CARMARTHENSHIRE: Reform UK names full Senedd slate — but selection rows and defections cast shadow over campaign launch

Reform UK has unveiled its six candidates for Carmarthenshire’s Senedd constituency and announced a new deputy leader for its Welsh operation — but the campaign launch arrives against a backdrop of candidate resignations, selection rows and defections that have dogged the party in recent weeks.

The party has confirmed its full list for Sir Gaerfyrddin, one of the 16 new enlarged constituencies that will each return six members under Wales’s new proportional voting system at the May 7 Senedd election.

Leading the ticket is Gareth Beer, a Kidwelly town councillor and local businessman who has become one of Reform’s most recognisable figures in Carmarthenshire. As Swansea Bay News has reported, Beer came within 1,504 votes of defeating Labour’s Nia Griffith in the Llanelli Westminster seat at the July 2024 general election — Reform UK’s strongest performance anywhere in Wales at that contest.

Gareth Beer, Reform UK’s lead candidate in the Sir Gaerfyrddin constituency

Beer is not the only Kidwelly town councillor contesting the Sir Gaerfyrddin seat this May. As Swansea Bay News has reported, Carl Peters-Bond — who is currently serving a historic fourth successive term as Mayor of Kidwelly — is also standing in the constituency, but as an independent candidate. Peters-Bond has been an active voice on Carmarthenshire issues during the campaign, calling for action on fuel costs for rural families and pushing for progress on the long-stalled reopening of St Clears railway station.

Beer said the response on the doorstep had been “overwhelmingly positive.” He added: “People are tired of the same old promises and spin from career politicians — they want a genuine alternative and real change at Cardiff Bay.”

Joining him on the list is Carmelo Colasanto, a county and community councillor who first worked in Llanelli 27 years ago and has since returned to the town, bringing a background in business compliance and corporate governance. Sarah Edwards, a retired dental professional and smallholder, stands as a prominent campaigner against electricity pylon developments across the Welsh countryside. Christopher Brooke, a retired engineer originally from Wrexham now based in Carmarthenshire, and Alan Cole — a business consultant with a background in senior roles at LG Electronics, Sanyo and HomeServe — round out the business-oriented portion of the list.

The sixth candidate is Michelle Beer, Gareth’s wife. A marketing and PR professional, she made Carmarthenshire political history when she won the Lliedi ward by-election in Llanelli in May 2025, becoming the county’s first-ever Reform UK councillor after defeating Labour in one of its traditional strongholds. The win followed just months after the Llanelli result had established the family as central figures in the party’s Carmarthenshire operation. More recently, Reform consolidated that county council foothold when the party won the Llangennech by-election, securing a second seat on Carmarthenshire County Council.

Michelle Beer was also among those who campaigned against plans to house asylum seekers at the Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli in 2023 — a proposal the Home Office ultimately abandoned following local opposition. The hotel’s subsequent closure has been one of the most significant ongoing stories in Carmarthenshire.

The Carmarthenshire candidate announcement coincided with news of a new appointment at the top of Reform’s Welsh operation. Dan Thomas, who was appointed Reform Wales leader by Nigel Farage in February, has named Helen Jenner as his deputy. Jenner — a Welsh speaker who tops the party’s list in the Bangor Conwy Môn constituency — was born in Neath and raised on Ynys Môn, and works as a teacher.

Helen Jenner has been named Reform Wales Deputy Leader

Thomas said the appointment reflected the importance of teamwork across the organisation. Jenner said Wales was “at a crossroads” and described Reform as “the only party offering ambitious, credible solutions to the problems the people of Wales face.”

The announcements come at a turbulent time for the party in Wales. Just days after Reform revealed its Swansea and Gower candidate list, one of those named sensationally quit, accusing the party of betrayal and claiming it had “sunk deep into the sewer.” Separately, a Reform Senedd hopeful in Pembrokeshire resigned from the party entirely, alleging the candidate selection process had been rigged. The party has also seen a flow of new arrivals — including Swansea councillor Francesca O’Brien, who recently joined Reform from the Conservatives ahead of the election.

Polling puts the Senedd race in a state of flux. The most recent survey tracked by Swansea Bay News showed Plaid Cymru storming ahead of its rivals — a significant shift from earlier polls that had Reform neck and neck with the nationalists. In Sir Gaerfyrddin specifically, Plaid is projected to dominate with four seats, leaving Reform competing for the remaining two alongside Labour.

The candidates highlighted NHS waiting times, education standards, the cost of living and opposition to net zero energy policies as their main campaign priorities.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Reform win landslide victory in Llanelli by-election
Michelle Beer’s historic by-election win that made her Carmarthenshire’s first-ever Reform UK councillor.

Reform UK wins Llangennech by-election, securing second seat on Carmarthenshire County Council
The party doubled its county council representation in Carmarthenshire ahead of the Senedd campaign.

Swansea Reform UK candidate quits in furious ‘betrayal’ rant – ‘Party has sunk into the sewer!’
The turbulence that has run alongside Reform’s candidate announcements across South West Wales.

Reform Senedd hopeful quits party over claims of ‘rigged’ selection process in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion
Another candidate row that has complicated Reform’s campaign preparations in Wales.

Plaid Cymru storms ahead as shock Senedd poll predicts political earthquake in Wales
The latest polling picture that shapes the battle for seats in Sir Gaerfyrddin on May 7.

Candidate demands action on stalled St Clears station after ‘five years of promises’
Kidwelly mayor Carl Peters-Bond — also standing in Sir Gaerfyrddin but as an independent — on the campaign trail in Carmarthenshire.

#AlanCole #Carmarthenshire #CarmeloColasanto #ChristopherBrooke #GarethBeer #Kidwelly #MichelleBeer #ReformUK #ReformWales #SarahEdwards #SeneddElection #SeneddElection2026

Petition launched against 120‑acre solar farm plan for Bynea

Windel Solar 11 Ltd intends to submit a Developments of National Significance (DNS) application to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) for the Pencoed Ganol Solar Farm, east of Pendderi Road.

The pre‑application proposals cover around 120 acres of farmland and include ground‑mounted solar panels, a grid connection hub, inverters, underground cabling, fencing, CCTV, internal tracks, landscaping and the demolition of existing farm buildings. The company says the site would operate for 40 years before being returned to agricultural use.

Windel Solar 11 Ltd, a subsidiary of Windel Energy and Recurrent Energy, says the scheme would cut greenhouse gas emissions, retain and enhance existing trees and hedgerows, and create local jobs during construction and operation.

A map of the proposed solar farm and underground cable connection

Community opposition

A petition launched by Reform councillor Michelle Beer argues the development would “transform 120 acres of fertile, productive farmland into a sprawling solar installation” at the expense of Bynea’s “health, safety and heritage”.

Concerns listed in the petition include:

• Glare from panels affecting Wales Air Ambulance operations
• Noise and land conflict threatening the closure of Brynteg Farm Wellbeing Sanctuary, which supports children with Additional Learning Needs, disabled residents and mental health charities
• Disruption to residents with sensory impairments
• Risks from historical mining activity
• Increased heavy vehicle traffic on narrow roads
• Loss of farmland and visual impact on the landscape

The petition calls on PEDW and Carmarthenshire County Council to reject the application.

Fears for local sanctuary

Brynteg Farm and Wellbeing Sanctuary borders the proposed site. Co‑owner Zara John said: “We have been praised for our tranquil environment and animal‑focused therapies… However, we are facing closure if this solar farm is built. Firstly there will be noise from the construction period, then once built there will be high security fencing, CCTV, the solar farm will be right up to our boundary, behind our stables.”

She added: “We are the only facility of its kind in our area… these land conflicts and noise pollution… means we would have to close. We are urging everyone to sign the petition against this solar farm.”

Political backing for campaigners

Bynea Labour county councillor Deryk Cundy said: “If this goes ahead it will have major implications on the whole of Bynea, with a build time of at least a year for over 65,000 solar panels… Imagine the noise and dust from the build itself and the background noise of the hum from the generators at the solar farm for many who will be living next door to this monstrosity. I and other campaigners are not against solar energy, it is just that this location is totally unsuitable for a development of that kind.”

Recently elected Reform county councillor for Llangennech, Carmelo Colasanto, is also supporting the campaign.

Developer’s position

On its website, Windel Solar 11 Ltd says the project will provide local renewable energy, support biodiversity through native planting, and contribute to the local economy. The company has been asked to respond to the concerns raised.

The petition can be viewed at: Petition to oppose Pencoed Ganol Solar Farm

#BryntegFarmAndWellbeingSanctuary #Bynea #MichelleBeer #PencoedGanolSolarFarm #PendderiRoad #petition #ReformUK #solarFarm #WindelEnergyAndRecurrentEnergy #WindelSolar11Ltd

Reform UK wins Llangennech by-election, securing second seat on Carmarthenshire County Council

The party celebrated the result with a jubilant post on its Llanelli campaign page:

“Reform Wales is on the march! Carmelo Colasanto – Reform UK – Llangennech. We did it, we did it! We WON! Team effort, thank you each and everyone for your support, across Llangennech & the Bryn, Llanelli and beyond! Love it!”

Carmelo Colasanto secured 694 votes, ahead of Plaid Cymru’s Richard Talog Jones (489) and Labour’s Jordan Sargent (380). The by-election was triggered by the death of long-serving Labour councillor Gary Jones, who had previously won the seat with 981 votes in 2022.

The result follows Reform’s breakthrough in Lliedi earlier this year, where Michelle May Beer won a landslide victory. With two seats now taken from Labour in the Llanelli area within three months, Reform’s momentum in Carmarthenshire is becoming increasingly difficult for opponents to ignore.

By-election Results: Llangennech

County Council

• Reform 🏴 – 694
• Plaid Cymru – 489
• Labour – 380
• Liberal Democrats – 26
• Conservative – 14
• Gwlad – 6

Community Council

• Reform 🏴 – 663
• Plaid Cymru – 513
• Labour – 388
• Liberal Democrats – 27
• Gwlad – 7

Labour vote collapses, Plaid falls short

Turnout stood at 39.37%, considered relatively strong for a local contest. Plaid Cymru campaigned heavily in the ward — historically a stronghold for the party — but the haemorrhaging of Labour votes proved decisive.

Cllr Alun Lenny, Plaid Cymru cabinet member for resources, said:

“It’s a very disappointing result for Plaid Cymru, but it’s absolutely devastating for Labour. We lost 100 votes from the last council election in 2022, but Labour lost 600.”

The result reflects a broader trend seen across South West Wales, where Reform UK has consistently outperformed expectations in recent polling. Labour has made modest gains in some areas, but continues to struggle in key wards where Reform is consolidating support.

Senedd implications and rising pressure

The Llangennech result has sparked concern among Plaid Cymru strategists ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections. The party is aiming to win three seats in the newly formed Sir Gar super-seat, a target seen as critical to returning former leader Adam Price, who is currently third on the regional list.

Former MP Jonathan Edwards warned that Reform’s success in Llanelli could make that goal increasingly difficult:

“To win the election nationally, three seats in Sir Gar would be useful. A return of only two seats could be nationally significant. All the momentum, even west of the Loughor, seems to be with a populist right-wing British nationalism.”

Reform’s rise — with one notable exception

While Reform UK continues to gain ground across South West Wales, the party’s performance in Baglan last month stood out — not for success, but for its absence. Labour comfortably held the seat, with Reform slipping to third place.

The party’s candidate, John Bamsey, was notably absent from the count — reportedly on a foreign holiday during polling day. The lack of local engagement was widely criticised and may have contributed to the poor showing.

By contrast, Reform’s victories in Lliedi and now Llangennech have been marked by active campaigning and strong voter turnout. The Baglan result is increasingly seen as an outlier, rather than a sign of waning support.

Critics of Reform UK continue to question the party’s long-term stability and leadership.

Cllr Lenny added:

“Reform are on a roll at the moment, but it’s a party built around one man, Nigel Farage. We’ve already seen signs of tension in Reform, and I expect there will be more. Sooner or later it will unravel as people find out more about what they stand for and as they observe the chaos in the English councils they now run, including one led by a teenager.”

With growing pressure on Labour and Plaid Cymru to respond, and Reform UK continuing to attract disaffected voters, the political landscape in South West Wales is shifting — and fast.

Related Articles

• Reform UK wins Lliedi by-election, taking seat from Labour
• Labour holds Baglan as Reform slips to third
• Plaid Cymru targets Sir Gar super-seat ahead of 2026 Senedd
• Adam Price positioned third on regional list for 2026

#CarmarthenshireCouncil #CarmeloColasanto #CllrAlunLenny #featured #Llanelli #Llangennech #MichelleBeer #PlaidCymru #ReformUK

Heol Goffa rebuild: Council faces critical decision on future of Llanelli’s special school

Carmarthenshire Council is preparing to vote on the future of Ysgol Heol Goffa — a school built for fewer than 100 pupils, now stretched to accommodate nearly 150 children with complex learning needs. The cabinet’s decision, due on 31 July, will determine whether the town gets a fast-tracked rebuild or a larger, more expensive consolidated site.

Two options remain. Option 4 proposes a new 150-place school with additional Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) centres attached to mainstream campuses. Option 5 would create a single 250-place school combining all specialist provision on one site.

OptionCapacityModelEstimated CostDelivery SpeedBacked ByOption 4150 pupilsASC centres on mainstream sites£27.5m–£34.8mFasterGovernors, staff, Plaid Cymru, Reform UK, Independent councillorsOption 5250 pupilsAll provision on one site£39.1m–£49.6mSlowerSome campaigners, long-term planners

Governors, staff and campaigners have rallied behind Option 4, citing speed, flexibility and the urgent need to relieve overcrowding. The current building has been flagged for leaking roofs, cramped corridors and limited space for mobility aids — conditions that may breach disability standards.

Independent reviewer David Davies recommended Option 4 after assessing six models, noting it would allow the council to meet its statutory duties under the Additional Learning Needs and Educational Tribunal Act (2018).

Political support for Option 4 has grown steadily. Plaid Cymru’s Education Cabinet Member Cllr Glynog Davies confirmed he will recommend it to cabinet, saying: “A new and enlarged Heol Goffa can be delivered in a shorter timescale than the alternative. What’s being proposed now will be a much better outcome for pupils, parents and staff.”

Independent Cllr Rob James, formerly Labour’s group leader, added: “Option 5 appears to reset the clock and delay the benefits a new school will deliver, while a new 150-pupil school could be built quickly. I call on the council to get the shovel in the ground as soon as possible.”

Reform UK’s Cllr Michelle Beer, elected in 2024, also backs Option 4: “It is a matter of urgency that the children, parents, and staff get the much-needed new facilities they deserve. The children and parents have waited patiently for a long time.”

But Labour Cllr Shaun Greaney has taken a more combative stance — not against Option 4 itself, but against the political handling of the rebuild. He warned that Reform UK’s growing influence could jeopardise the Welsh Government’s 75% capital funding offer, and accused Plaid Cymru of dragging their heels. “Reform have no policies for Wales, and no answers,” he said. “They have some very right-wing candidates and we know the right wing are no friends of children with special needs.”

Greaney also criticised the council’s refusal to meet with the Ysgol Heol Goffa Action Group, which submitted a petition with over 9,000 signatures. “The current school is substandard and past its sell-by date. That is fact, no matter how they try to spin the story,” he said. “Now here we are, eight years down the line, and despite the political grandstanding by the party in power in Carmarthenshire, Ysgol Heol Goffa’s children, parents and staff are still waiting for action.”

Campaigners say the building is no longer fit for purpose, citing inadequate toilet facilities, narrow doorways and a leaking roof. “Despite the county council having spent around £500,000 on the existing school building, there are still problems. It’s a dangerous situation,” said action group member Becki Davies. Chair Hannah Coles added: “Our school’s families and children can’t afford to wait any longer.”

If approved, Option 4 could see construction begin quickly — a relief for families who’ve waited years for change. For Llanelli’s disabled pupils, this isn’t just a building project. It’s a chance to learn, grow and thrive in a space designed for their needs.

Related stories on Heol Goffa and Carmarthenshire politics

Concerns raised over future of Heol Goffa special school
Councillor criticism, political tensions, and the call for swift action on the rebuild. Read more »

Council explores alternative plans for Heol Goffa replacement
Following the original scheme’s cancellation, Carmarthenshire Council looks to new build options. Read more »

Petition demands new school for Heol Goffa pupils
Campaigners deliver thousands of signatures urging the council to prioritise special school investment. Read more »

Reform surge shakes Carmarthenshire political landscape
A look at Reform UK’s rising influence and what it means for local council dynamics. Read more »

Polling shows Reform reshaping South West Wales politics
New data suggests a shift in voter sentiment as Reform gains ground against traditional parties. Read more »

#additionalLearningNeeds #ALN #ASC #Autism #AutisticSpectrumCondition #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CllrGlynogDavies #CllrRobJames #CllrShaunGreaney #disabledChildren #HeolGoffa #HeolGoffaActionCommittee #Llanelli #MichelleBeer #specialSchool #YsgolHeolGoffa

Reform win landslide victory in Llanelli by-election

Mrs Beer’s victory comes thanks to a 35% swing in votes from Labour, who were pushed into second place with 23.4% of the vote.

Independent candidate Sharon Burdess came third with 8.7% of the vote

Plaid Cymru were third with 8.0%, Conservatives came fourth with 7.0%. Independent candidate Alison Leyshon came fifth with 6.5% and Liberal Democrats sixth with 3.1%. The ever-present Wayne Erasmus from Gwlad came seventh with 0.7% or 9 votes.

Mrs Beer becomes the third Reform county councillor to be elected in Wales after Stuart Kyle beat Labour to fill a vacancy on Torfaen Council in February and Owain Clatworthy narrowly beat the Labour party’s Gary Chappell into second place by just 30 votes for the Pyle, Kenfig Hill and Cefn Cribwr seat on Bridgend County Borough Council at the beginning of May.

Mrs Beer said in a statement on social media: “I am thankful and humbled to become Reform Wales first Carmarthenshire County Councillor. This is one historic moment in Wales. It shows the people in Llanelli wants change.

“I am honoured to represent the people and to be a strong common sense voice for them at a local level. What a long day and awesome result. Praise God”

The Lleidi ward borders the Stradey Park Hotel which was the subject of long campaigns against proposals to house asylum seekers. Mrs Beer along with her husband and fellow Reform politician Gareth Beer were active in the campaigns, which included visits to the protest by then Reform leader Richard Tice and controversial far-right figure, Tommy Robinson.

Gareth Beer was Reform’s parliamentary candidate for Llanelli who came a close second to the incumbent, veteran Labour politician, Dame Nia Griffiths at last year’s general election.

Michelle Beer (centre) with husband Gareth Beer (right)

The by-election in the Lleidi ward was called following the death of Cllr Anthony Leyshon, who was elected as a Labour candidate in 2022 but left the party to become an independent in September 2024.

A Welsh Labour source said: “This is an awful result for us. We have campaigned solidly on local issues like the threat to Ysgol Heol Goffa, the local school for children with additional learning needs. Reform has been nowhere.

“There has been a lot of misinformation about the Stradey Park and also concern over the planned benefit cuts by the UK Government.”

The real winner of the by-election seems to have been apathy however, with just a third of the eligible electorate turning out to vote.

Carmarthenshire Council Lleidi ward by-election results

Michelle May Beer – Reform UK – 568
Andrew Bargoli – Welsh Labour – 312
Sharon Burdess – Independent – 116

Taylor Reynolds – Plaid Cymru, The Party of Wales – 107

Richard Williams – Welsh Conservative Party Candidate – 93

Alison Leyshon – Independent – 86
Jonathan Edward Burree – Welsh Liberal Democrats – 41
Wayne Erasmus – Gwlad, Wales Can Be Better – 9

The turnout was 33.36%.

#byElection #CarmarthenshireCouncil #featured #GarethBeer #Llanelli #MichelleBeer #ReformUK