Party of Wales Gwynedd Councillors' Group

Nia Jeffreys, Plaid Cymru Gwynedd Leader and Cyngor Gwynedd Leader

Councillor Porthmadog East Ward

Born and raised in Porthmadog, Nia Jeffreys was educated at Ysgol Eifionydd, and returned home to live and raise her family in her locality, after a career working in communications.

She was elected County Councillor for Porthmadog East in 2017 and she is committed to working for her local community. 

During her career, she has lived abroad, in London and Cardiff, working in communications for private, public and charitable organisations, before returning to her beloved Porthmadog. Having studied social politics, she began her career working in the House of Commons for Plaid Cymru's Member of Parliament, Dafydd Wigley, who remains one of her all time heroes. She went on to work for British Gas, Chwarae Teg, Asthma UK and then Natural Resources Wales.

Nia was elected deputy leader of Cyngor Gwynedd in 2022 where she led on the economy and communities, two areas that are very close to her heart.

In December 2024, Nia was elected leader of Cyngor Gwynedd: "I am extremely proud to be elected to this role and I am equally delighted to be Cyngor Gwynedd’s first female leader."

Menna Trenholme, Deputy Leader of Plaid Cymru Gwynedd

Bontnewydd Ward Councillor

Menna Trenholme is originally from Llandysul, Ceredigion but has lived in Caeathro near Caernarfon for over 10 years. After graduating with a history degree from Aberystwyth University, she started her first job with Plaid Cymru working for the former MP, Elfyn Llwyd and then for Liz Saville-Roberts as a case worker and office manager for the party.

She spent some time working as an employability mentor for a charity in Anglesey and then crossed the Menai to Gwynedd to work for the council through Gwaith Gwynedd as an Employability Mentor. Menna enjoys supporting people and that is one reason she wanted to become a Councillor so she could help others and give a voice to the residents of her locality.

Menna is married and has two young children and it is their vibrance that inspires and motivates her to do her best for her community and for the residents of Gwynedd.

She was elected Councillor for Bontnewydd Ward in May 2022 and shortly afterwards became a cabinet member for Corporate and Legal Support.

It was a great privilege in December 2024 to accept the role of deputy leader of Cyngor Gwynedd and she now leads on children and supporting families portfolio within the council.

Cai Larsen, Chairman of Plaid Cymru Gwynedd

Councillor Caernarfon Ward

Cai Larsen is a native of Penisarwaun but has lived in the town of Caernarfon with his wife, for almost 40 years. He has spent his career in education and has had a positive influence on the education of many children and young people in the area but has now retired from his role as a primary school headteacher.

Cai was elected County Councillor for Seiont, Caernarfon in 2017 and among his many roles within the community he works voluntarily with Porthi Dre, he is board chairman of Cwmni Dre and sits on the management board of Adra housing association. Cai is the Deputy Mayor of Caernarfon and is a Caernarfon Town Councillor.

His interests and responsibilities on the County Council include education and economy, planning, democracy and the Welsh language. He is a prominent face of Plaid Cymru politics, is a member of the national executive committee and has held a number of positions over the years. He has a keen interest in voting patterns within all levels of government; local, national and UK.

Cai said: "It is a privilege to chair the largest group in the history of Gwynedd Council since its formation. Chairing a group with so much enthusiasm and variety of members can be challenging at times, but it is also an extremely valuable and worthwhile experience."

He has five children and is a grandfather of three.