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

Caerphilly Council Election 2022: Leader loses her seat

News | Rhiannon James - Local Democracy Reporting Service | Published: 18:19, Friday May 6th, 2022.
Last updated: 18:19, Friday May 6th, 2022

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 Philippa Marsden, leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council
Philippa Marsden, former leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council

The leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council has lost her seat following today’s council elections.

The Independent candidates, Jan Jones and Janine Reed, saw a landslide victory in Ynysddu – securing more than 85% of the votes in the ward.

Labour candidate Philippa Marsden received just 213 votes, compared to 720 five years ago. Her daughter Phoebe Marsden was also standing in Ynysddu for Labour and received 182 votes.

Ms Marsden, the first woman to be Leader of the council, was elected as leader in November 2019 after the resignation of David  Poole.

Ms Marsden declined to comment following the announcement of the result, because it was “too raw”.

Deputy Leader Jamie Pritchard described Ms Marsden as an “exceptional leader”.

Cllr Pritchard added: “She has put in absolutely loads of work. Obviously local factors have conspired against her. It didn’t help that Plaid Cymru stood down and done a deal with the Independents.

“But, I know that Philippa is going to be back, she’s a formidable character, and it has been a pleasure to work under her.”

The local factors Mr Pritchard is referring to is the controversy that surrounds a recycling waste plant in Cwmfelinfach.

The plant was granted planning permission in 2015 and has been an issue ever since, especially for the Sirhowy Valley Residents Group – which both successful candidates were heavily involved with.

Legal action could be taken against council over waste plant plans
Independent councillors Jan Jones, Kevin Etheridge, and Janine Reed

Successful Independent candidate Janine Reed said: “People in the valley feel that they were betrayed and were not being listened to, this shows in the turnout and the votes.

“This has been six long years of hard work.”

Turnout for the Ynysddu ward was up 11% since 2017, with an overall turnout of 45.78% – the highest in Caerphilly County Borough.

Fellow independent candidate for Ynysddu Jan Jones said:  “We both would thank all those who supported us. It was wonderful to drive through the valley to see all our Vote Independent posters and banners displayed in gardens and windows throughout the ward.

“We enjoyed speaking to people on their doorsteps and are proud that it has been a victory for positive campaigning.”

The ex-Labour councillor added: “We are pleased to have been chosen to represent all the people in the valley and pledge to listen to people and work hard on their behalf.”

Ynysddu ward results:

Jan Jones (Independent): 1,162
Janine Reed (Independent): 1,150
Philippa Marsden (Labour): 213
Phoebe Marsden (Labour): 182


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

CCBC

Latest News

  • Rhymney school receives “glowing” Estyn reportThursday, September 21, 2023
  • Jack Lis' mum, Emma Whitfield at the launch of LEAD
    “Jack’s legacy”: How Caerphilly is looking to tackle the threat of dangerous dogsThursday, September 21, 2023
  • New employability hub opens to help improve localised support for job seekers and employersThursday, September 21, 2023
  • Blackwood drink driver jailed for Christmas crashThursday, September 21, 2023
  • Direct rail services to Newport on the Ebbw Valley line will begin in DecemberThursday, September 21, 2023
  • Caerphilly tattooist accused of inking 16-year-old in exchange for sexThursday, September 21, 2023
© 2009-2022 Caerphilly Media Ltd, Britannia House, Caerphilly Business Park, Van Road, Caerphilly, CF83 3GG. Incorporated in Wales No. 07604006.