PM quizzed in Commons over why he’s yet to visit Caerphilly ahead of by-election

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been challenged in the House of Commons on why he hasn’t visited Caerphilly ahead of next week’s Senedd by-election.

Last month, Sir Keir told BBC Wales he was unsure if he would be visiting the area as part of Labour’s campaign to regain the seat.

The by-election, which is being held on Thursday October 23, was triggered following the passing of incumbent Labour MS Hefin David in August, aged just 47.

Wales’ First Minister, and Welsh Labour leader, Eluned Morgan, has made numerous trips to Caerphilly to campaign, as have UK Labour deputy leadership hopefuls Lucy Powell and Bridget Phillipson.

Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth has regularly been seen on the doorstep too and also held a public event with candidate Linsday Whittle at Caerphilly RFC.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also made a recent visit to Caerphilly on Friday October 10 to bolster his candidate.

Visits have also been made by Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds, Welsh Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter and Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake.

Liz Saville Roberts, leader of the Plaid Cymru group in Westminster quizzed Sir Keir during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday October 15.

She said: “Ahead of his party conference, the Prime Minister told the BBC he wasn’t sure whether he’d campaign in Caerphilly for the by-election on October 23. This is an important by-election in Wales.

“Well, there’s just over a week to go – and he hasn’t shown his face there yet.

“So what’s the problem, Mr Speaker – is it his party’s decision to close ten libraries in the community, cuts to disability support, or perhaps it’s the fact that even the council leader resigned from the Labour party and is calling on people to support Plaid Cymru?”

Responding, Sir Keir didn’t say anything about visiting Caerphilly, but said: “Well, Mr Speaker she leaves out of her account that we provided £21 billion, the largest ever settlement for Wales, and what did she do? She voted against it.

“And while we’re on the question of money, she’s accepted figures this week that independence would cost every Welsh person £7,000. They should be honest about the cost with the people of Wales of their policies.”

Speaking outside the Commons, Ms Saville-Roberts disputed the “dodgy” £7,000 figure quoted by the Prime Minister.

Caerphilly’s by-election candidates for October 23

• 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