**Conservative Party Claims Surprise By-Election Victory Over Reform UK in Monmouthshire**
The Conservative Party has successfully defended its position in a closely watched by-election for Monmouth Town Council’s Wyesham ward, delivering an unexpected blow to Reform UK. This result comes just days after a prominent Monmouthshire politician defected to Reform, a move that had raised the stakes ahead of the vote.
The by-election followed the shock announcement last week that Laura Anne Jones, the former Conservative Member of the Senedd (MS) for South Wales East, had left her party to join the ranks of Reform UK. Standing alongside leading Reform figure Nigel Farage at the Royal Welsh Show, Jones’s high-profile switch generated considerable debate—including pointed criticism from her former Conservative colleagues.
Despite this backdrop, the Wyesham ward by-election resulted in a convincing Conservative win. Xavier Turner, the youngest candidate at 22, emerged victorious. The fresh-faced councillor now joins Monmouth Town Council after seeing off competition from both Reform UK and an independent challenger. Robert Kavanagh, representing Reform, finished behind independent Jem Lin Jenkins-Jones in an outcome described as “humbling” for the new party.
Speaking after the result, Turner expressed gratitude to Wyesham residents for their support, promising to work diligently on behalf of the local community. “I’m incredibly grateful to the residents of Wyesham for putting their trust in me. I’m ready to work and make sure your voices are heard,” Turner commented.
Councillor Richard John, leader of the Conservative opposition at Monmouthshire County Council, congratulated Turner on his win, describing it as a sign that Monmouthshire remains resistant to Reform UK’s advances. “Reform were confident of winning in Wyesham, a ward previously represented by their Reform MS, so coming last is quite a humiliating defeat,” he stated. Referring to the county’s vote to remain in the European Union during the 2016 referendum, John added, “Monmouthshire remains a Reform-free zone.”
Analysts note that this contest was one of two community council by-elections within a week in Monmouthshire where the Conservatives have managed to see off a challenge from Reform. Observers are now watching closely, as two more by-elections are scheduled in nearby villages over the upcoming fortnight, potentially providing further insight into local shifts in political sentiment.
After this latest vote, Monmouth Town Council’s political makeup now stands at eight independents, six Labour members, and five Conservatives, Turner included. The council reflects a broader political diversity, offering a microcosm of the changing allegiances and rivalries seen in Welsh politics in recent years.
Attention is now turning to the forthcoming Leechpool ward vote for Portskewett Community Council, set for 31 July, where only Conservative and Reform UK candidates are standing. A further contest in the Goytre ward will take place on 7 August, this time featuring a broader slate that includes two unaffiliated hopefuls as well as the established parties.
Voter eligibility in these community council elections remains inclusive, with any resident older than 16 eligible to cast a ballot, and there is currently no requirement for identification at the polling station— a fact which some campaigners argue makes local democracy more accessible.
While local council by-elections often pass under the national radar, the outcome in Wyesham offers a snapshot of wider political tensions playing out across Wales. The defection of high-profile figures, the ambitions of Reform UK, and the resilience of long-standing parties like the Conservatives all serve to keep Welsh politics dynamic and unpredictable.
As the dust settles from the Wyesham result, all eyes will be on the next rounds of voting to see if this Conservative resurgence is the start of a trend or an isolated victory in an evolving local political landscape.