Plaid Cymru holds Llanrug in by-election

Beca Brown has become Gwynedd’s newest councillor after Plaid Cymru comfortably held the seat vacated following November’s death of long-serving councillor Charles Wyn Jones.

In a move which maintains Plaid’s majority on the authority, she secured 63% of the vote in Thursday’s by-election to find a new representative for the Llanrug ward.

A community councillor who’s lived in Llanrug for the past 16 years, Cllr Brown has also earned a living in the TV industry and now works for SaySomethinginWelsh.

Following her win, the mother of two said: “It is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of the late Plaid Cymru Councillor for this area, Charles Jones.

“I am very grateful to everyone who has worked and supported me during this campaign and I fully appreciate everyone who turned out to cast a vote on my behalf.

“I will do my utmost for the people of Llanrug and will work on your behalf to represent this area to the best of my ability.

“I would like to thank the other candidates for running a fair and respectful campaign. I would also like to pay tribute to Gwynedd Council staff for organising a professional and well organised election within the difficult constraints of a pandemic.

“I look forward to joining the Plaid Cymru Gwynedd Group of Councillors and work with them to represent the county’s residents. Thank you very much.”

Recently retired Police Superintendent, Richie Green finished second, well ahead of Calum Davies of the Lib Dems and other independent candidate Martin Bristow.

The poll was described as a “dress rehearsal” for May’s Senedd and Police and Crime Commissioner elections, with voters asked to bring their own pencils and to maintain social distancing and wear a face-covering while in the polling station.

Llanrug is known as the “Welsh speaking capital of the world” with 87.8% residents being Welsh speakers according to the 2011 census, which is the highest of any ward in the nation.

Plaid Cymru Gwynedd Chairman Elin Walker-Jones, added: “We are proud of Beca Brown’s success as she begins her new role as county councillor for Llanrug.

“Even though this is a bittersweet moment for Llanrug as we hold fond memories of a former colleague, Beca will, no doubt, be a true asset to the area.

“She has an infectious enthusiasm, a positive outlook and extensive experience of politics in Wales.

“The people of Llanrug have put their trust in her, and we as a group of Plaid Cymru councillors look forward to welcoming her to us and supporting her in her new county political journey. Congratulations!”

Full result:
Beca Brown, Plaid Cymru: 431 (63.3%)
Richie Green, Independent: 221 (32.5%)
Calum Davies, Liberal Democrats: 16  (2.3%)
Martin Bristow, Independent: 13 (1.9%)

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter