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Plaid and Reform neck and neck as polls close in Caerphilly by-election

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Historic valleys seat could fall after more than a century of Labour dominance

POLLS have closed in the Caerphilly Senedd by-election, with sources from both Plaid Cymru and Reform UK suggesting the result could go down to the wire.

The by-election was triggered by the sudden death of Labour MS Hefin David in August. He was first elected in 2016 and was well-known in Cardiff Bay for his outspoken contributions and his work as one of the Senedd’s commissioners.

Counting began on Thursday night at Caerphilly Leisure Centre, where officials confirmed that turnout figures would be announced before midnight.

Plaid and Reform confident

Party figures from both Plaid Cymru and Reform UK told The Herald they believe the race is “too close to call”, with one hinting that a recount could be possible if margins prove tight.

Plaid’s candidate Lindsay Whittle, a former Caerphilly council leader, has been campaigning heavily on local services and cost-of-living pressures, while Reform UK’s Llŷr Powell has focused on immigration and opposition to Cardiff Bay’s 20 mph speed limit policy.

Both parties brought in their national leaders for final rallies this week — Rhun ap Iorwerth for Plaid and Nigel Faragefor Reform UK — underlining the national significance of the vote.

Labour faces uphill struggle

Labour’s candidate Richard Tunnicliffe thanked voters for their support, saying the campaign had been “tough for a variety of reasons.” Welsh Labour insiders privately admit the party expects to finish third, a dramatic reversal in a constituency it has dominated since the early twentieth century.

One Labour source described the contest as “a defeat for Starmerism, not for Eluned Morgan,” arguing that the First Minister remains personally popular on the doorstep despite frustration with the UK party leadership.

Wider implications

A loss in Caerphilly would leave Welsh Labour with 29 of the Senedd’s 60 seats, forcing it to rely on at least two opposition members to pass future budgets.

Politically, the result will be viewed as a key test of the mood across the South Wales Valleys ahead of the 2026 Senedd Election, with polls showing Plaid and Reform gaining ground among voters disillusioned with both main parties.

The count will continue into the early hours of Friday morning, with a result expected around 2:00 am.

 

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

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A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.

Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.

Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.

Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.

“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.

The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.

Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.

“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.

When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”

Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”

As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”

A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.

 

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Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

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A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

 

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Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

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A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.

 

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