Two new councillors to join Anglesey council following by-elections

A pair of both new and familiar faces will join Anglesey Council’s chamber following a frenzied day of electoral activity on the island.

By-elections in the Seiriol and Caergybi wards resulted in no major change in the mathematics of the council’s administration but will see a return to a full quota of members for the first time in over a year.

While the eyes of the nation were on the Senedd counts, Plaid Cymru held onto their Anglesey Council seat representing the Seiriol ward, which had been vacated by Lewis Davies at the turn of the year.

Meanwhile, Jeff Evans captured one of the Caergybi seats which had remained empty since the death of Shaun Redmond in April 2020.

Cllr Evans’ victory marked a return to the sphere of island council politics, having previously represented the neighbouring Ynys Gybi seat between 2013 and 2017.
Speaking after the result was announced, Cllr Evans paid tribute to his opponents, noting the clean local campaign.

“I’m elated, its so good when the public have faith in you,” he added.
“I’ve long fought to keep politics in Cardiff and London while saying that local councils is for local people and local issues.

“This gives me the chance to fight for the people of Holyhead and ensure we have a better, more positive future.”

Adamant that he would remain independent of mind, he went on to say: “I want to vote on what conscience says or what is the best for the people and community.

“There are times you have to speak to other groups, such is life, but I will always ensure I give an honest and transparent answer and will continue to be that man.”

In Seiriol, meanwhile, Gary Pritchard – standing in his first election for office – topped the poll.
Maintaining the clean sweep of Plaid Cymru councillors representing this eastern tip of the island, the television producer was thrilled with his relatively comfortable win.

“It feels very good, I’m delighted that the people of Seiriol have put their trust in me,” he said.
“Its an honour, its the first time I’ve stood and I fought a campaign of positivity, we want to keep the strong Plaid Cymru group in Seiriol together and to keep Anglesey proud of its council.

“We don’t want to go back to the dark days and I’m glad the people of Seiriol agreed with us.”

On his plans for the next 12 months before facing re-election in May 2022, he added: “I want to work hard for the next generation, without jobs and affordable housing our young adults will be leaving the island.

“Without those young adults our communities will die and its important to the party as a whole that we do our best for the next generation.”

Caergybi result:
EVANS, Jeff (Independent) 788
BROWES, Howard Angus Neil (Plaid Cymru) 636
SABOOR, Jennifer Dowell (Welsh Labour) 629
MARSDEN, James Edward (Welsh Liberal Democrats) 107

Seiriol result:
PRITCHARD, Gary (Plaid Cymru) 1,113
THORNTON, Carys Hannah (Welsh Labour) 789
THOMAS, Hefin Wyn (Independent) 588
THORPE, Timothy Stephen (Welsh Liberal Democrats) 161

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter