Labour takes Merthyr Tydfil council seat from Reform

Labour has secured a council seat in Merthyr Tydfil following a by-election victory on Thursday, June 25, when Dean Barrett was elected as the new councillor for the ward.

Barrett received 356 votes in the contest, seeing off competition from five other candidates. Independent candidate Nick Meaney finished second with 215 votes, while Reform UK's Terry Donegan came third with 160 votes. James Cushen finished fourth with 125 votes, with Janeen Davies of the Wales Green Party fifth with 20 votes and Roxanne Richardson sixth with 11 votes.

The by-election was held to replace David Hughes of Reform UK, who was elected to the Senedd last month to represent Cynon Merthyr. The voter turnout for the by-election was 18%.

The election victory strengthens Labour's position on the council. The party now holds 15 of the 30 council seats, with the Independent group holding nine. There are also four independent councillors and two representatives from Dowlais and Pant Community Independents.

Barrett has deep roots in the community, having lived in Dowlais his whole life where he has raised his family. He worked at Triumph furniture manufacturers for 20 years before moving into his current role as a manager at the local community centre.

Speaking after his election, Cllr Barrett outlined his priorities for the role. He said he wants to help rebuild trust in politics through honesty, hard work and results underpinned by Labour values of fairness, opportunity, dignity and community.

The victory represents a significant result for Labour in the ward, reclaiming the seat from Reform UK and strengthening the party's control of the council.