Reform UK is set to launch a challenge in two by-elections this week as the party seeks to break a potential deadlock.

Polls will open in the Clevedon South ward in North Somerset and in the Ynys Gybi division in the Isle of Anglesey, Wales, on Thursday, with Nigel Farage’s party fielding candidates in both contests.

Reform will be looking to break through a potential deadlock after a close-call between parties at both of the previous elections.

In Clevedon South, last fought in 2023, Labour will seek to defend a narrow-looking position after taking 54 per cent of the vote to the Conservatives’ 46 per cent.

The challenge is arguably even more unpredictable in Ynys Gybi, where the 2022 election saw Plaid Cymru lead on 29 per cent followed by independents on 26 per cent, Labour on 24 per cent and the Conservatives on 21 per cent.

Clevedon South, North Somerset 

Labour will look to keep hold of its seat on the Clevedon South ward on North Somerset Council.

The by-election has been sparked following the resignation of Councillor Hannah Young.

Looking to fend off the competition for Sir Keir Starmer’s party is candidate Michael Harriott.

The North Somerset Labour branch said: “Labour’s candidate is Michael Harriott, a proven local champion who, unlike the other candidates, has a proven track of delivery for Clevedon all year round — not just turning up to take some pictures a few weeks before an election.

“Nigel Farage’s Reform have suddenly turned up in Clevedon; they will say what you want to hear but when they get into power they just can’t deliver.

“Despite their promises, every single Reform Council is hiking council tax this spring.”

The full list of candidates are:

• Conservatives: Harry Blades
• Reform: Louise Branson
• Lib Dems: Jude Ragon Chambers
• Labour: Michael Harriot
• Greens: Dave Skinner

Ynys Gybi, Isle of Anglesey 

A by-election is also taking place in the Ynys Gybi ward on the Isle of Anglesey County Council in Wales.

The 2022 election in the ward saw three councillors elected including one from Plaid Cymru, one independent and one Welsh Labour.

There is one vacant seat up for grabs in the ward this time around.

Looking to break the close votes in the last election will be Reform candidate Celfyn Wyn Furlong.

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In a post to social media yesterday, Mr Furlong said: “We are into the final few days of campaigning.

“For a strong voice of opposition on the Isle of Anglesey County Council vote Celfyn Wyn Furlong.

“Vote Reform. Get Reform.”

The full list of candidates are:

• Greens: Nick Bounds
• Reform: Celfyn Wyn Furlong
• Conservatives: Margaret Fredericka John
• Plaid Cymru: Bethan Pari Jones
• Labour: Mary Elizabeth Roberts
• Independent: Robert Williams