A BY-ELECTION triggered after the leader of Cardiff Council stepped down will take place this week.
There will be five candidates running in the by-election for Splott, happening on July 9, but Plaid Cymru, which is the largest party in the Senedd, aren’t putting anyone forward.
The by-election comes after Huw Thomas, who led the council between 2017 and 2026, was elected in May to represent the constituency of Caerdydd Penarth in the Senedd.
Running for the Labour politician’s old seat on Thursday will be Charles Agbakahi (Conservative Party), James Caruana (Labour Party), David John Cook (Reform UK), Rhys William Husband (Liberal Democrats) and Simran Patel (Green Party).
The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked each candidate and their parties to briefly explain who they are, why they want to be councillor and their main areas of priority.
Here are their responses:
Charles Agbakahi (Conservative)
I’m Charles Agbakahi, the Conservative candidate for the Splott by-election. I’ve built my career managing projects, solving problems and working with people, and I want to bring that practical experience to serving our community.
Splott has a proud history and enormous potential, but many residents tell me they’re concerned about anti-social behaviour, litter, fly-tipping, road safety and the condition of local streets.
If elected, I’ll be a visible and accessible councillor who listens, keeps residents informed and works hard to deliver practical improvements.
My priorities are safer streets, a cleaner environment, better roads and transport, supporting local families and businesses, and giving Splott a stronger voice at Cardiff Council. I want to help make Splott an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
James Caruana (Labour)
My name is James Caruana. I’m proud to be standing to represent Splott, Tremorfa and Pengam Green.
This is my home. I have never lived anywhere else, and my family has been here for generations. I learned to swim at Splott Pool, spent years learning taekwondo at the Old Library and regularly watch St Albans RFC.
I know this community because I grew up in it. For me, this isn’t a political stepping stone. I am standing to ensure the voices of our community shape our future.
If elected, I will fight to secure a new station for Tremorfa and regenerate our communities. I will also work with the police to make our neighbourhood safer, while delivering cleaner streets and protecting our beautiful green spaces.
That is my commitment to you: a local voice, that understands our community and will deliver for you.
David John Cook (Reform UK)
Born and raised in Splott, David began his career at Land Rover Cardiff, where he worked his way up to superintendent, later becoming manufacturing director and general manager elsewhere. He spent over 20 years in senior manufacturing and consultancy roles, working internationally.
After retiring, David volunteered for seven years with Newport Samaritans and a further five years with Victim Support, helping people through incredibly difficult times.
David joined Reform UK because he believes the party is prepared to address the challenges facing Britain and give local communities a stronger voice. Drawing on decades of leadership and management experience, he wants to bring practical, accountable decision-making to local government.
If elected, David’s priorities include delivering better value for taxpayers, challenging unnecessary council tax increases, protecting essential local services, and ensuring local housing policies give local people a fair opportunity to remain and build their future in the communities they call home.
Rhys William Husband (Liberal Democrats)
My name is Rhys Husband, and I am standing in Splott, Tremorfa and Pengam Green because I want to enhance and serve the community I see around me every day.
As a professional Transport Planner, I have the experience and skills to tackle the traffic clogging our streets, particularly during rush hour, which impacts our air quality; I don’t just talk about greener, safer streets; it’s my job to design them.
But residents also raised concerns about litter outside our homes and shops due to a lack of bins and anti-social behaviour that too often goes unchallenged, and I’m committed to tackling those too.
I know how to turn council policy into real change, and I’m not interested in party politics for its own sake; I’m interested in results. That’s what I’ll bring to the Council.
Simran Patel (Green Party)
My name is Simran Patel, and I am running to be a Green councillor because I believe local politics should be about delivering practical improvements that make everyday life better.
I’ve made my home in Splott, and I’m proud to be standing for the communities of Splott, Tremorfa and Pengam Green. I also want to be an independent, local voice that can put residents first and hold the Labour Council to account.
I understand the pressures many are facing with rising rents, energy bills and the wider cost of living. Easing these difficulties will be my top priority, through supporting the fantastic community hubs that help residents, backing energy-efficient homes, and investing in affordable and reliable public transport, pushing for better bus connectivity that would reduce traffic on our roads.
I also aim to keep our public spaces clean and safe, focusing on fly tipping, and negligence in our parks.
