Caerphilly by-election takes center stage as candidates take the debate floor
The Caerphilly by-election, triggered by the death of Labour’s Hefin David, will decide who represents the constituency in the Senedd for the next six months. Voting is open to eligible residents aged 16 and over who are British, Irish, or EU citizens living in Caerphilly and registered to vote. Polling stations operate from 7:00 in the morning to 10:00 at night. As the six candidates vie to become the next MS, a BBC Wales debate provides a frontline view of the issues, plans, and political contrasts shaping the race.
Key figures and moments from the debate
Among the headlines, the debate revisits the track record and controversies surrounding Nathan Gill, a former UKIP MEP who later led Reform in Wales. Gill’s involvement in bribery allegations during his European Parliament tenure has lingered in political discourse, with responses from other Reform figures and rivals shaping the narrative of accountability and leadership in Caerphilly. While some in Reform have framed Gill as a marginal figure, critics point to the broader implications for trust in political movements that rise and fall beside a volatile political spectrum.
The debate also casts a spotlight on how national policies translate to local impact. The “Nation of Sanctuary” label adopted by the Welsh government has direct budgetary implications, with around 54 million pounds spent on resettlement and integration over six years. Reform argues for scrapping the policy, arguing it reflects misaligned priorities, while Conservative candidates challenge devolved responsibilities but receive backing from Plaid Cymru and the Lib Dems for maintaining a compassionate approach to asylum and migration.
The Nation of Sanctuary: how devolved powers shape the debate
What Labour, Plaid, Lib Dems and others say: Welsh immigration policy is largely a reserved matter controlled by the UK government, leaving the Senedd with limited direct influence. The debate weighs whether the strategy helps local communities, including Ukrainians resettled in Wales, and what it means for housing, social services, and public perception. The conversation also touches on cost considerations, with supporters noting the modest share of Wales’ overall budget while opponents frame it as wasteful money that might be better spent elsewhere.
Policy flashpoints that dominated the discussion
Health and social care: Across the candidates, there was broad agreement on maintaining free NHS access while recognizing the need to improve GP access and reduce hospital waiting times. Lib Dems floated potential emergency Welsh taxes to bolster social care if Westminster funds fall short, signaling a readiness to explore new revenue tools within devolved powers to support frontline services.
20 mph and local governance: The 20 mph speed limit policy sparked debate about how voters interpret manifesto promises. Some candidates argued that the policy was exercised by Labour and Plaid Cymru in their manifestos, while others contested the public’s sense of direct electoral mandate for such measures. The discussion extended to the expansion of the Senedd itself, with claims and counterclaims about the cost and purpose of widening representation ahead of next year’s elections.
Trust, change and the local voice
As the candidates close their campaigns, many emphasize the desire for accountability and a practical approach to regional needs. Analysts noted that voters might be seeking a change after decades of Labour leadership in Senedd, while challengers like Reform and Plaid Cymru focus on specific reforms and local resilience. The discourse also highlights the tension between national policy ambitions and the everyday realities of Caerphilly residents—from hospital services and libraries to local libraries and leisure centres faced with potential closures.
What happens next?
With polling day set, the electorate will cast their ballots to determine the Caerphilly MS until May 2026, when a Welsh Parliament expansion election is planned. The by-election results will not only shape Caerphilly’s immediate representation but could also influence mood and momentum ahead of the broader constitutional changes facing Wales.
