Former North West Leicestershire District Council Chief Executive Bev Smith has been appointed Chair to the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales.

Minister for Finance and Local Government Rebecca Evans made the announcement today (Monday).

The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales keeps under review the electoral arrangements for the 22 principal councils, including the number of councillors and wards in each council area.

Wales247.co.uk reports that Bev has a strong background in public services and is an experienced chair and board member.

She announced last week that she would be stepping down from her role in Coalville.

The Finance and Local Government Minister Evans said: "I am pleased to appoint Beverley Smith as Chair to the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales.

"She will provide strong leadership to the Commission as it considers what improvements can be made to its review process before beginning the next programme of electoral reviews".

Bev added: "I was born and brought up in the Rhondda valley and am excited and proud to have been given the opportunity to use my experience and skills to work with the Chief Executive Shereen Williams to support the work of the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission in Wales during its next phase.

"I am also very much looking forward to working with the Welsh local government family."

The appointment is a four year term from 1 February 2022.