It was obvious as soon as I became aware of Jeremy Hurley's campaign and his backing by Steve Hunt that I stood little chance in Pelenna. Congratulations to Jeremy who is clearly going to be a strong local champion. The result:
Jeremy Hurley (Independent) 251
Hywel Miles (Plaid Cymru) 120
Peter Hughes (Independent) 105
Andrew Jones (Welsh Labour) 43
Frank Little (Liberal Democrat) 6
No spoiled ballot papers, 57.4% turnout and only 143 of the votes were
postal, which I make 27.2%.
Independent hold
2017 result
Martin Ellis (Independent) 133
Hywel Alwyn Miles (Plaid Cymru) 132
Peter Edward Hughes (Independent) 114
Andrew Richard Jones (Labour) 90
It is heartening that there was a turnout of over 50% and that a majority voted on the day, when the trend in by-elections has been for less than a third of the electorate to vote, and most of those using postal voting. But both Resolven and Pelenna sound a warning for all the established political parties - even Plaid Cymru who were nearly pushed into third place in Pelenna.
There is better news for Liberal Democrats in England, where we have the benefit of a surge in anti-Brexit feeling. There were two gains from Conservatives, one from Labour and some good moves up into second place. There are more details here (no sign-in necessary for the public ALDC pages).
Finally, the good - but not unexpected - news came through today that the recall petition in Brecon and Radnorshire has easily reached the 10% number necessary to trigger a by-election. As I understand it, the timetable is automatic and polling day will be in late July, shortly after the Conservative party has reached a decision as to who should be our next prime minister. Our leader in Wales, Jane Dodds, has already made herself well-known in the constituency. Our only enemy is complacency, but I am sure that Cadan ap Tomos, or whoever leads our by-election campign, will combat that.
1 comment:
I was mistaken in believing that the recall legislation automatically provided for the by-election process to start. A writ still has to be moved in the House of Commons. However, I understand that if the defending Conservatives do not move to fill the vacancy as is the convention, then there will be other members ready to do so promptly.
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