Llais Gwynedd group's no to Plaid

Opposing school closures was a vote winner in last week's poll

The newly-elected councillors for Llais Gwynedd have ruled out a coalition with Plaid Cymru.

The group - which means Gwynedd Voice - has also decided Owain Williams will lead them at Gwynedd Council.

After a meeting on Monday night, they agreed to contact Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Independents to see if a coalition can be formed.

Llais Gwynedd won 12 seats after campaigning against school closures in the area.

Alwyn Gruffydd, Llais Gwynedd councillor and spokesman, said the group would not consider working with Plaid Cymru.

A spokesman on behalf of Plaid Cymru said: "The Plaid Cymru group on Gwynedd Council will meet over the next few days to elect officials."

Plaid Cymru lost overall control of Gwynedd Council following last Thursday's election although it said it remained "by far" the largest party.

Plaid hold 35 seats, the independents have 18 seats, Liberal Democrats five and Labour four.

Plaid Cymru president and party leader in Gwynedd, Dafydd Iwan, lost his seat as did Richard Parry Hughes, the outgoing council leader.

Following the count, Mr Hughes said: "This is what the people of Gwynedd want. Democracy is a healthy thing."

Party leader Ieuan Wyn Jones admitted the result in Gwynedd was a "big disappointment" and there were lessons to be learned.

The plan to reorganise primary school education involves federalising 55 schools and closing 29, as the council looked to deal with falling pupil numbers.