Labour is set to lose a seat in a Welsh heartland for the first time in over a century as voters flock to Reform UK and Plaid Cymru.
Multiple sources within the party have said they are expecting to lose the Caerphilly by-election tonight for the Welsh Senedd.
In a blow to the Prime Minister, a Labour source described the expected defeat to the BBC as a “defeat for Starmerism, not for First Minister Eluned Morgan.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth both were in the town this week for campaigning.
Speaking just seconds after the polls closed in the Welsh town, GB News Political Editor Chris Hope said: “This is going to be absolutely extraordinary.
“It is only the fifth ever by-election for the Welsh Assembly since 1999, but few can be this important or this disastrous for the Labour Party.”
The result in Caerphilly could be a bellwether for the Senedd election next May and will certainly be treated as such by the winning party.
The by-election was called following the sudden death of Hefin David, who had served as Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly since 2016.
A Welsh Labour spokesperson said: “Hefin David loved this constituency and its people. He’s been at the heart of our campaign throughout.
“This has been a tough campaign for the party for a variety of reasons, but we’re proud of what our staff and volunteers have achieved over the past six weeks and are committed to continuing to fight for Caerphilly and the Valleys.”
The result is expected to come in between 2am and 3am, however if the result is close as some pollsters have predicted, there could be a recount.
Sources within both Reform and Plaid have predicted a tight call between the two parties.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
- Reform UK secures historic first in Super Thursday by-election as Lib Dems surge to victory with SEVEN wins
- ‘Be honest!’ Caerphilly residents tell GB News what they want from crucial by-election
- REVEALED: Danny Kruger’s defection to Reform hits stumbling block as ex-Tory’s hand could be forced
More to follow…
Our Standards:
The GB News Editorial Charter
Follow