Plaid Cymru has successfully held onto its seat in a Neath Port Talbot Council by-election, with candidate Jamie Watkins securing 51% of the vote. The by-election in the Trebanos ward was triggered after former Plaid Cymru councillor Rebeca Phillips was elected to the Senedd to represent the Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd constituency.
By-Election Results and Turnout
The by-election took place on Thursday, with a total of 436 valid votes cast and a 31% turnout. Jamie Watkins won decisively with 223 votes (51%), fending off Reform UK candidate Graeme Kerrison, who came second with 88 votes (20%). Other candidates included Hayley Davies (Welsh Liberal Democrats, 77 votes, 18%), Stephanie Rhian Everitt (Welsh Labour, 37 votes, 8%), Liz Hill O'Shea (Welsh Conservatives, 7 votes, 2%), and Griff Miller (Green Party, 4 votes, 1%).
New Councillor's Background and Priorities
Jamie Watkins, a lifelong resident of Trebanos, expressed his pride and delight at the result. He said: "I'm absolutely over the moon and phenomenally proud to be elected to represent my area. There's a lot of work to do now over the coming months before the full Welsh council elections that take place next year." Watkins outlined his priorities, focusing on improving parking, public footpaths, potholes, and the condition of local roads.
Context of the By-Election
Trebanos is a small village in the Swansea Valley, near Pontardawe and the Swansea community of Morriston. The by-election was held under the ward's previous boundaries, ahead of the full council elections scheduled for next year. The result maintains Plaid Cymru's representation in the area, reflecting the party's continued support in the region.
