Labour has gained a seat in the Bedlinog and Trelewis ward on Merthyr Tydfil Council following a by-election victory. Gill Preston was elected as the new councillor for the ward following the election held on Thursday, September 5. She won 411 votes, with Megan Drozd, independent, finishing second with 314 votes. Naomi Hughes of Plaid Cymru received 83 votes, Edward Dawson of the Conservatives garnered 24 votes, and Richard Searl, independent, received 11 votes. The voter turnout was 28%. The by-election was held after the previous independent councillor, Malcolm Colbran, decided to stand down for personal reasons.
Gill Preston, the winning candidate for Labour, expressed her pride and honour in representing the communities where she was born and raised. She emphasised a keen sense of responsibility towards addressing the residents’ needs and concerns. Preston vowed to work diligently as an elected representative, promising to be a strong advocate and provide regular updates on local issues. She plans to collaborate closely with local police to enhance patrols in areas susceptible to anti-social behaviour. Additionally, she intends to hold regular advice surgeries to attentively address residents’ concerns and ensure her availability to respond promptly.
Preston looks forward to engaging with community leaders, local organisations, and residents to collectively enhance the communities for the betterment of all. She believes that by working together, they can achieve great things. The new councillor’s optimistic outlook and commitment to serving the community paint a promising future for Bedlinog and Trelewis.Residents can expect improved communication, enhanced community policing, and a dedicated ally in Gill Preston as their representative.