Evans has represented Welsh‑language, Plaid stronghold Llanfihangel‑ar‑Arth on the Ceredigion border since 2008. She has served in Cabinet since 2015, holding portfolios in housing, planning and community cohesion.
Party insiders describe her as a “steady hand” with deep rural roots — the safe choice to steady the ship after weeks of political turbulence.
Her appointment makes her the first woman to lead Carmarthenshire Council since Independent Meryl Gravell, who ran the authority for 13 years until 2012.
Darren Price’s sudden exit
Price quit last month citing “personal reasons”. No further detail has been made public, though colleagues paid tribute to his calm and professional leadership. He continues to sit as a Plaid councillor.
Cabinet shake‑up
At Wednesday’s Full Council meeting, Evans unveiled her Cabinet team. Most of the previous administration remain in post, with one new heavyweight: Cllr Emlyn Schiavone from Carmarthen Town North, who takes on the Homes portfolio.
- Deputy Leader & Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism: Cllr Hazel Evans
- Education: Cllr Glynog Davies
- Rural Affairs, Communities and Welsh Language: Cllr Carys Jones
- Organisation and Workforce: Cllr Philip Hughes
- Resources: Cllr Alun Lenny
- Homes: Cllr Emlyn Schiavone (new)
- Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services: Cllr Edward Thomas
- Integrated Health and Children and Adult Social Services: Cllr Jane Tremlett
- Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability: Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen
(Image: UWTSD)
Who is Emlyn Schiavone?
Schiavone is a familiar face in Carmarthen civic life. Originally from Newcastle Emlyn, he has lived in Carmarthen for nearly five decades. A former teacher, he later moved into advisory and managerial roles in education and children’s services, with responsibility for pupils with additional learning needs and safeguarding.
He is currently serving his second term as a county councillor and has been elected Carmarthen Town Mayor multiple times, as well as serving as Deputy Mayor and Sheriff.
Beyond politics, Schiavone chairs Carmarthen Family Centre, Oriel Myrddin Gallery and Talking Books Wales, and is a trustee and governor at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
From shock resignation to steady hands at the helm
Darren Price’s sudden departure last month left County Hall reeling. He quit citing “personal reasons” — no further detail has been made public — but colleagues praised his calm leadership during a turbulent period.
Into that vacuum steps Linda Evans, Plaid’s long‑serving councillor from Llanfihangel‑ar‑Arth. Party insiders say she’s the “steady hand” needed to restore order, and her appointment marks the first time since Meryl Gravell’s era that a woman has led Carmarthenshire Council.
Evans is expected to bring continuity while sharpening the focus on rural affairs, housing and the Welsh language.
Her new Cabinet also brings in Carmarthen heavyweight Emlyn Schiavone — a former teacher, long‑time councillor and multiple‑time Town Mayor. With housing one of the hottest issues facing the authority, Schiavone’s arrival signals that Carmarthen voices will be central to the debate.
