Sunday, October 11, 2026 -Reform UK has suffered another setback in local politics after independent candidates won both seats in a council by-election in Pontypool, Wales, despite the party being the only political party to field candidates. Independent Giles Davies topped the poll with 224 votes, while Lloyd Hughes secured the second seat with 155 votes.
The result, reported on October 9, 2026, highlights the ability of independent candidates to attract local support even when competing against a nationally recognised political party. The contest was held to fill two vacancies on Pontypool Community Council representing the Abersychan and Cwmavon ward.
The vacancies arose after former Labour councillors Jules and Bob Rogers were automatically removed from the community council in August after failing to attend meetings for six months. Davies, who already serves as a Torfaen Borough councillor, previously belonged to Labour before leaving the party's ruling group in 2023 following a dispute over changes to rubbish collection schedules.
Hughes also has a political background, having been a member of Restore Britain, the party founded by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe, between March and August 2026. The outcome follows a similar by-election in Blaenavon in September, where two independent candidates defeated Reform UK contenders to win town council seats.
The results present a fresh challenge for Reform UK as it seeks to strengthen its influence in Welsh communities and expand its local government presence. While the outcome does not establish a wider national trend, it demonstrates that local connections and individual candidates can play a decisive role in community-level elections.
For independent councillors, the victories offer an opportunity to shape local priorities and represent residents outside the traditional party structure. Attention will now turn to whether Reform UK can convert its national profile into stronger support in future Welsh council contests.
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