Shirley Hodges has been elected as the new Vale of Glamorgan councillor for Baruc ward following a by‑election held on 9 July.
Cllr Hodges secured 856 votes, accounting for 48% of all ballots cast. Reform finished in second place, with the Conservatives and Labour taking third and fourth respectively, each receiving just over 10% of the vote.
Well known locally, Cllr Hodges runs the popular Victorian Barry Experience Facebook page, which has more than 12,500 followers, and writes a regular column for Buddy Magazine. She has also represented the area on Barry Town Council since 2004.
The by‑election was triggered after former Baruc councillor Mark Hooper was elected to the Senedd. Under current rules, individuals cannot serve simultaneously as a Member of the Senedd and a local councillor.
Following her election, Cllr Hodges said, “I am delighted that so many people in Baruc ward put their trust in me to represent them.
“As a councillor, I will be focusing my scrutiny on how the Vale of Glamorgan treats Barry in general, with a particular focus on the areas I represent – Barry Island, the Waterfront, Garden Suburb, Knap, Romilly Park and the streets around Harbour Road.
“Barry is a great place, with a proud history, of which I raise awareness every day through the Victorian Barry Experience.
“I won’t be afraid of challenging the Labour Council on their failure to deliver for Barry, and the gap between how the Council see themselves and how real people experience this on the ground.”
Full election results - Baruc Ward, Vale of Glamorgan Council, 9th July 2026
- Shirley Hodges, Plaid Cymru 856 (47.7%)
- Sarah Roderick, Reform UK 429 (23.9%)
- Chelsea Cottle, Conservative 219 (12.3%)
- Trevor Durham, Labour 179 (10.0%)
- Lynden Mack, Green 90 (5.0%)
- Gabriela Ferguson, Liberal Democrat 23 (1.3%)

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