Welsh Lib Dems Hold Llanidloes, Defeat Reform UK Amid By-Election Surge

The Welsh Liberal Democrats retained their Llanidloes county council seat in a closely contested by-election, narrowly defeating Reform UK, which made a strong showing and finished second. Fleur Frantz-Morgans, who works for a domestic violence charity, succeeded the retiring councillor Gareth Morgan, who had served for 52 years. The Liberal Democrats emphasized their ability to hold ground against Reform UK, contrasting with the losses faced by Labour and the Conservatives, who placed fifth and fourth respectively, with significant vote share declines. In County Durham, the Lib Dems also won a by-election in the Benfieldside ward after Reform UK's Andrew Kilburn resigned for being ineligible, reducing Reform's presence and increasing the Lib Dems' council seats. The Conservatives reclaimed a seat in Nottinghamshire from Reform UK in a by-election triggered by the latter's councillor stepping down shortly after winning, signaling a contested political environment between these parties. Overall, these local election results illustrate the growing competition between Reform UK and established parties, with the Liberal Democrats successfully defending seats and making gains while Reform faces setbacks in some areas.