David Thomas has been automatically removed from Cwmbran Community Council after failing to attend meetings for six months, in line with statutory requirements. His departure creates a vacancy that could prompt a second by-election in less than three years for the Two Locks ward seat.
Cllr Thomas, leader of the Reform UK Wales group on Torfaen Borough Council, joined the party shortly after the 2024 general election, alongside two former independent councillors. Their move marked Reform UK’s first representation in Welsh local government, with Cllr Thomas also serving as the party’s regional director for Wales.
In addition to his borough council role, for which he receives a salary of £23,726—including a senior allowance as a group leader—Cllr Thomas volunteered as a community councillor. He was elected as an independent to the Two Locks ward in a by-election in September 2023, defeating Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat candidates with 217 votes, a 27-vote majority over Labour. On the borough council, he represents Llantarnam ward.
Cllr Thomas has now been removed from the volunteer council due to poor attendance over the past six months. He attributed his absence to increasingly stretched commitments, citing his voluntary work alongside borough council duties, which involve responding to residents, managing casework, and attending meetings.
Speaking about his departure, he said: “As a father, local business owner, and Torfaen Borough Councillor for Llantarnam, my time is increasingly stretched. I dedicate a great deal of my time to direct action in the community, from resolving long-standing public safety issues and clearing overgrown alleyways to jet-washing walls and organising litter picks, as well as supporting vulnerable residents and working with council officers to deliver for local people. This is extremely rewarding work, and I’m proud every day to serve my community and the fantastic people who live here. I remain fully committed to serving our community and am proud of the tangible improvements we’ve made together. My focus now is on continuing that work as your borough councillor. I have no intention of standing down from this role.”
Cllr Thomas has also confirmed he will not be standing in the upcoming Senedd elections in May, a decision he previously announced on social media platform X.
Gareth Davies, clerk to Cwmbran Community Council, confirmed that Cllr Thomas is no longer a member. He explained that Cllr Thomas, who remained officially independent, informed Torfaen Borough Council of his departure.
“The seat was vacated by Cllr Thomas due to lack of attendance for six months under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972. This automatically triggered my duty as clerk to notify the lead authority of a casual vacancy. While the council was aware of Cllr Thomas joining Reform, no formal request was received to change his status from Independent, hence he remained listed as Independent,” Mr Davies said.
A notice of vacancy for the Two Locks ward has been issued by Torfaen Borough Council. A by-election will be held if ten electors from the ward submit requests by 5pm on Wednesday, 14 January. If insufficient requests are received, the community council will fill the vacancy through co-option, selecting a candidate from among the remaining members.
Blaenavon Town Council has recently estimated that a community by-election could cost between £10,000 and £12,000, covering polling stations, postal votes, poll cards, and staffing.
