The Treorchy ward by-election, scheduled for Thursday, June 25, will see five candidates competing to replace former Plaid Cymru councillor Sera Evans, who was elected to the Senedd in May representing Afan Ogwr Rhondda. The current Labour councillor for Treorchy, Bob Harris, who also serves as cabinet member for communities, culture, and leisure, remains in office.
Candidates and their platforms
The candidates are Daniel Buck (Wales Green Party), Richard Clarke (Plaid Cymru), Craig Ford (Reform UK), David Morris (Welsh Labour), and Cerys Walker (Welsh Conservatives). Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on election day.
As of now, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council comprises 58 Labour councillors, seven Plaid Cymru, three Independents, three RCT Independents, two Conservatives, and one not specified.
Daniel Buck (Wales Green Party)
Buck stated: “In short I’m running to try and push Treorchy into having a smarter, more active political conversation. When all is said and done I want whoever takes the seat to have actual ideas, actual plans for lifting our town up – not just a vague pledge to honour local pride.” He emphasised tackling rising rent rates and outside businesses exploiting development opportunities, adding that “the whole upper Rhondda honestly – needs to get smart about standing up for what we have here.”
Richard Clarke (Plaid Cymru)
Clarke highlighted his local campaigning history, including a 2022 campaign for Health Inspectorate Wales to investigate Forest View GP surgery and lobbying RCT Cabinet in October 2025 for better disabled driver provisions, resulting in seven new disabled bays on or near Treorchy high street. He also led a group in 2025 that removed illegal gates blocking forestry access in Cwmparc.
Clarke said: “At the Senedd elections I did an enormous amount of research to educate people about the voting system and claims made by politicians standing for election. I must say that it had over 1.5m hits and had an anti-Reform stance.” He noted his alignment with Plaid Cymru policies and his visibility in the community. His positive campaign focuses on being part of a strong local team with reach to Senedd members, and he plans to scrutinise the council if elected, aiming for success at full council level in 2027.
Craig Ford (Reform UK)
Ford, a lifelong Rhondda resident living in Cwmparc with his wife and two young children, said: “As a local parent, the issues facing families across Treorchy, Cwmparc, and Ynyswen are part of everyday life for me — the school run, road safety outside our schools, the wait for a GP appointment, the condition of local roads, and the need for better opportunities for young people.” He prioritises safer roads around schools, reliable GP access, support for high street shops and traders, and opportunities for young people to build futures in the valley.
David Morris (Welsh Labour)
Morris has served in the army, with St John Ambulance and the cadets, and as a school governor in Treorchy. He commits to being an “active, visible and accessible councillor” working alongside Councillor Bob Harris to ensure the ward benefits from RCT Labour’s record investment in services and facilities.
Cerys Walker (Welsh Conservatives)
Walker said: “I am standing in this by-election because I believe our community deserves strong, responsive, and accountable representation. I am committed to listening to residents, addressing local concerns, and working hard to improve services and opportunities for everyone.” Her priorities include supporting local families, strengthening the community, promoting economic growth, and ensuring effective use of public resources.
