Swansea welcomes its newest councillor, Tony Fitzgerald, who secured a significant victory in the Penllergaer by-election. This win comes after the passing of his wife, Wendy Fitzgerald, who had served the Penllergaer community for over two decades. With 646 votes, Fitzgerald’s success in the by-election was a clear demonstration of support from the residents, positioning him as the “continuity candidate” following in his late wife’s footsteps. His decision to stand was influenced by the encouragement of the people of Penllergaer, who believed in his ability to serve their community effectively.
Fitzgerald’s campaign was characterised by his commitment to prioritising the needs of Penllergaer and its residents. His election leaflet highlighted his reputation as a doer, someone who can be relied upon to put the community first. Drawing on his experience as a Penllergaer community councillor for nine years, including a term as chairman, Fitzgerald has a track record of delivering tangible results for the area. Notably, under his leadership, the community council successfully acquired and transformed the Miners’ Welfare Field into a popular sports facility, complete with football pitches and a pavilion.
Having grown up in Swansea and worked in the IT sector before retirement, Fitzgerald brings a wealth of experience to his new role as councillor. He has expressed his intention to serve the community until the next local government elections in 2027, demonstrating his long-term commitment to the people of Penllergaer. As a member of Independents@Swansea, the party his late wife represented, Fitzgerald is dedicated to continuing her legacy of advocating for the best interests of the community.
Reflecting on his late wife’s contributions as a councillor and cabinet member for social services, Fitzgerald emphasised his alignment with her values and priorities. Building upon Wendy’s work, he aims to support and empower Penllergaer residents, ensuring their voices are heard within the council. His swift action in reporting and addressing a pothole issue post-election underscores his proactive approach to addressing local concerns, a quality that resonates with constituents.
The Penllergaer by-election turnout of 34% highlighted the engagement and interest of the electorate in selecting their new representative. Fitzgerald’s landslide victory over the other candidates, including Welsh Liberal Democrats and Reform UK, signals a vote of confidence in his ability to lead and represent the community effectively. As he settles into his new role, Fitzgerald remains focused on honouring his late wife’s memory by continuing her work and striving to make a positive impact on the lives of Penllergaer residents.
In the wake of Wendy Fitzgerald’s passing, Tony Fitzgerald’s election as a councillor brings a sense of continuity and stability to the Penllergaer community. With a strong mandate from the residents, he is poised to uphold the values of service, integrity, and community spirit that define his late wife’s legacy. As Swansea’s newest councillor, Fitzgerald embarks on a journey of public service guided by the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and dedication to the well-being of Penllergaer.