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Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth is due to visit the Caerphilly constituency again, three weeks out from polling day, as the party continues to push for support.

Ahead of a scheduled appearance at Caerphilly Rugby Club on Thursday October 2, at 6pm, Mr ap Iorwerth said electing Lindsay Whittle in the by-election would be a “first step” to electing a Plaid Cymru government.

He said: “Linsday Whittle is a local champion through and through and will be a strong advocate for the people of Caerphilly against a tired Labour Welsh Government.

“A win in next month’s by-election would be the first step to electing a pro-Wales government in next year’s Senedd election. Polls have shown it’s a two-horse race – Plaid Cymru has a proven track record of delivering for communities across Wales, while Labour offer more of the same and Reform focus on empty slogans while failing to offer any solutions to the issues people face.”

Cllr Whittle said: “We’re completely focused on ensuring positive change for our communities – that means cutting NHS waiting lists, boosting the local economy, and helping struggling families who are still being squeezed by the cost of living crisis. I will fight for my local community and ensure their voices are heard loud and clear in the Senedd.”

“Different poison, same bottle”

Meanwhile, Labour’s First Minister has also been in Caerphilly recently – litterpicking.

The election stunt was to promote £278,000 being handed to Caerphilly Council through the Welsh Government’s Tidy Towns fund, announced earlier this year.

But it was at the recent Labour Party conference where Eluned Morgan made real headlines with her criticism of Plaid Cymru and Reform UK.

Addressing delegates in Liverpool she said: “Let’s be brutally honest, the polls are not looking good. People are angry. Disillusioned. Our voice – the voice that’s always fought for them – is getting drowned out by the carnival of charlatans and the circus of snake oil salesmen.

“Reform blames foreigners, Plaid, blame Westminster. Divisive nationalism in different forms. Different poison, same bottle.”

She also said that Wales would “fall into chaos” if either Plaid or Reform won in May’s full Senedd election.

Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said the comments were “unbecoming of her office” and was a sign of a Labour government “in panic”.

Speaking during First Minister’s Questions in the Senedd on Tuesday September 30, he said: “Where we promote unity, Reform sow division.

“Where we advocate for Wales to stand on its own two feet, they flirt with the idea of direct control from Westminster, silencing Wales’ voice.

“Where we promise to protect our culture and language, they proudly say it’s not a priority.

“She has fundamentally misread the mood of the nation and became a weakened leader of a diminished party as a result.

Caerphilly’s by-election candidates

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

Register to vote in the Caerphilly by-election

Voters in Caerphilly will head to the polls on Thursday 23 October 2025 to elect a new Senedd Member. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm.

To take part, you must be registered to vote. You can do this online at Register to vote. The deadline is midnight on Tuesday October 7, 2025.

• You must:
• be registered to vote
• be 16 or over on polling day
• live in the Caerphilly Constituency
• not be legally excluded from voting

If you are unsure whether you are registered, contact Electoral Services at Bargoed House, 1 St Gwladys Way, Bargoed, CF81 8AB, email electoralservices@caerphilly.gov.uk, or call 01443 866586.

Voting by post: Applications for postal votes must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 8 October 2025.

Voting by proxy: If you want someone else to vote on your behalf, you must apply by 5pm on Wednesday October 15. In certain circumstances, emergency proxy applications can be made after this deadline.