AFTER securing nearly 16,000 votes, Plaid Cymru won the by-election in the Senedd seat in Caerphilly for the first time.

The victory marks a historic win for Plaid Cymru and a seismic political shift in Wales, signalling the collapse of Labour’s vote and a potential positive result for the party in the upcoming 2026 Senedd election.

Reform UK came second in the vote with Labour coming third.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Lorwerth said the people of Caerphilly had voted for ‘positive change’ and that the result confirmed that only Plaid Cymru could stop Reform in Wales and that Labour’s time was over.

Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Lorwerth said: “Tonight, the people of Caerphilly have spoken loud and clear. They’ve chosen hope over division, and progress over the tired status quo, and backed Plaid Cymru’s positive, pro- Wales vision.”

“Lindsay Whittle is a tireless local champion who knows every community in this constituency inside out and will deliver real change for the people of Caerphilly.”

“Plaid Cymru candidate and Senedd member-elect for Caerphilly Lindsay Whittle said: “I want to thank everyone who put their trust in me and Plaid Cymru to represent Caerphilly. It will be my honour to serve you as your new member of the Senedd.”

“I’m ready to get to work straight away by making sure our local schools are properly supported, our libraries stay open, our GPs see people when they need to, and that everyone in Caerphilly gets the same chance to do well. “I’ve spent my whole life fighting for this community, and I won’t stop now.”

“Tonight’s result shows what’s possible when people come together to back practical solutions and protect what matters most.”