Reform UK leader Nigel Farage appeared to pull a face when his party’s new candidate for the Caerphilly Senedd by-election switched to Welsh during his first public address.
Mr Farage was in the town yesterday to confirm that communications specialist Llŷr Powell will contest the seat, which was left vacant following the sudden death of Labour MS Hefin David last month.
Mr Powell, who has lived in Caerphilly for the past five years, has built his career in political communications, public affairs and the charitable sector. Addressing supporters in both English and Welsh, he praised his late predecessor before setting out Reform UK’s case for change.
“This is not a by-election any of us wanted. Hefin was an excellent Senedd member who was never tribal, committed to his community and made a real difference in education,” he said. “The local communities in Caerphilly deserve a Senedd member who will stand up for them after over 26 years of stagnation from Labour and Plaid. Only Reform UK is offering a chance at genuine change.”
It was as Mr Powell began his remarks in Welsh that Mr Farage appeared to pull a face on stage. The Reform leader later remarked: “I understood much of that,” before laughing.
The by-election, scheduled for 23 October, was called after Mr David died suddenly at his home in Nelson on 12 August, the day before his 48th birthday. An inquest has since opened, though the cause of death remains “unascertained” pending toxicology results. Mr David had represented the constituency since 2016.
Opening the press conference, Mr Farage said: “I understand the tragic circumstances for which we are here today… I pay my condolences to the family but the wheels of democracy must turn. It is little doubt that this will be the last by-election before May so this matters, it is important. We are in it to win it… simple as that.”
Labour, Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives have already confirmed their candidates, but this marks the first time a party leader has personally travelled to Wales to make such an announcement.
While Reform UK has yet to name a formal leader for its Welsh branch, Mr Farage’s decision to appear in Caerphilly underlines the significance his party is placing on the contest.
Political observers note that a Labour loss in Caerphilly could have far-reaching implications, potentially altering the balance of power in the Senedd.
