![\"\\u200bJules](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/u200bjules-and-bob-rogers.png\")
<\/p>\nA married Welsh couple who both served as Labour councillors have been stripped of their seats after failing to show up at meetings for more than half a year.<\/p>\n
Jules and Bob Rogers had been elected to represent the Abersychan and Cwmavon ward on Pontypool Community Council – but did not attend a single council meeting for at least six months.<\/p>\n
Pontypool Community Council was left with no choice but to formally declare both positions vacant, the BBC revealed.<\/p>\n
Two seats on the council now need to be filled, and local residents face a tight deadline to determine how that happens.<\/p>\n
Voters in the Abersychan and Cwmavon ward have until 5pm on August 25 to trigger a by-election.<\/p>\n
A minimum of 10 registered electors from the ward must submit written requests for a poll to be held.<\/p>\n
Those requests need to be directed in writing to Stephen Vickers at Torfaen County Borough Council.<\/p>\n
Mr Vickers serves as both the chief executive of Torfaen Borough Council and the returning officer for the area.<\/p>\n
Jules and Bob Rogers had been elected to represent the Abersychan and Cwmavon ward on Pontypool Community Council<\/p>\n
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FACEBOOK\/BOB ROGERS<\/p>\n
Should the 10-signature threshold be reached, he will be obliged to schedule a by-election within 60 days of the deadline.<\/p>\n
If fewer than 10 electors come forward, the community council will instead appoint replacements through co-option at the earliest practical opportunity.<\/p>\n
Mr Rogers previously sought election to Torfaen Borough Council in 2022.<\/p>\n
He stood as a Labour candidate in the Abersychan ward, but failed to secure one of the three available seats.<\/p>\n
COUNCIL CHAOS – READ THE LATEST:<\/p>\n
![\"Labour](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/labour-rosette.jpg\")
A married couple who both served as Labour councillors have been stripped of their seats (file photo)<\/p>\n
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PA<\/p>\n
Before entering local politics, he was the editor of the Pontypool Free Press and had also been employed as a steelworker.<\/p>\n
With just five days remaining before the deadline expires, electors who wish to see a by-election held must act swiftly.<\/p>\n
In Wales, there are 1,234 local councillors elected to county or county borough councils.<\/p>\n
The majority of rural areas – and a handful of urban areas – are also served by a town or community council.<\/p>\n
There are over 8,000 community and town councillors in Wales.<\/p>\n