Labour pushed into fifth place as Reform makes strong showing
THE WELSH Liberal Democrats have held onto their seat in Llanidloes, Powys, following a tightly contested county council by-election.
Fleur Frantz-Morgans, who works for a domestic violence charity, was elected for the party after a narrow victory over Reform UK. The by-election was triggered by the retirement of veteran councillor Gareth Morgan, who represented Llanidloes for an unprecedented 52 years.
Despite a surge from Reform, Frantz-Morgans secured 35.5% of the vote—just edging ahead of Reform’s 35.1%. Plaid Cymru came third with 14.3%, while the Conservatives dropped to 7.5%, a sharp fall from their previous 21%. Labour trailed in fifth place with just 7.1%.
‘Proud to continue Gareth’s legacy’
Reacting to the result, Fleur Frantz-Morgans thanked the local community for their support and pledged to hit the ground running:
“I would like to thank everyone from across the community who placed their trust in me. I’m looking forward to ensuring residents’ voices are heard and that the issues raised during the campaign are addressed.”
Glyn Preston, Senedd candidate for Gwynedd Maldwyn (Montgomeryshire and Gwynedd), said the win showed that the Lib Dems were standing firm while both Labour and the Conservatives were losing ground to Reform:
“It is fantastic news that Llanidloes will continue to be served by a hard-working Liberal Democrat. As we look towards the Senedd elections next year, people are clearly fed up with the two legacy parties. Whether it’s the Conservatives’ cuts or Welsh Labour’s mismanagement of the NHS and rural services, there is a demand for change.”
Dodds: ‘We are not afraid to stand up to Reform’
Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said the result proved her party’s ability to resist the rise of Reform:
“While Labour and the Conservatives continue to haemorrhage votes to Reform across Wales, we are holding our ground. That’s because we’re not afraid to challenge Nigel Farage and take the fight to Reform rather than copy their politics.
“As the Senedd elections approach, we will keep fighting for the real issues—affordable childcare, support for small businesses, and a reformed social care system to save our NHS.”
By-election result (Llanidloes):
- Liberal Democrats: 35.5%
- Reform UK: 35.1%
- Plaid Cymru: 14.3%
- Conservative: 7.5%
- Labour: 7.1%
- Independent: 0.4%
