Five candidates have been selected to compete in the upcoming Penyrheol ward by-election for Caerphilly County Borough Council on Thursday December 11.

The election has been called after the seat was vacated by Plaid Cymru's Lindsay Whittle following his election to the Senedd.

Ahead of polling day, each party was invited to set out why their chosen candidate was in the running.

Here’s what they had to say:

Reform UK candidate for Caerphilly council byelection James Bevan (Image: Reform UK)

Reform UK candidate James Bevan worked as an NHS nurse during the Covid-19 pandemic before moving into customer service.

Originally from Abertridwr but now living in Caerphilly, he said he has a “rather simple” political stance focusing on “common-sense policies, straight talking, and being a voice for my peers”.

He said: “This election is about just that – electing someone who can be honest, accountable, and a voice for the people of Penyrheol ward, where every single concern is acknowledged.”

Mr Bevan said he will “campaign as someone who the people can contact day or night with concerns........

© South Wales Argus