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UKIP’s Senedd by-election candidate for the Caerphilly constituency has said he will “unapologetically fight to abolish the Senedd” – despite being based in England.

Roger Quilliam, who lives in Hampshire and is effectively a paper candidate for the far-right party, has also vowed to “declare war” on communism and Islamic fundamentalism.

The by-election, which is being held on Thursday October 23, follows the sudden passing of incumbent Labour MS Hefin David, who died in August, aged just 47.

The 22-year-old, who is a member of UKIP’s National Executive Committee, said: “I am standing in this by-election with one clear promise – I will unapologetically fight to abolish the Senedd.”

“For nearly three decades, devolved government has drained taxpayers’ money, created more career politicians, and failed our public services.

“Devolution gives the illusion of more democracy, but it just creates more bureaucracy, more inefficiency, and more corruption.”

Mr Quilliam described the Labour-run Welsh Government as “nothing but a disaster” and pointed to “NHS waiting lists rising, education standards falling, destructive Net Zero policies, and a stagnating economy”.

He added: “The people of Wales deserve better.”

A change in the law means that in May’s Senedd election, all candidates need to be resident in Wales.

Meanwhile, UKIP has complained to Caerphilly Observer about our lack of coverage for its candidate and said it is seeking legal advice on the matter.

When asked, via email, for a contact telephone number for Mr Quilliam, and whether he has been to the constituency, Janice MacKay, the party’s national campaign manager, replied: “Roger is unavailable for the rest of this week.”

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