Reform UK announces Caerphilly by-election candidate

Reform UK has picked Llŷr Powell as its candidate in the upcoming Caerphilly by-election.

Mr Powell, who works in communications and public affairs, has lived in Caerphilly for the last five years, bar a brief spell working in the House of Commons last year.

A Welsh speaker, Mr Powell was unveiled as his party’s candidate on Friday morning, at a conference held at Caerphilly Social Club, with party leader Nigel Farage in attendance.

In a statement released by Reform, Mr Powell is described as being passionate about improving access to mental health care, as well as an “enthusiastic supporter” of grassroots rugby.

The by-election comes following the passing of incumbent Senedd Member Hefin David, aged just 47.

Labour has selected Richard Tunnicliffe as its candidate for the by-election, while Plaid Cymru have once again opted for Cllr Lindsay Whittle. Meanwhile, Gareth Potter will stand for the Conservatives.

The Liberal Democrats and Gwlad have confirmed they will also field candidates.

Mr Powell said: “This is not a by-election any of us wanted. Hefin was an excellent Senedd Member who was never tribal, committed to his community and made a real difference in education.

“The local communities in Caerphilly deserve a Senedd Member who will stand up for them after over 26 years of stagnation from Labour and Plaid. Only Reform UK is offering a chance at genuine change.”

Speaking at his unveiling, Mr Powell said Reform are offering an “alternative rooted in fairness, ambition, and accountability”

The Reform candidate, who said his mother was a nurse, voiced his support for free prescriptions and an NHS free at the point of delivery. He also said: ““I believe in a strong local economy here in Caerphilly with thriving businesses, where our young people have opportunities right here, not just in the cities.”

Mr Farage, who is the MP for Clacton in Essex, said: “Llŷr is a fantastic candidate who is passionate about representing communities in south Wales that Labour have taken for granted for too long.

“After almost three decades, Plaid and Labour have only served to put Wales at the bottom of the table in almost every metric that matters. Now, voters in Caerphilly have a chance to elect someone that will fight for the change that they deserve.”

Discussing his party’s chances, Mr Farage said: “This matters, this is important. I’d love to stand here and tell you that we’re rank outsiders, that we’re the complete underdog in every sense, and you don’t need to worry too much how we do, that simply wouldn’t be the case.

“We go into this contest and I want to make it absolutely clear from the start ; we are in it to win it. Simple as.”