Councillor Ernest said, “I have served on this Authority for five years and I’m incredibly proud to be re-elected to serve another year as Chairman. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is a high performing organisation that helps thousands of members of the public every day when exposed to the risks and dangers that befall many of us during our lives. To be Chairman of such an organisation is a great honour as we take the Service forward to continue to do the great work that it does.”

 Anthony Ernest commenced his Local Government career in 1974 when he was first elected to Penarth Town Council, he was Mayor in 1980, being re-elected every four years until 1995, resuming in 1999 to present day. He was also Chairman (Mayor) of the Vale of Glamorgan Council in 2000, and Opposition Spokesman on Fire Service matters on the former South Glamorgan County Council from 1993-96.

 Chief Fire Officer of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Andy Marles said “We welcome the Authority’s decision to re-elect Councillor Ernest as our Chairman and we look forward to another year with him in this position.”