Wales Online has reported a significant political development in Wales as the first Reform Party councillor, Stuart Keyte, was elected on Torfaen Borough Council. This victory came after he won the Trevethin and Penygarn by-election, defeating the Labour candidate by nearly 200 votes. Despite Labour maintaining control of the council with a majority of 12, Keyte’s win increased the Reform Party’s representation on the authority to four members. This follows the formation of the first Reform group on a Welsh council last summer by three previously independent councillors.
The by-election saw Toniann Phillips as the Labour candidate, aiming to secure one of the two seats in the Pontypool ward. The contest, which took place on Thursday night, resulted in the following outcome: Tony Clark (Plaid) with 25 votes, Catherine Howells (Independent) with 117 votes, Stuart Keyte (Reform UK) with 457 votes, Toniann Phillips (Welsh Labour) with 259 votes, and Louise Sheppard (Independent) with 114 votes. The voter turnout was recorded at 24.7%, with 973 total votes cast (1 spoilt).
A spokesperson for Reform UK described this win as significant for the party’s momentum leading up to the next year’s Senedd election. They highlighted that the win signifies a growing demand for change in Wales, asserting that Reform UK offers a credible alternative to the status quo. Stuart Keyte expressed gratitude to the community for their support and emphasized the need for change in the face of longstanding challenges faced by the region.
Councillor David Thomas, the Reform UK Group Leader in Torfaen, praised Keyte’s success in garnering community support and welcomed him as the newest councillor. Keyte’s victory is seen as a reflection of the community’s desire for a fresh voice and a departure from traditional politics that may have failed to address local issues effectively. The Reform Party’s growing presence in the council is indicative of a shifting political landscape in Wales.
This election outcome signals a growing shift in political dynamics within Welsh councils, with voters increasingly looking towards alternative parties such as the Reform Party for solutions to local issues. Keyte’s win is a testament to the party’s appeal in addressing the needs and concerns of local communities. As the Reform Party continues to gain traction, its success in this by-election underscores a potential for broader changes in Wales’s political landscape in the future.
In conclusion, Stuart Keyte’s election as the first Reform Party councillor in Wales marks a significant milestone in Welsh politics. With a clear mandate from the community of Trevethin and Penygarn, Keyte’s victory signals a changing political tide in Wales. As the Reform Party gains ground and offers an alternative vision for the future, the results of this by-election may serve as a barometer for political shifts in the region.