Labour has reclaimed a Merthyr Tydfil council seat from Reform UK following a by-election held on Thursday, June 25. Dean Barrett was elected as the new councillor for the Dowlais and Pant ward, securing 356 votes.
By-Election Results and Candidates
Independent candidate Nick Meaney finished second with 215 votes, while Reform UK’s Terry Donegan came third with 160 votes. Plaid Cymru’s James Cushen placed fourth with 125 votes, followed by Janeen Davies of the Wales Green Party with 20 votes and Roxanne Richardson with 11 votes. The voter turnout for this by-election was 18%.
The vacancy arose after David Hughes of Reform UK, who had held the seat, was elected to the Senedd in May to represent Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr.
Impact on Council Composition
Labour, which runs the council, now holds 15 of the 30 seats. The Independent group has nine seats, with four independent councillors and two Dowlais and Pant Community Independents. This result strengthens Labour's position in the council.
New Councillor Dean Barrett
Dean Barrett has lived in Dowlais his entire life and raised his family there. He worked at Triumph furniture manufacturers for 20 years and now manages the local community centre. He stated that he wants to help rebuild trust in politics through honesty, hard work, and results, underpinned by Labour values of fairness, opportunity, dignity, and community.
