In the last few days, Cllr. Mike Kearn (Lab, Pyle, Kenfig Hill & Cefn Cribwr) announced his resignation as a county councillor.
“After years of dedicated service, Councillor Mike Kearn will be stepping down from his role as a councillor due to personal reasons.
“On behalf of all his fellow Labour councillors and the residents of his ward, we want to express our sincere gratitude for his hard work and dedication. Since being elected in 2017, Mike has been a tireless champion for his community and for Bridgend as a whole, always standing up for local people and working to make a real difference. His commitment extended beyond his ward, with his efforts benefiting not just his constituents but people across Wales.
“We thank Mike for everything he has done and wish him all the very best for the future. His dedication, service, and principled work will not be forgotten.”
– Bridgend Council Labour Group via Facebook
The official paperwork and announcements are yet to be made, but the second county council by-election of the term will now be held to fill the forthcoming vacancy. There’ll be a full preview of that closer to the date.
Although the Pyle, Kenfig Hill & Cefn Cribwr ward is new – having only been formed in 2022 – it’s long been a Labour stronghold.
The only time a candidate from someone other than Labour has won a seat in either the old Pyle or Cefn Cribwr wards was Plaid Cymru’s Kevin Burnell, who won the Cefn Cribwr ward in 1999 (and remains a community councillor there).
Pyle community councillor – and former Plaid Cymru UK Parliament candidate – Rhys Watkins has already announced he will stand as an Independent.
