Former political journalist selected as Green Party by-election candidate

A retired BBC and ITV political journalist will stand for the Green Party at the upcoming Caerphilly Senedd by-election.

Gareth Hughes is the seventh confirmed candidate for the election, which is being held on Thursday October 23.

The election is being held following the passing of Labour’s Hefin David, who had represented Caerphilly in the Senedd since 2016.

Mr Hughes, who has also worked as a political adviser, educator, and housing campaigner, and became the first director of the Welsh Federation of Housing Associations, now known as Community Housing Cymru.

A Welsh speaker originally from Bangor, he has lived in Caerphilly for numerous decades, and previously served on the former Rhymney Valley District Council.

During his career as a journalist, he reported and presented for ITV Wales, produced documentaries for both ITV and the BBC, and was a political commentator for Radio Cymru and Radio Wales.

Speaking about his selection, Mr Hughes said: “I believe Wales needs positive political change – change that puts people and the planet first.

“The Green Party is the only left-wing party that truly aligns with my values, and I am determined to give Caerphilly a strong, honest, and committed voice in the Senedd.”

Mr Hughes said his priorities, if elected, would be to secure “green jobs for people where they live”, and “stronger communities with empowered local voices”.

He also highlights securing better public services as a priority, calling for more evening bus services, and “warm, safe housing” – and a “fairer, greener future tackling the climate emergency”.

Confirmed by-election candidates so far

• Welsh Liberal Democrats – Steve Aicheler
• Gwlad – Anthony Cook
• Wales Green Party – Gareth Hughes
• Welsh Conservatives – Gareth Potter
• Reform UK – Llŷr Powell
• Richard Tunnicliffe – Labour
• Lindsay Whittle – Plaid Cymru