Plaid Cymru defeats Reform UK in Caerphilly by-election

Plaid Cymru’s Lindsay Whittle won the Caerphilly Senedd by-election (Andrew Matthew/PA Wire) Andrew Matthews

Plaid Cymru has secured a commanding victory in the Caerphilly Welsh Parliament by-election, defeating Reform UK with a majority of 3,848 votes. The result represents a massive swing of almost 27% from Labour and came on a turnout exceeding 50%.

The outcome delivers a significant blow to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, which had pledged to "throw everything" at the campaign in hopes of securing the party's first ballot box victory. Labour, which had controlled the constituency since the Senedd's establishment in 1999, suffered a devastating third-place finish.

Lindsay Whittle captured 15,961 votes for Plaid Cymru, securing more than 47% of the total vote share. This represents an increase of almost 19% from the party's 2021 performance in the constituency.

Electoral breakdown

Reform UK candidate Llyr Powell received 12,113 votes, a dramatic surge from the party's mere 495 votes four years earlier. Labour's Richard Tunnicliffe managed only 3,713 votes, representing 11% of the vote - a catastrophic decline from almost 46% in 2021.

Conservative candidate Gareth Potter secured just 690 votes, whilst the Greens obtained 516 votes and the Liberal Democrats received 497. The results demonstrate a significant political realignment within this traditional Labour stronghold.

Plaid leadership celebrates

Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, declared the victory a clear mandate from voters. "Tonight, the people of Caerphilly have spoken loud and clear," he said. "They've chosen hope over division, and progress over the tired status quo, and backed Plaid Cymru's positive, pro-Wales vision."

The Plaid leader praised Whittle's local credentials and emphasised his party's growing influence. "Lindsay Whittle is a tireless local champion who knows every community in this constituency inside out and will deliver real change for the people of Caerphilly," he said.

Ap Iorwerth positioned the result as evidence of Plaid's transformation into Wales' leading opposition force. "This result shows that Plaid is no longer just an alternative," he continued. "We are now the real choice for Wales, the only party able to stop billionaire-backed Reform and offering a better future that works for everyone."

New member's priorities

Lindsay Whittle expressed gratitude to voters whilst outlining his immediate agenda as the new Senedd member. "I want to thank everyone who put their trust in me and Plaid Cymru to represent Caerphilly," he said. "It will be my honour to serve you as your new member of the Senedd."

The newly elected politician detailed his policy focus for the constituency. "I'm ready to get to work straight away by making sure our local schools are properly supported, our libraries stay open, our GPs see people when they need to, and that everyone in Caerphilly gets the same chance to do well," Whittle said.

Whittle framed the victory as a blueprint for broader political change across Wales. "Tonight's result shows what's possible when people come together to back practical solutions and protect what matters most," he said. "We've beaten billionaire-backed Reform and, with the same determination, we can do it again in May 2026. Caerphilly has shown the way - now Wales must follow."

Tribute to predecessor

In his victory speech, Whittle paid tribute to Hefin Wyn David, who had served as Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly since 2016 and died in August. The gesture acknowledged the circumstances that led to the by-election and honoured his predecessor's service to the constituency.

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).