Caerphilly Senedd By-Election Begins Following Labour Member's Death

Voting is underway in the Caerphilly by-election to fill a vacant Senedd seat following the death of Labour member Hefin David, who had represented the area since 2016. Labour has held the Caerphilly seat since devolution in 1999, but this election is viewed as a critical test ahead of the 2026 Senedd election, with opposition parties like Plaid Cymru and Reform UK mounting strong campaigns. Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm, and results are expected early Friday morning. The by-election result could influence the balance of power in the Welsh Parliament, particularly with an upcoming budget vote that Labour may struggle to pass without a majority. Candidates include Labour's Richard Tunnicliffe, Plaid Cymru's Lindsay Whittle, and Reform UK's Llyr Powell, among others representing major parties. Voters are encouraged to participate actively, as the outcome is seen as a bellwether for Welsh politics moving forward.