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The Welsh Conservatives are the latest party to announce their candidate for the upcoming Senedd by-election in Caerphilly.

The party has selected Caerphilly resident Gareth Potter to contest the seat, with the election set to be held on Thursday October 23.

The by-election comes following the passing of incumbent Senedd Member Hefin David, aged just 47.

Labour has selected Richard Tunnicliffe as its candidate for the by-election, while Plaid Cymru have once again opted for Cllr Lindsay Whittle.

Reform UK is expected to announce its candidate this week, while the Liberal Democrats and Gwlad have confirmed they will also field candidates.

Following his nomination for the Conservatives, Mr Potter said: “I’m deeply honoured to have been selected by our members to stand as the Welsh Conservative candidate for Caerphilly in the coming Senedd by-election.

“After 26 years, Welsh Labour have failed us time and time again. From parents worried about school safety to pensioners struggling to book GP appointments or the small business owners burdened by unfair taxes, all of this created by Labour at both ends of the M4.

“I’ll be knocking doors, and sharing my plan for Caerphilly, but most importantly, I’ll be listening to you.”

Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, congratulated Mr Potter, who he described as an “experienced campaigner who will work hard for local residents and be a strong voice in the Senedd”. 

Mr Millar continued: “There’s only one conservative party on the ballot paper in the Caerphilly by-election: the Welsh Conservative Party. 

“The message at this election is clear – more of the same with Labour and Plaid, or credible change with the Welsh Conservatives.”

Caerphilly Observer will be meeting with Mr Potter in due course to discuss his campaign in more detail, and will also be interviewing candidates from other parties.