**Reform UK Secures Another Important Council Victory in Wales**
Reform UK, under the leadership of Nigel Farage, is celebrating yet another triumph in Welsh local politics after winning a council by-election in Carmarthenshire. The result, which was officially confirmed on Thursday 6 August, saw Reform UK candidate Carmelo Colasanto clinch victory in the Llangennech seat, further demonstrating the party’s growing influence across Wales.
The by-election was called following the passing of Labour councillor Gary Jones, who was widely respected in the community. Voters in Llangennech and Bryn Ward therefore went back to the polls to select Jones’ successor, with the campaign attracting candidates from across the political spectrum, including Plaid Cymru, Welsh Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives, and Gwlad.
Ultimately, Carmelo Colasanto secured his place on Carmarthenshire County Council with 694 votes—a clear margin over his nearest challenger, Richard Talog Jones of Plaid Cymru, who received 489 votes. The Labour candidate, Jordan Sargent, finished third with a tally of 380 votes, while representatives from the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, and Gwlad brought in much smaller numbers.
The victory marks the second time Reform UK has gained a seat on Carmarthenshire County Council, signalling what some supporters see as a significant shift in the political landscape of the region. This comes amid broader momentum for the party; only weeks earlier, Laura Anne Jones, a former Conservative Member of the Senedd for South East Wales, defected to Reform UK, making headlines at the Royal Welsh Show as the party’s first ever Senedd member.
Supporters and party officials greeted the result enthusiastically across social media, with some interpreting the outcome as evidence that public appetite is growing for new political alternatives. David Thomas, a councillor in Torfaen who joined Reform UK from an independent position last year, took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise the result, declaring it “proof that people are ready for real change” and asserting that Labour’s historic dominance in Wales may be under threat.
In a statement, Thomas congratulated the new councillor, saying: “This is a huge win for Reform UK Wales—proof that people are ready for real change, and that Labour’s grip is slipping. Well done Carmelo, the team, and every single volunteer who made this possible. The tide is turning—and this is just the beginning. Reform is rising across Wales.”
There were also reports overnight of additional gains for the party, with Reform UK indicating their candidate, Martin John Stevens, has now been elected as the community councillor in Monmouthshire’s Goytre ward. Should this be confirmed, it would further boost the party’s local representation.
The Llangennech by-election results in full were: Carmelo Colasanto (Reform UK) 694, Richard Talog Jones (Plaid Cymru) 489, Jordan Sargent (Welsh Labour) 380, Justin Griffiths (Welsh Liberal Democrats) 26, Edward Evans (Welsh Conservatives) 14, and Wayne Erasmus (Gwlad) 6. Voter turnout stood at 39.37%, a fairly typical figure for local by-elections.
Reform UK’s expanding presence at council level complements their growing roster of politicians gained through defections across Wales. The party now holds four councillor posts in Powys and three seats in Torfaen, largely through former independents or members of other parties switching allegiance.
The latest developments underscore the evolving nature of Welsh politics, as long-established party loyalties are challenged by newer entrants promising to offer voters something different. With further elections on the horizon, parties across the spectrum will be keeping a close eye on how this energetic newcomer continues to shape the landscape.
The coming months will likely be crucial in determining whether Reform UK’s success signals a broader realignment in Wales or remains confined to individual council victories. One thing is clear: Wales’ political scene is far from static, and voters are watching closely.