A by-election in the Splott ward of Cardiff, triggered after the leader of Cardiff Council stepped down, will take place on Thursday, July 9. Five candidates are vying for the seat, but Plaid Cymru, the largest party in the Senedd, is not putting forward a candidate.
The by-election follows Huw Thomas's election in May to represent the constituency of Caerdydd Penarth in the Senedd. Thomas had led the council between 2017 and 2026. The Labour Party has held the Splott seat for many years.
Candidates and their priorities
The candidates standing in the by-election are Charles Agbakahi (Conservative Party), James Caruana (Labour Party), David John Cook (Reform UK), Rhys William Husband (Liberal Democrats), and Simran Patel (Green Party). The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked each candidate to explain who they are, why they want to be a councillor, and their main areas of priority.
Charles Agbakahi (Conservative)
Charles Agbakahi, the Conservative candidate, said he has built his career managing projects and solving problems. He wants to bring practical experience to serving the community. Agbakahi highlighted concerns about anti-social behaviour, litter, fly-tipping, road safety, and the condition of local streets. His priorities are safer streets, a cleaner environment, better roads and transport, supporting local families and businesses, and giving Splott a stronger voice at Cardiff Council.
James Caruana (Labour)
James Caruana, the Labour candidate, said he is proud to represent Splott, Tremorfa, and Pengam Green, where he has lived his entire life. He learned to swim at Splott Pool, studied taekwondo at the Old Library, and regularly watches St Albans RFC. If elected, he will fight to secure a new station for Tremorfa, regenerate communities, work with police to make neighbourhoods safer, and deliver cleaner streets while protecting green spaces.
David John Cook (Reform UK)
David John Cook, the Reform UK candidate, was born and raised in Splott. He began his career at Land Rover Cardiff, working up to superintendent, and later became manufacturing director and general manager elsewhere, spending over 20 years in senior manufacturing and consultancy roles internationally. After retiring, he volunteered for seven years with Newport Samaritans and five years with Victim Support. Cook joined Reform UK because he believes the party addresses challenges facing Britain and gives local communities a stronger voice. His priorities include delivering better value for taxpayers, challenging unnecessary council tax increases, protecting essential local services, and ensuring housing policies give local people a fair opportunity to remain in their communities.
Rhys William Husband (Liberal Democrats)
Rhys William Husband, the Liberal Democrat candidate, is a professional Transport Planner. He said he has the experience to tackle traffic clogging streets during rush hour, which impacts air quality. He noted residents raised concerns about litter due to a lack of bins and anti-social behaviour that goes unchallenged. Husband said he knows how to turn council policy into real change and is interested in results, not party politics.
Simran Patel (Green Party)
Simran Patel, the Green Party candidate, said local politics should deliver practical improvements. She has made her home in Splott and wants to be an independent, local voice that holds the Labour Council to account. Patel said she understands pressures from rising rents, energy bills, and the cost of living. Her priorities include supporting community hubs, backing energy-efficient homes, investing in affordable public transport, and keeping public spaces clean and safe, focusing on fly tipping and park negligence.
