ON THURSDAY, July 17 voters in the Pontypridd Town ward of Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council will go to the polls to elect their new councillor in a by-election.
The by-election is being held because Plaid Cymru’s Dawn Wood has stood down as the area’s councillor for health reasons.
Now five people are vying to replace her as the town centre ward’s new councillor on the county borough council.
They are Jeffrey Lee Baxter of the Green Party, Elin Mair Brown of Labour, Wiliam Jac Rees of Plaid Cymru, Martin William Roberts of Reform UK, and Cerys Walker of the Conservatives.
Here is a bit of background about each candidate and why they are standing.
Jeffrey Lee Baxter (Green Party)
Jeff Baxter is a business owner based in Pontypridd town centre who has previously served as a community councillor, school governor, and volunteer for a wide range of community projects as well as raising a young family in Pontypridd.
Jeff said he believes passionately in fairness, community and tackling the reality of climate change while ensuring the green transition is implemented in an equitable manner.
In his spare time he loves reading, sport, and spending family days out and about.
Elin Mair Brown (Labour)
Elin Brown said: “I’m Elin Brown, the Rhondda Cynon Taff Labour by-election candidate in the Pontypridd Town ward.
“Pontypridd has always been my home – I was born here, raised here, live here and work here. I care deeply about our community and if I am elected as councillor, I will always put my duty to the people of Pontypridd Town first.
“I will be a proactive councillor locally, looking to deal with everyday concerns within the ward before they become a problem. We know that trust in politics is low so it’s vital that you have elected representatives locally who do exactly what they say they will.
“As councillor for Pontypridd Town, I will:
- Improve youth facilities by working with the council’s youth engagement participation service and the Muni and YMa to develop a hub for youth activities.
- Support residents of all generations, with a focus on mental health support and other services working with the Pantry at St. Catherine’s Church.
- Work with South Wales Police and the council’s community safety team to focus on improving community safety
- Work with, support and promote our fantastic local businesses
- Lobby the council for investment in our infrastructure and local facilities, particularly roads.
“If elected I will work for you.”
Wiliam Jac Rees (Plaid Cymru)
Wiliam Rees said: “I’m standing for Pontypridd Town ward because I live here, I care deeply about our community, and I want to be a strong local voice for residents on RCT Council.
“I live in Graigwen with my partner, where we’ve bought our first family home. I’m actively involved in the local neighbourhood watch and regularly take part in litter picks to help keep our area clean and safe.
“Day to day, I work on education policy and have long campaigned on local issues – including protecting school transport, care homes, and public services from damaging Labour cuts.
“If elected, I’ll build on the work of former councillor Dawn Wood and focus on practical action to deliver a cleaner, greener, safer Pontypridd – tackling litter, improving lighting, supporting our town centre, and standing up to anti-social behaviour.
“I’ve also pledged to donate over £1,000 a year from my councillor salary back into the community and will work closely with local groups all year round, not just at election time.
“I’m standing to serve everyone in our area, not to play party politics, but to get things done.
“Residents of Pontypridd Town ward deserve a councillor who lives here, listens, and takes action. That’s what I’ll do.”
Martin William Roberts (Reform UK)
Martin Roberts said: “For years, Labour has been in charge here. But under them, Pontypridd has gone downhill.
“Services have got worse, and flooding still happens again and again. Plaid Cymru always backs Labour, wasting money on trendy ideas like net zero and woke projects instead of helping local people.
“Council tax keeps going up every year. You pay more but get less. Pensioners, workers, and local businesses are treated like a cash machine by Labour and Plaid. They keep taking your money but never fix real problems.
“Flooding will not be solved by quick fixes. We need proper long-term plans to protect our town. If elected, I will hold the council to account, cut waste, and make sure your council tax is spent wisely to help you and your family.
“Only Reform UK can stop this decline. Labour, Plaid, and the Greens won’t, and the Conservatives can’t. Reform UK is already winning by-elections across South Wales with local people who want to do something, not just be something.
“I am not a career politician. I want to listen to you and work hard for Pontypridd. On Thursday, July 17, vote for real change. Pontypridd needs Reform.”
Cerys Walker
Cerys Walker said: “As a community advocate, I’m standing up for the issues that matter most to us.
“First and foremost, I’m committed to protecting home-to-school transport. Every child deserves a safe, reliable journey to school-cuts to this vital service risk their education and wellbeing.
“I’ll continue to fight against reductions in transport provision, ensuring that our young people can access learning without added stress for families.
“I’m also passionate about supporting local businesses and reviving our high street. Independent shops are the heart of our community, and they need our backing now more than ever.
“By campaigning for lower business rates and more targeted support, I aim to help local traders thrive, create jobs, and bring vitality back to our town centres.
“Lastly, I believe in championing residents’ concerns and holding our council accountable. Everyone deserves to be heard, and I’m committed to ensuring transparency, fairness, and action when it comes to local decision-making.
“If elected, I’ll work hard to represent your voice, raise your issues, and push for a more responsive and responsible local government.
Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community-one that listens, supports, and delivers for everyone.
