Voters in the Trebanos ward of Neath Port Talbot will go to the polls on July 9, 2026, to elect a new councillor following the resignation of former Plaid Cymru representative Rebeca Phillips, who was elected to the Senedd in May for the Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd constituency. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm.
Candidates and Their Priorities
Six candidates are contesting the seat: Hayley Davies (Liberal Democrats), Stephanie Rhian Everitt (Welsh Labour), Liz Hill O'Shea (Conservative Party), Graeme Kerrison (Reform UK), Griff Miller (Green Party), and Jamie Watkins (Plaid Cymru). The by-election comes less than a year before the scheduled local government elections in Wales in May 2027.
Liberal Democrats: Hayley Davies
Hayley Davies, a solicitor and former staffer for MP David Chadwick, has lived in the area for over 13 years. She pledges to clean up the River Tawe and hold authorities accountable. 'Trebanos is a wonderful village thanks to an army of volunteers,' she said, adding that she would hold regular advice surgeries and work closely with the MP on local issues.
Welsh Labour: Stephanie Rhian Everitt
Stephanie Everitt, an NHS clinical professional and community councillor, focuses on road maintenance, safe play areas, and litter picking. 'I am passionate about building stronger, safer, and cleaner communities,' she stated, promising to address road surface defects and support local facilities.
Conservative Party: Liz Hill O'Shea
Liz Hill O'Shea, a charity founder and church pastor with 20 years of community leadership, aims to tackle anti-social behaviour, sewage problems in the River Tawe, parking issues, and drug dealing. 'I would encourage activities for children and youth,' she said, and pledged to listen to residents' concerns.
Reform UK: Graeme Kerrison
Graeme Kerrison, standing for Reform UK, cited disappointment with current councillors and promised regular surgeries. His priorities include improving highway safety, road maintenance, and addressing litter and dog fouling.
Green Party: Griff Miller
Griff Miller, born and raised in Pontardawe, joined the Green Party two years ago due to feeling let down by establishment parties. He emphasised the climate and cost of living crises, pledging to be accessible, unify the community, and develop green spaces to encourage native plants and biodiversity.
Plaid Cymru: Jamie Watkins
Jamie Watkins, a lifelong Trebanos resident and Pontardawe town councillor since 2021, works for Openreach and volunteers as a referee for Trebanos RFC. His priorities include improving parking, public footpaths, potholes, and local roads. 'I am pleased to have been selected as Plaid Cymru's candidate,' he said.
Context and Impact
The by-election will fill the vacancy left by Rebeca Phillips, who won the Senedd seat for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd in May 2026. The outcome could signal voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 local elections across Wales.
