In November 2014 the council voted to propose a merger with the neighbouring Vale of Glamorgan Council, though this was rejected by the Welsh Government's Public Services Minister, Leighton Andrews, as not meeting the criteria to be able to proceed.[2]
Political control
The council has been under Labour majority control since the 2022 election.
The first election to the council was held in 1995, initially operating as a shadow authority before coming into its powers on 1 April 1996. Political control of the council since 1996 has been held by the following parties:[3]
The role of mayor is largely ceremonial in Bridgend, with political leadership instead provided by the leader of the council. The leaders since 2004 have been:[4]
Thirteen of the independent councillors form the "Bridgend County Independents" group. Plaid Cymru and six of the independent councillors sit together as the "Democratic Alliance". The other three independent councillors do not belong to a group.[9] The next election is due in 2027.
Elections
Since 2012, elections take place every five years.
Party with the most elected councillors in bold. Coalition agreements in notes column.
Prior to the May 2008 elections Bridgend Council was run by a coalition of Liberal Democrat, Conservative, Plaid Cymru and Independent councillors. After the election the leadership returned to the Labour Party, led by councillor Mel Nott.[10]
The council elections on 5 May 2017 saw Labour lose its majority control of the council with, for example, three of the four Brackla seats being taken by the Conservatives from Labour. Keith Edwards and Ross Thomas, who'd been deselected by Labour for voting against the proposed local authority merger, won as Independents in Maesteg.[11]
In May 2022, Labour regained a majority and control of the council,[12] though their majority was reduced following the Bridgend Central by-election on 11 August.[13]
Premises
The council is based at the Civic Offices on Angel Street in Bridgend, on the banks of the River Ogmore (Welsh: Afon Ogwr). The building was built in 1986 for the council's predecessor, Ogwr Borough Council.[14]
Electoral divisions
Pre-2022 electoral divisions in Bridgend County Borough
Prior to May 2022, the county borough was divided into 39 electoral wards.
Since the 2022 local elections the county borough has been divided into 28 electoral wards electing 51 councillors.[15] Some communities also have their own elected council and community wards. The following table lists council wards, communities and associated community wards. Communities with a community council are indicated with a '*':
Originally granted to Ogwr Borough Council on 21 December 1977.
Crest
On a wreath Or and Gules a demi dragon Gules gorged with a steel collar pendent therefrom a steel chain Proper holding in the dexter claw an anchor Azure and resting the sinister claw on a cogwheel Sable.
Escutcheon
Per chevron raguly per pale Or and Gules and Argent in chief on the dexter a lozenge Sable and on the sinister a garb Or and in base three barrulets wavy Azure thereon a dolphin naiant embowed Proper.
Supporters
On the dexter a dragon Gules gorged with a mural crown Or attached thereto a steel chain reflexed over the back Proper attached to a triangular harrow Or supported by the dexter claw and on the sinister a sea horse Argent the tail Vert gorged with a mural crown Or attached thereto a steel chain reflexed over the back Proper attached to an anchor Sable supported by the sinister webbed foot.
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