The Welsh Liberal Democrats have made a significant gain in the Swansea Valley, securing a victory in the Cwmllynfell & Ystalyfera county council by-election in Neath Port Talbot.

Susan Grounds, a former midwife and district nurse, took 34 per cent of the vote, ahead of Plaid Cymru’s Brandon Havard on 30 per cent.

The final result was: Liberal Democrat 34 per cent, Plaid Cymru 30 per cent, Reform 13 per cent, Labour 13 per cent, Independent 9 per cent and Conservative 1 per cent.

Cllr Grounds’ win marks a key milestone for the Welsh Liberal Democrats, who now hold their first seat in the Swansea Valley following their success in the Brecon, Radnor, and Cwm Tawe parliamentary seat last summer.

The by-election was called following the resignation of Labour county councillor, Cathy James.

The Lib Dems now have three councillors on Neath Port Talbot Council.

“I’d like to thank everyone from across the community who has placed their trust in me to represent them on the council,” said Cllr Grounds.

“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in straight away and ensuring local residents' voices are heard loud and clear by the council and the issues raised with me in the campaign are tackled.”

MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick said: “This is a fantastic victory for the Welsh Liberal Democrats right in Labour’s heartlands. Whether it’s the cuts to the winter fuel allowance or the record-breaking NHS waiting lists in Wales, people are crying out for change and are fed up with stagnation and decline under Labour.”

Mid & West Wales MS Jane Dodds added: “As we head into our party conference, this win in Cwmllynfell & Ystalyfera shows there is nowhere across Wales that the Welsh Liberal Democrats can’t win as we head into next year's Senedd elections.”