Reform UK Fields Llŷr Powell for Caerphilly By-Election
Reform UK has officially thrown its hat into the ring for the Caerphilly by election, announcing Llŷr Powell as its candidate. The announcement was made at Caerphilly Social Club on Friday morning, with party leader Nigel Farage in attendance to back the newcomer.
Powell, who currently works in communications and public affairs, has made Caerphilly his home for the past five years. Aside from a brief stint at the House of Commons last year, his ties to the community run deep.
A fluent Welsh speaker, he is known locally and has already been championed for his passion for mental health services and grassroots sport.
In its official statement, Reform UK described Powell as “passionate about improving access to mental health care, as well as an enthusiastic supporter of grassroots rugby.”
Llŷr Powell is our candidate for the Caerphilly by-election! pic.twitter.com/nh8l8Ys6dL
— Reform UK (@reformparty_uk) September 12, 2025
The by-election follows the tragic death of sitting Senedd Member Hefin David, who passed away aged just 47.
Labour has selected Richard Tunnicliffe as its candidate, while Plaid Cymru has once again chosen Cllr Lindsay Whittle.
Gareth Potter will contest the seat for the Conservatives. Both the Liberal Democrats and Gwlad are set to field candidates, making this a fiercely fought campaign.
At his unveiling, Powell spoke candidly about the situation ahead. “This is not a by-election any of us wanted.
Hefin was an excellent Senedd Member who was never tribal, committed to his community and made a real difference in education.”
He went on to lay out the Reform party’s vision: “The local communities in Caerphilly deserve a Senedd Member who will stand up for them after over 26 years of stagnation from Labour and Plaid. Only Reform UK is offering a chance at genuine change.”
Powell’s pitch wasn’t just rhetoric. He outlined policies rooted in fairness and opportunity.
“Reform are offering an alternative rooted in fairness, ambition, and accountability,” he said.
Highlighting his personal connection, Powell added, “My mother was a nurse. I believe in free prescriptions and an NHS free at the point of delivery.
I believe in a strong local economy here in Caerphilly with thriving businesses, where our young people have opportunities right here, not just in the cities.”
Farage, MP for Clacton in Essex, was equally forthright in his endorsement. “Llŷr is a fantastic candidate who is passionate about representing communities in south Wales that Labour have taken for granted for too long,” he stated.
He didn’t hold back on the failings of established parties. “After almost three decades, Plaid and Labour have only served to put Wales at the bottom of the table in almost every metric that matters.
Now, voters in Caerphilly have a chance to elect someone that will fight for the change that they deserve.”
Turning to the campaign’s prospects, Farage made his ambitions clear. “This matters, this is important. I’d love to stand here and tell you that we’re rank outsiders, that we’re the complete underdog in every sense, and you don’t need to worry too much how we do, that simply wouldn’t be the case.
“We go into this contest and I want to make it absolutely clear from the start; we are in it to win it. Simple as.”
With the election now shaping up as a major battleground, Caerphilly looks set for a spirited contest.
Reform UK’s entry adds new energy, and plenty of debate, to a race that could reshape local representation in Wales.
