so much for Ynysybwl and Coed y Cwm over many years and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his wife and loved ones.

South Wales Central MS Heledd Fychan said:

“Anthony was always full of love for his community and committed to doing the best for everyone, it was no wonder that he and Amanda were elected as RCT Councillors in May of this year, as well as retaining their positions as community councillors.”

“My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. His warm smile and big heart will be missed by many.”

Councillor Anthony Burnell, Ynysybwl.