Anthony Cook has been elected to Caerphilly County Borough Council after storming to victory in the Hengoed by-election.
The votes cast were: Anthony Cook (Plaid Cymru) 509, Kimberley Heath (Reform UK) 371, Dan Kelly (Labour) 103, David Emmins (Conservative) 21 and David Scullin 16 (Liberal Democrat).
This was the fifth election success for Plaid Cymru over Reform UK in Caerphilly County in just 10 months following the Caerphilly Senedd By-election, the Penyrheol and Van council by-elections and the Senedd vote in the Blaenau Gwent, Caerffili, Rhymney constituency.
The by-election was caused by the election of Plaid Cymru’s Donna Cushing to the Senedd in May.
Councillor Charlotte Bishop, leader of the opposition Plaid Cymru group, on Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to congratulate Anthony Cook on his election win.
“This is the fifth time voters in the county borough have rejected Reform following the Caerphilly Senedd By-election, the Penyrheol and Van by-elections and the Senedd vote in Blaenau Gwent, Caerffili, Rhymney.
“This victory in Caerphilly demonstrates that more and more people are putting their trust in Plaid Cymru’s positive vision for our communities. At the same time, parties that seek to divide people through fear, resentment and misinformation are losing ground as residents choose hope, hard work and local leadership instead.
“Anthony will be a tremendous asset to our team. He understands the difference between local government and Westminster, and he knows that delivering for residents’ means, working in partnership with colleagues, the community and local organisations to achieve real results.
“He is well known, well respected and incredibly hardworking. Throughout his campaign he demonstrated a genuine commitment to listening to local people and standing up for the communities of Cefn Hengoed and Hengoed.
“I couldn’t think of anyone better to fight for the people of Cefn Hengoed and Hengoed, and I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to build stronger communities across Caerphilly county.”