News

Plaid Cymru’s historic by-election win shakes Welsh Politics

Published

6 months ago

October 24, 2025

Reform surge and Labour collapse signal a two-horse race ahead of 2026 Senedd election

PLAID CYMRU has hailed its sensational victory in the Caerphilly by-election as a “historic moment for Wales” — one that reshapes the nation’s political map and leaves both Labour and Reform UK nursing deep wounds.

The Welsh nationalist party, led by Rhun ap Iorwerth, seized the Senedd seat from Labour in what had long been one of its safest constituencies. Candidate Lindsay Whittle stormed to victory with 15,961 votes, fending off a fierce challenge from Reform UK’s Llŷr Powell, who polled 12,113.

Labour’s candidate Richard Tunnicliffe suffered a crushing defeat, taking only 3,713 votes — a collapse that has rocked the party’s century-long dominance in South Wales.

***Lindsay Whittle at the count early on Friday morning***

“Hope over division and progress over the tired status quo”

In a jubilant speech at the count, Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said the result proved that “the people of Caerphilly have chosen hope over division and progress over the tired status quo.”

He added: “We are now the real choice for Wales — the only party able to stop billionaire-backed Reform and offer a better future that works for everyone. Wales is ready for new leadership.”

Party officials described the win as a “seismic shift”, claiming it signals the emergence of a new two-party contest between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK in Wales.

***Rhun ap Iorwerth speaks to journalists at the count***

Reform vows to fight on

Reform UK’s Llŷr Powell congratulated Plaid but insisted the party had achieved its goal of building a lasting grassroots presence.
“A big part of what we were trying to do here was to master our campaigning,” he said. “We’ve trained so many people up on our systems. We’re now a grassroots campaigning party.”

The result confirms Reform’s growing foothold in post-industrial South Wales, where concerns about immigration and living costs have driven sharp political realignments.

Labour’s red wall crumbles

For Labour, the by-election marks a devastating reversal. Once unassailable in Caerphilly, the party now faces what insiders privately call “the beginning of a meltdown.”

Labour’s Senedd member for Blaenau Gwent, Alun Davies, criticised his Westminster colleagues for “using the language of Reform” when discussing refugees and immigration.

Meanwhile, UK Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds defended the party’s stance, saying: “With regard to small boat crossings and securing our borders, that’s because people are telling us it’s a huge priority.”

Polling expert Sir John Curtice told broadcasters that Plaid is now “well-placed to lead the next Welsh government,” but cautioned that the result did not mean “Nigel Farage’s bubble is burst.”

“We are listening, we are learning”

Wales’s First Minister and Welsh Labour leader Eluned Morgan struck a contrite tone, admitting her party had failed to deliver change quickly enough.

“Welsh Labour has heard the frustration on doorsteps in Caerphilly that the need to feel change in people’s lives has not been quick enough,” she said. “We are listening, we are learning the lessons, and we will come back stronger.”

At the count, Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies compared the party’s situation to reports of Mark Twain’s death: “Rumours about death are greatly exaggerated,” he said. “We’ve bounced back before, and we will again — focusing on cost of living, jobs, and opportunities for young people.”

He also urged Plaid to work with Labour on passing its upcoming budget, warning that gridlock could hurt public services across Wales.

Immigration row dominates campaign

Although migration is not a devolved issue — and only around 3% of Caerphilly’s population were born outside the UK — Reform UK’s campaign made immigration its central message, accusing Labour and Plaid of supporting a “mass immigration agenda.”

Plaid’s clear pro-unity message, contrasting hope against hostility, was credited for cutting through. As one local voter put it: “Plaid talked about us, not about who to blame.”

Remembering Hefin David

In his victory speech, Lindsay Whittle paid tribute to Hefin David, the former Labour MS whose sudden death triggered the by-election.
“He will be a hard act to follow. I will never fill his shoes, but I promise I will walk the same path that he did,” Whittle said, drawing warm applause from both sides of the hall.

What the result means

Labour, which governs Wales with 29 of the 60 Senedd seats, now faces the risk of losing its working majority ahead of the 2026 election — and with it, control over key budgets. Political observers warn that Wales could be entering a new era of instability, where Plaid and Reform compete for disillusioned voters while Labour fights to redefine itself.

As one commentator noted: “Caerphilly has become a warning shot for Labour and a rallying cry for Plaid. What happens next could redefine Welsh politics for a generation.”

Photo caption:

Triumphant moment: Plaid Cymru’s Lindsay Whittle celebrates victory in Caerphilly as Labour’s century-long dominance crumbles (Pic: Matthew Horwood/Herald).

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

4 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

Published

4 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

Published

5 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.