Two by-elections in Swansea have resulted in victories for the Conservative and Labour parties. Hannah Williams comfortably won the Mumbles ward for the Conservatives, while Rebecca Francis-Davies secured Morriston for Labour, fending off a strong challenge from Reform UK.
Conservative Victory in Mumbles
Hannah Williams, a new member of the Conservative Party who works in the charity sector, polled 933 votes in Mumbles. Labour came second with 460 votes, followed closely by Reform UK with 458. The seat became vacant after incumbent Francesca O'Brien became a Reform UK member of the Senedd in last month's national election.
Williams said: "We were hoping it would be a successful campaign – the scale of the victory was fantastic to see." She added: "I just felt it was a really good opportunity to work for the community. I'm very passionate about where we live. I wanted to get involved and make Mumbles the best place it can be for residents and visitors."
The mother-of-two grew up in Mumbles and returned after university in Manchester. Her husband Ben volunteered for the Mumbles RNLI for 25 years. She praised the work of existing Mumbles ward members and said: "I wanted to be part of that team."
The Conservatives now have five Swansea councillors, including Mumbles ward colleagues Will Thomas and Angela O'Connor.
Labour Holds Morriston
In Morriston, Rebecca Francis-Davies received 908 votes, while Reform UK's Graham Ashby got 822. Plaid Cymru's Ioan Warlow took 569 votes. Francis-Davies follows her father Robert, who represented Morriston for over 40 years; his death triggered the by-election.
Francis-Davies said: "I'm just very happy that people in Morriston put their faith in me. I think I can make a difference. I've gone into it with my eyes wide open, and I know what hard work it is." She highlighted her strong views on adult social care and mental health services.
She runs an HR consultancy and lectures at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David business school. She grew up in Morriston and previously served as a town councillor in Warwick. In 2022, she stood for Uplands in council elections and was a Labour candidate for Gwyr Abertawe in the Senedd election.
Her sons Barnaby and George were at the count. She noted that some voters said they would vote for Reform UK, but many were concerned Reform UK might win. She also heard positive comments about her father's work.
The win maintains Labour's tight grip on Morriston with five councillors.
Full Results
Mumbles
- Hannah Williams (Conservatives): 933
- David Lewis (Labour): 460
- Emilie Cox (Reform UK): 458
- Tricia Sanderson (Plaid Cymru): 268
- Rich Williams (Green Party): 200
- Dorian Davies (Independent): 118
- Jim Hehir (Liberal Democrats): 66
Morriston
- Rebecca Francis-Davies (Labour): 908
- Graham Ashby (Reform UK): 822
- Ioan Warlow (Plaid Cymru): 569
- Gareth Schofield (Green Party): 107
- Hayden Lewis (Liberal Democrats): 93
- Idin Ghotbi (Conservatives): 87
