Caerphilly Observer
Member Sign in Manage Membership
Become a Member - no ads
Menu
  • News
    • Senedd
    • Business
    • Newport
    • Opinion
  • Sport
    • Rugby union
    • Football
  • Membership & Subscriptions
  • Notices
  • Obituaries
  • About
    • Advertise
  • Sponsored Content
Menu

Voters head to the polls in Van ward by-election

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 09:57, Thursday February 19th, 2026.
Last updated: 09:57, Thursday February 19th, 2026

Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Cllr Christine Forehead
Cllr Christine Forehead

Residents in the Van ward are today heading to the polls to elect new councillors to represent their community.

Voters will be choosing a new councillor to represent the area on Caerphilly County Borough Councillor. An election for the Porset ward on Van Community Council is also being held.

The Van ward includes the Caerphilly town neighbourhoods of Castle Park, Lansbury Park, Mornington Meadows, and Porset Park – as well as eastern areas of Van Road and Caerphilly Business Park.

The by-election is being held following the passing of Cllr Christine Forehead, a Labour representative who spent decades in local government service.

Cllr Forehead passed away aged 81 on November 18 last year, surrounded by her loved ones.

Polls opened at 7am and close at 10pm.

Meet the candidates for the Van ward by-election

Who are the candidates?

Caerphilly County Borough Council

  • Matthew Ferris – Welsh Labour
  • Jeff Grenfell – Plaid Cymru
  • Russell Larke – Reform UK
  • Tony Potts – Welsh Liberal Democrats

Van Community Council

  • John Kennedy – Reform UK
  • Alison Vyas – Plaid Cymru

Sign-up to our daily newsletter


Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts.

Become a member today

Caerphilly Media
CCBC

Latest News

  • Newport Magistrates' Court
    Two deny historic child abuse charges in courtThursday, February 19, 2026
  • Get active with Nordic walking
    Nordic walking classes getting residents activeThursday, February 19, 2026
  • polling station sign
    Voters head to the polls in Van ward by-electionThursday, February 19, 2026
  • Ashley Comley, chief executive of Citizens Advice Caerphilly Blaenau Gwent
    From student volunteer to Citizens Advice chief executiveWednesday, February 18, 2026
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council's headquarters in Tredomen
    Parties at odds over plan for 6.25% council tax hikeWednesday, February 18, 2026
  • Demolition underway after the fire
    Major fire cause still unknown as building demolishedWednesday, February 18, 2026

Find out how the communities of Caerphilly County Borough get their names

Caerphilly

Legal & Public Notices

  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesFriday, February 6, 2026
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesFriday, January 23, 2026
  • Notice of application for a variation of a premises licence: Morgan Jones Bowling ClubThursday, January 15, 2026
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, January 8, 2026
© 2009-2026 Caerphilly Media Ltd, Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community Watford Road Caerphilly, CF83 1BJ. Incorporated in Wales No. 07604006.