![\"Billboards](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_sg.jpg\")
The Senedd by-election is taking place in Caerphilly on October 23(Image: John Myers)<\/p>\nPeople in Caerphilly can elect their new Senedd member on October 23The Senedd by-election is taking place in Caerphilly on October 23(Image: John Myers)<\/p>\n
Polling stations open in Caerphilly at 7am today (October 23) for people to select their new Senedd member. The by-election is being called after the death of Labour’s Hefin David in August. There are eight candidates all vying to be elected to the Senedd.<\/p>\n
While there are major changes happening in the Senedd from May 2026,<\/a>impacting the constituencies and the voting system, this election is being fought on the same constituency boundary and first past the post, which means the person with the most votes wins.<\/p>\n The Senedd constituency of Caerphilly<\/a> has always been held by Labour<\/a> and is also represented by the party in Westminster. The by-election could have knock-on implications to people all over Wales if Labour lose as it would crucially change the government’s position in the Senedd<\/a> and has seen Mark Drakeford make a direct plea to voters.<\/a><\/p>\n One poll has been carried out, specifically asking people in Caerphilly<\/a> how they plan to vote, and it projects Reform UK will win, Plaid will come second and Labour will fall to a distant third.<\/p>\n How do I vote?<\/strong><\/p>\n You must be registered to vote to do so, but as long as you are registered, you can go to your polling station between 7am and 10pm. You should have received a polling card telling you where to vote. If you haven\u2019t received your polling card contact your local council.<\/p>\n You can also find your polling station via the Caerphilly council website.<\/a><\/p>\n What if I can’t get there?<\/strong><\/p>\n If you find yourself unable to vote in person, due to medical or work reasons, you may be entitled to apply for an emergency proxy vote. You are advised to contact the council for more information about an emergency vote.<\/p>\n When will the result be known?<\/strong><\/p>\n Votes are being counted overnight on October 23 meaning a result will be available in the early hours of October 24. We’ll be bringing you that live.<\/p>\n Who are the candidates?<\/strong>Steve Aicheler – Liberal Democrats<\/strong> A councillor on Bedwas, Trethomas, and Machen Community Council and a governor of Machen School<\/a>, he says his campaign will focus on the theme of \u201ccare\u201d.<\/p>\n Apart from his work in the community he is operations manager for Enterprise Educators UK where he lobbies national and regional government on entrepreneurship and education policy among other responsibilities.<\/p>\n He has previously founded multiple businesses in Caerphilly and has lived in Machen with his family for 20 years.<\/p>\n Anthony Cook – Gwlad<\/strong><\/p>\n Chair of Gwlad’s Rhymni and Sirhowy Valleys branch, the former Royal Welsh soldier says he is from a family of miners. A dad of three, he says he loves adventures in Parc Penallta and Gelligaer Common.<\/p>\n Gareth Hughes – Green Party<\/strong> A long-time Caerphilly resident, he worked as a journalist, political adviser, educator, housing campaigner, and community activist. He also served on the former Rhymney Valley District Council.<\/p>\n He was the founder of the Welsh housing association movement and became the first director of the Welsh Federation of Housing Associations, now known as Community Housing Cymru. As a journalist, he reported and presented for ITV<\/a> Wales, produced documentaries for the BBC<\/a> and ITV, and regularly commented on Welsh politics for Radio Cymru and Radio Wales.<\/p>\n Speaking about his selection, Gareth Hughes said: \u201cI believe Wales needs positive political change \u2013 change that puts people and the planet first. The Green Party is the only left-wing party that truly aligns with my values, and I am determined to give Caerphilly a strong, honest, and committed voice in the Senedd.\u201d<\/p>\n Gareth Potter – Conservatives<\/strong> Gareth Potter was born in Pontypool and grew up in Trevethin. He now lives in Ebbw Vale<\/a> with his wife and two children.<\/p>\n Before getting involved in politics he worked in the retail and charity sector. Darren Millar MS, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, described him as an “experienced campaigner”.<\/p>\n Ll\u0177r Powell – Reform UK<\/strong> Described as a “communications specialist” who has worked in public, political and charitable organisations, he previously held the role of Reform’s head of communications in Wales. The party said he had lived and worked in Caerphilly for the last five years and “called the area home for much of his professional life”.<\/p>\n![\"Steve](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2_AWR_MAI_Steve-Aicheler_190925JPG.jpg\")
Steve Aicheler is the Welsh Liberal Democrats candidate for the Caerphilly Senedd by-election(Image: Welsh Liberal Democrats)<\/p>\n![\"Gareth](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_Gareth-HughesFreelance-journalist-broadcaster-and-producer.jpg\")
Gareth Hughes has previously reported for ITV and BBC(Image: Gareth Hughes)<\/p>\n![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_IMG_8548.jpg\")
Welsh Conservative candidate Gareth Potter(Image: Welsh Conservatives)<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_Llyr3.jpg\")
Llyr Powell (Image: John Myers)<\/p>\n
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Richard Tunnicliffe(Image: WalesOnline\/Rob Browne)<\/p>\n![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_Plaid-Cymru-out-campaigning-for-the-Caerphilly-Senedd-by-election.jpg\")
Plaid Cymru candidate Lindsay Whittle (Image: Plaid Cymru)<\/p>\n