Last night saw an unusual Tuesday council by election for the Fishguard North East Ward in Pembrokeshire. Turnout was solid for a by election at 48%.
After last week’s Reform gain from Plaid in the area of Wales’s other ferry port, on Yns Mons council, this was an interesting contest. Having not stood last time, we put up town councillor Caleb Churchill and the local Pembrokeshire team fought hard.
The seat was won by Labour in 2022 but last night they dropped to fourth place, mustering only 83 votes, which should concern Eluned Morgan as it is the constituency she is standing for in May.
Reform failed to repeat last week’s result, coming third with 95 votes (12.7%).
Along with us, Plaid had not stood in 2022. We came a strong second with 135 votes, while Plaid won with 253.
The Conservatives were down 31%.
This is our second good second place in a Pembrokeshire by election. There is clearly considerable opportunity there. Congratulations to the local team.
Full result
Plaid Cymru: 253 (33.8%, new)
Liberal Democrats (Caleb Churchill): 135 (18.0%, new)
Reform UK: 95 (12.7%, new)
Labour: 83 (11.1%, -47.9)
Independent (Tannahill): 79 (10.5%, new)
Conservative: 69 (9.2%, -31.9)
Independent (Tyrrell): 35 (4.7%, new)
Plaid Cymru GAIN from Labour
Turnout: 48%