31/07/2026
A huge thank you to Sean Pursey - Councillor Sandfields East for the last nine years of service to our community.
Whether people agreed with every decision or not, one thing that could never be questioned was your openness, honesty and transparency. You were always approachable, always willing to listen, and always kept residents informed. In a time when trust in both national and local politics is at an all-time low, those qualities have mattered more than ever.
Through some incredibly challenging years, you've been a steady pair of hands and someone who genuinely cared about Sandfields and Aberavon. Public service isn't always appreciated, and it certainly isn't easy, but your hard work and commitment haven't gone unnoticed.
If there were more people like Sean Pursey in public life, the world would be a much better place to live in. Your integrity, kindness and genuine care for others have set an example that many could learn from.
Whatever comes next, everyone at the Pop-In Café wishes you every success and happiness. Thanks for everything you've done for our community, Sean. 👏☕❤️
Hi Everyone, shwmae pawb.
📢A really important announcement from me today:
Most of you know me already, I’m Sean Pursey and have been your local councillor in Sandfields East for the past 9 years.
Come next May I will have served as your representative for 10 years. I was 23 back in 2017 when I was elected, so I’ll let you do the maths! 👨🦳
A little while ago I made the decision not to run in the local elections next year, and I will be standing down as a councillor in May 2027.
I thought it was important to tell you all why I made that decision and what happens next.
I know it sounds a bit cliché but it has really been an honour to represent this community, one I grew up in, went to school in and have always lived in.
Being able to shape the future of my local community, and work with you all to do it has been really quite special.
There are many highlights from the last 9 years, being able to support residents to get re-housed, re united with their children, get the assistance they need to live better lives.
Working with you all on community activities, campaigns, Christmas Lights, Newbridge Road Bridge, Vivian Park improvements, Aberavon Seafront and Active Travel improvements.
I have had the backing of and support of such a great community to work with and represent and have always sought to deliver my Labour Values locally.❤️
And lets not forget the bread and butter day to day issues of bin collections, parking, litter and dog mess which I deal with every week, even the small things bring a sense of satisfaction to me when I can help and support you.
You have put your trust in me in two elections and seeing over 70% of ballots in 2022 supporting me was quite incredible, I have always taken the role seriously and having that reassurance from you as the voting public and the support of my colleagues Matthew and Ted has kept me going over this last term.
I always said at the start of my term, that I didn’t see being a councillor as a ‘job for life’. It is a public service role and one that can come with a really big burden of responsibility, it’s one I probably felt most during the pandemic which feels like a lifetime ago now..
Being open and accessible to you all, and my work ethic and approach to my committee work has been something I am so proud of, but it has also been relentless and really challenging for my wellbeing and personal life.
Affecting my health, relationships and family, friends and finances.
This role is one that can take a lot out of you and it has definitely done that for me.
I’ve mentioned a lot of positive reflections, but there are some negatives too which I have to mention, the level of abuse I’ve faced has grown and grown since 2017 and although it still a small minority, many people are quick to dehumanise politicians and speak to us in a way they would never dream of speaking to their own work colleagues, family and friends.
I didn’t stop being me when I was elected, and we all need to remember these are human beings who have put themselves forward to represent you, the vast majority of councillors I have met and worked with, of all parties are in this for the right reasons. We all need to do our bit to behave respectfully online to everyone in our community.
I know that if I stood for another term, I would not be able to show the level of commitment energy and enthusiasm that the role deserves for another five years, it’s time for me to move on, find another challenge while I’m still sort of young… I don’t have a job lined up yet, so that search begins now too.
❓So what does this mean? I’ll still be here until May 2027 and after that election takes place I will no longer be your councillor. So you still have nearly a year of me yet!
I am really pleased to say that the local Labour Party has selected a good friend of mine , Jack Griffiths to stand alongside Matthew and Ted in 2027.
Jack is a fellow Sandfields Comp and Tywyn Primary boy and has a wealth of experience in supporting people as a caseworker in his professional life, I know he loves and cares for this community just as much as I do and will make a fantastic councillor if he is lucky enough to get your support.
Do give his page a follow to keep up with what he’s doing and consider giving him your support.
Jack Griffiths - Sandfields East
Thanks for bearing with me to the end of this video, this is quite a moment for me personally. There’s plenty for me to get on with until next May so time for me to get back to work….
