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Gwlad has selected Armed Forces veteran Anthony Cook to contest the upcoming Senedd by-election in Caerphilly.

Mr Cook, who is originally from Cefn Hengoed but now lives in Ystrad Mynach, is the fifth confirmed candidate for the election, which is 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 meanwhile has picked Llŷr Powell to contest the seat.

The Liberal Democrats have also confirmed they will field a candidate.

Discussing his candidacy, Mr Cook, who chairs his party’s Rhymney and Sirhowy Valleys branch, said: “Having lived in the Rhymney valley for most of my life, aside from my time serving with the Royal Welsh regiment, I know from experience the challenges our communities face in these valleys.

“My family has been part of the Rhymney Valley’s mining history for generations, and I understand the struggles that have followed the decline of our traditional industries.”

Mr Cook highlighted town centre regeneration as a particular area of importance, and said: “As a young boy I played in the shadow of Penallta Colliery and caught the C9 bus to Bargoed to go shopping with my Nan in a once thriving high street.

“As a dad to three beautiful children I take them on adventures over Parc Penallta and Gelligaer Common. This place I call home is precious to me. 

“Gwlad’s policies, based on Welsh nationalism and free-market economics with a light-touch government, offer a clear path forward.”

The party, which was formed in 2018, supports Welsh independence and “puts the economy first”.

Discussing his candidate, Gwlad leader Gwyn Wigley Evans said the party is “very fortunate to have a local, young, and energetic candidate in Anthony Cook”.

He continued: “Anthony is locally born and bred, he’s travelled to many countries with the Armed Forces but settled back in the constituency with a young growing family. He wants the best for them, his county and his country.

“He brings fresh, thought-through policies from the Gwlad manifesto – policies which have been informed by looking at other successful small countries and adapted to suit Wales.

“No other party has a vision to get Wales out of the long term decline that successive governments in Westminster and Cardiff Bay have condemned it to.”

“More of the same simply won’t work. Anthony has the vision and, with your help, can make the changes needed.”

Mr Wigley Evans also paid tribute to Hefin David, and said: “Hefin David’s death was very sad and Gwlad’s unreserved commiserations go to his family and friends.”

Confirmed by-election candidates so far

• Gwlad – Anthony Cook
• Welsh Conservatives – Gareth Potter
• Reform UK – Llŷr Powell
• Richard Tunnicliffe – Labour
• Lindsay Whittle – Plaid Cymru