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A by-election will be held in the Penyrheol, Trecenydd, and Energlyn ward of Caerphilly County Borough on Thursday December 11, to contest a vacant council seat.

It follows the election of Lindsay Whittle to the Senedd, where he is the new MS for the Caerphilly constituency.

Mr Whittle had represented the area for nearly 50 years prior to his election to the Welsh Parliament last month.

However, he was forced to step down from his council job due to rules banning Senedd Members from serving as councillors.

Five candidates have been confirmed as standing in the upcoming by-election.

In alphabetical order, they are:

• James Bevan – Reform UK
• Brandon Gorman – Welsh Conservatives
• Mary Lloyd – Welsh Liberal Democrats
• Aneurin Minton – Plaid Cymru
• Keiran Russell – Welsh Labour

Caerphilly County Borough Council said polling will take place between 7am and 10pm on December 11.

Applications for postal votes must reach the council by 5pm on Wednesday November 26, by contacting the council’s electoral registration officer at Bargoed House, 1 St Gwladys Way, Bargoed, CF81 8AB.

Proxy vote applications must reach the electoral registration officer by 5pm on Wednesday December 3, and emergency proxy applications must have been received by 5pm on polling day.