A candidate listed on the ballot paper for a Penarth by-election as a Welsh Conservative has defected to Reform UK, less than a week before residents go to the polls.
The news that two senior aides to the leader of the Conservatives in the Welsh Parliament had defected to Reform UK on Thursday, two days before the Tories' party conference in Llandudno.
One of those to defect is Welsh Conservative Leader Darren Millar's deputy chief of staff, Zak Weaver, who, along with senior communications officer Tomos Llewelyn, quit to work for MSs representing Reform UK.
Zak Weaver is on the ballot paper for next Thursday's by-election in the Plymouth Ward of Penarth Town Council.
Reform UK has confirmed to Bro Radio News that whilst Zak will appear on the ballot paper as a Welsh Conservative candidate, should he be elected to the Town Council as a Reform UK Councillor.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has confirmed that nomination papers were validly submitted and accepted at the close of nominations in accordance with the rules, with no provision in legislation to amend the ballot paper or halt the election due to a change in political affiliation.
Returning Officer Rob Thomas said: “A candidate standing in the Plymouth Ward By-Election for Penarth Town Council has indicated that he now associates with a different political party form that shown on the ballot paper.
“Nomination papers were validly submitted and accepted at the close of nominations in accordance with the rules (they are ‘the Local Elections (Communities) (Wales) Rules 2021). Once accepted, there is no provision in legislation to amend the ballot paper or halt the election due to a change in political affiliation.
“Furthermore, matters relating to party membership or endorsement are for the candidate and the political party concerned and are not matters for the Returning Officer.
“The by-election - which is scheduled for Thursday 19 February 2026 - will proceed as planned, and the ballot paper will remain as determined at the close of nominations.”
Speaking at the Conservative Party Conference in Llandudno, Daren Millar told members that Reform was not a serious party.
Voters will go to the polls in the Plymouth Ward in Penarth on Thursday, 19th February.
The Full List of Candidates appearing on the ballot paper in the by-election are:
- Todd Mark Bailey - Green Party
- Mutale Merrill - Welsh Labour
- Aled Robert Thomas - Plaid Cymru
- Zak Weaver - Welsh Conservatives (Now Reform UK)
Plans are under consideration to build over 200 houses in a sleepy Welsh village
Sanitary disposal bins introduced in men's public toilets following "Bins for Boys" campaign
Officers called to Dinas Powys Woods after young person enters the river
Three Reform candidates quit in Pen-y-Bont Bro Morgannwg constituency
Six events taking place in the Vale of Glamorgan this weekend
Vale Council signs off placemaking plan for Barry
Plans filed to use Blackweir Fields for a series of live events this summer
Plans filled for controversial housing development in Cowbridge
Cardiff Council pledges to work with new Welsh Government to tackle trouble-plagued hospital
Two local candidates stand down after revelations
RNLI issues Sully Island safety advice after first call out of the year to the Island
Morio Lounge on course to open at Nell's Point in May
Vale Council appoints specialist contractors to carry out road improvements
Three men jailed for their roles running a drugs line which supplied cocaine in Barry
Police appeal for witnesses after fatal Penarth Road collision
New Beach and country park facilities opened following major investement
RNLI centre at Barry Island welcomes lifeguards back to Whitmore Bay
Severn tidal lagoons progress
