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Labour has chosen local resident Richard Tunnicliffe as its candidate for the upcoming Caerphilly by-election.

The by-election will take place on Thursday October 23, and comes following the passing of Labour’s Hefin David, who had served the constituency in the Senedd since 2016.

The funeral of Dr David, who died on August 12 aged just 47, was held on Monday September 1.

He is the second candidate to be unveiled after Plaid Cymru confirmed that party stalwart, and former Caerphilly Council leader, Lindsay Whittle would be contesting the seat.

Local Labour members took part in a selection process and hustings on Saturday September 6 at Bedwas Workmen’s Hall.

Mr Tunnicliffe, a financial analyst who joined the Labour Party as a15-year-old in 1988, was a close friend of Dr David and had previously been his campaign manager. Alongside his wife Lynda Tunnicliffe, he co-founded and runs Caerphilly-based Welsh language book publisher Rily Publications.

The couple live in Caerphilly, where they’ve raised their three sons. All three have additional learning needs.

Mr Tunnicliffe said: “In Hefin, we have lost someone in the prime of their life, someone who was a much valued and a widely respected member of our community, even before he was our MS. And in that role, he served us well, fighting for our issues and concerns and his shoes will be extremely hard to fill. 

“He was a man who always looked for the best in others and for what they could do, not what they couldn’t; and he encouraged, supported and empowered people. He had a belief in me that I initially didn’t have; and it is with a heavy heart that I now want to repay that faith and take his legacy forward.”

First Minister Eluned Morgan MS said: “This is a by-election none of us expected to face. Hefin was a strong, well-respected voice, not just in the Senedd, but across this constituency. He was a proud Welshman deeply rooted in the Valleys and proud to represent the area where he was born and raised. Hefin never hesitated to stand up for what was right for his constituents.   

“I know this is a difficult time for everyone who knew and loved Hefin. But I also know we will get together to support Richard, fight against the threat of Reform and Plaid, and to win this seat in Hefin’s memory and continue his legacy.” 

Senior Caerphilly Labour figures back candidate

Former Caerphilly MP Sir Wayne David said: “Richard is an excellent candidate. He will take forward, with conviction, Hefin’s legacy.

“He will be a first rate representative and ambassador of this constituency.”

Caerphilly’s current MP Chris Evans said he couldn’t think of a better candidate than Mr Tunnicliffe and added: “He is going to be a fantastic Senedd Member for Caerphilly.”

Jeff Cuthbert, who represented Caerphilly in the Welsh Assembly between 2003 and 2016, said: “Richard has impressed me with his commitment to the constituency and his clear support for protecting the most vulnerable and advancing ideas that’s Hefin was particularly in favour of, such as special educational needs, and employment and training opportunities for young people.”

Media interviews with the Labour candidate are expected to be held on Monday.

Reform UK are also widely expected to unveil its candidate this weekend during its conference being held in Birmingham.

Vince Edmunds, chair of the Blaenau Gwent, Rhymney and Caerphilly branch of Reform, confirmed to Caerphilly Observer that candidate selection is being managed centrally by the party.

Reform UK has recently taken a lease on a shop at 67 Cardiff Road, Caerphilly, in preparation for the campaign.

It follows a party campaign letter which upset Labour members after some were delivered on the day of Dr David’s funeral.