Labour has been ousted in the Caerphilly by-election in a blowout to Plaid Cymru.

Lindsay Whittle of the Welsh nationalist party took home 15,961 votes, beating second-placed Reform UK’s 12,113.

Labour slumped to just 3,713 votes – a backslide of a staggering 34.9 per cent compared to the 2021 Senedd election.

Turnout came to 50.43 per cent, with a total of 33,736 ballot papers being included in the count – an increase on 2021’s 44.31 per cent.

In Westminster, the Valleys town has voted Labour since 1918 – every election since the seat existed.

In Cardiff Bay, it had done the same since devolution in 1999.

But in 2025, the party’s century-long winning streak came to an end under Sir Keir Starmer’s watch.

The death of Labour MS Hefin David triggered the poll in Caerphilly – and victorious candidate Mr Whittle paid tribute to him as he won.

Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth took aim at “tired” Labour after his party surged to a landmark win.

“Tonight, the people of Caerphilly have spoken loud and clear,” he said.

“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.”

More to follow…