The Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, John Davies, has been crowned Local Politician of the Year in this year’s Welsh Politician of the Year awards.

Now in their fourth year, the awards are a joint initiative by The Wales Yearbook and ITV Wales.

The Political awards are designed to recognise the achievements and commitment of contemporary politicians at a time when there appears to be general disenchantment with politics.

The panel of judges said they were aware of the Councillor Davies’ long record as a Councillor and felt that his particular contribution to successfully leading the Council and his work with the Welsh Local Government Association – of which he was elected Leader earlier this year – were especially worthy of recognition.

Councillor Davies, 45, who farms at Cwmbetws near Eglwyswrw in North Pembrokeshire, has been Leader of the 60-strong County Council since June 2004. He represents the Cilgerran electoral division.

He said he was "surprised but grateful" for the award.

He went on: "It all steps back to humble beginnings, being elected by the good people of Cilgerran and then followed by the support and commitment I receive in County Hall in Haverfordwest from both officers and Members alike to make Pembrokeshire what we want it to be - a successful county where people admire what you do."

Steve Thomas, Chief Executive of the WLGA, said: "On behalf of the Association, I would like to congratulate John on his well-deserved award. He is an excellent ambassador for local government in Wales, both in terms of his strong leadership as WLGA Leader and the work he carries out within his own local authority.

"Awards like these are important in recognising the significant role that councillors play in society in leading and providing for their communities."

The award was presented to Councillor Davies at a gala dinner in Cardiff City Hall on Tuesday (9th December) by Huw Roberts, Director of Wales Affairs, Royal Mail Group.