Reform UK Achieves Historic Success in Wales with By-Election Victory
In a significant political development, Reform UK has secured its first-ever councillor on a Welsh council, marking the party’s growing influence in Welsh politics. Scott Thorley won the Hakin by-election for Pembrokeshire County Council, becoming the first Reform UK councillor in this independently controlled authority.
The by-election was held following the death of local councillor Mike Stoddart, and saw a dramatic turn when Welsh Labour candidate Nicola Harteveld withdrew from the race after her son was verbally attacked by strangers. Despite this setback, Reform UK’s Thorley won with 179 votes, ahead of Welsh Conservative Kelvin Taylor with 144 votes. Independent candidate Lee James Bridges came third with 106 votes, followed by Samuel Booth from the Wales Green Party with 85 votes.
This victory represents a major milestone for Reform UK as it looks to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction with Labour and Conservative parties ahead of the upcoming Senedd elections. Thorley, who previously ran for Reform UK in Pembrokeshire, expressed his commitment to focusing on basic issues and being a strong, accessible voice for the people of Hakin.
The result also highlighted declining support for traditional parties, with Labour’s Harteveld still garnering 27 votes despite suspending her campaign, while Plaid Cymru did not field a candidate. Thorley’s win further reflects the rising influence of Reform UK in the region, which has a significant number of independent councillors.
The party’s success is part of a broader desire for change among voters, positioning Reform UK as a formidable challenger to the established political order. With local elections approaching, Thorley’s victory has demonstrated that Reform UK is a force to be reckoned with as the political landscape in Wales continues to evolve.
