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

Reform campaign letter on day of MS’s funeral was a “kick in the gut”

News | Richard Gurner | Published: 14:44, Wednesday September 3rd, 2025.
Last updated: 14:44, Wednesday September 3rd, 2025

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

The Reform UK campaign letter received on the day of Hefin David's funeral
The Reform UK campaign letter received on the day of Hefin David’s funeral

A Reform UK campaign letter delivered to Caerphilly residents on the day of Hefin David’s funeral has been likened to a “kick in the gut”.

The letter, with a printed signature of leader Nigel Farage, outlined the party’s criticisms of Labour in Wales, claiming the party had let people down on the NHS, immigration and jobs.

It also included a survey for Caerphilly residents asking them if they would be willing to support Reform UK by placing campaign posters in their windows or putting up a garden board. The freepost envelope for its return had a Caerphilly address.

A Welsh Labour source told Caerphilly Observer: “I was getting ready to attend Hefin’s funeral that day, so opening that letter was a like a kick in the gut.

“Of all the days they could have had this land on Caerphilly doorsteps, they chose the day that the community was mourning Hefin.

“Completely insensitive and only thinking of themselves.”

Hundreds gather for funeral of Caerphilly Senedd Member Hefin David

Richard John, a Conservative on Monmouthshire County Council, took to X (formally Twitter), to express his criticism of Reform.

He said: “I know there’s a Senedd by-election coming up but the timing seems incredibly insensitive as the community paid its respects.”

Dr David’s Caerphilly seat was officially declared vacant on Monday August 18 by Senedd Speaker Elin Jones.

A by-election has since been confirmed for Thursday October 23.

By-elections will become a thing of the past from May 2026 when the Senedd expands to 96 members and adopts a fully proportional electoral system.

Senedd members are expected to hold a tribute session to Dr David at the start of the next term in mid-September following the summer recess.

Reform UK was contacted for comment.


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

Latest News

  • Behind the numbers: What the Caerphilly by-election poll revealsFriday, October 17, 2025
  • Around 100 people attended the event at Ty Penallta
    Ukrainians’ concerns over Nation of Sanctuary ‘misinformation’Friday, October 17, 2025
  • polling station sign
    Council clarifies which areas can vote in upcoming Senedd by-electionFriday, October 17, 2025
  • Claim council went ‘over the top’ cancelling meetings ahead of by-electionFriday, October 17, 2025
  • Michelle Morris, the public services ombudsman for Wales
    Watchdog ‘stretched to limit’ amid deluge of complaintsFriday, October 17, 2025
  • Commuters on the Ebbw Valley line can now pay using tap in tap out
    1.5 million train journeys made using ‘tap-in, tap-out’ payment systemFriday, October 17, 2025

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

Caerphilly

Legal & Public Notices

  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, October 16, 2025
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, October 2, 2025
  • Notice of application for a premises licence: Hanbury Road, BargoedThursday, September 25, 2025
  • Notice of application for a variation of a premises licence: Pontygwindy Industrial EstateThursday, September 18, 2025
© 2009-2024 Caerphilly Media Ltd, Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community Watford Road Caerphilly, CF83 1BJ. Incorporated in Wales No. 07604006.