Senedd Members
Member of the Senedd profiles — Plaid Cymru and Reform UK representatives for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni.
- Niamh Salkeld - Plaid Cymru MS
- Delyth Jewell - Plaid Cymru MS
- Lindsay Whittle - Plaid Cymru MS
- Lyr Powell - Reform UK MS
- Joshua Kim - Reform UK MS
- Catherine Cullen - Reform UK MS
Niamh Salkeld - Plaid Cymru MS
Niamh Salkeld — Plaid Cymru MS for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni
Full name: Niamh Ffion Mai Salkeld
Born: 1998 (age 27–28)
Party: Plaid Cymru
Constituency: Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni (Senedd Cymru)
Term start: 8 May 2026
X / Twitter: @niamh_salkeld (also styles as Níamh Salkeld)
X bio: 🏴 Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd / Aelod o’r Senedd for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni. Promoted by Niamh Salkeld, Tŷ Gwynfor, CF10 4AL.
Welsh Wikipedia: Niamh Salkeld
X stats: ~2,486 Tweets | 671 Following | 629 Followers | 9,775 Likes
Joined X: October 2021
Summary
Niamh Salkeld is a Welsh Plaid Cymru politician who was elected as a Member of the Senedd (MS) for the newly created constituency of Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni in the May 2026 Senedd election. She is one of a cohort of new Plaid Cymru MSs elected as part of the party's historic victory that saw Plaid Cymru form a government for the first time, with Rhun ap Iorwerth becoming First Minister.
Early Life & Education
- Born in 1998.
- Studied at Aberystwyth University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Politics.
- After graduating, worked as a substitute teacher in a secondary school.
- Subsequently joined the Plaid Cymru group in the Senedd as a political researcher.
(Source: Caerphilly Observer, "General election 2024: Meet the candidates for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney", 2 July 2024)
Political Career
2024 UK General Election
- Stood as the Plaid Cymru candidate for the UK Parliament constituency of Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney.
- Finished in 2nd place with 3,844 votes behind Labour's Nick Smith.
- The contest was newsworthy as the seat had been redrawn from the former Blaenau Gwent constituency.
2026 Senedd Election
- Selected as Plaid Cymru's lead candidate for the new Senedd constituency of Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni.
- This constituency was created as part of the Senedd expansion (from 60 to 96 MSs) which took effect in the 2026 election.
- Elected on 8 May 2026 as part of Plaid Cymru's historic victory.
- The constituency returns six MSs. Her fellow MSs for this region include:
- Delyth Jewell (Plaid Cymru)
- Lindsay Whittle (Plaid Cymru)
- Catherine Cullen
- Llŷr Powell (Reform UK?) (unconfirmed post-election details)
Role in the Senedd
As a newly elected MS in the 7th Senedd (2026–2031), Salkeld is a government backbencher supporting the Rhun ap Iorwerth administration. Her X activity suggests alignment with Plaid Cymru government messaging on:
- NHS waiting lists — supporting government efforts to cut waiting times.
- Cost of living — backing free school meals expansion, childcare offers, and child payment pilots.
- Energy prices — criticising the UK Government for high energy costs affecting Welsh households.
- Welsh trade unions — supporting the partnership between the Welsh Government and the TUC Cymru.
- Welsh devolution — calling for stronger powers and respect for the Senedd election result.
Social Media & Public Profile
X (Twitter) — @niamh_salkeld
- Joined: October 2021
- Account activity: Highly active; predominantly retweets Plaid Cymru and Welsh Government messaging.
- Language: Primarily English, with some bilingual Welsh posts.
- Engagement: Modest follower count (629) but actively engaging with constituents and party messaging.
Notable interactions (from Nitter search results):
- Engaged in discussions about Plaid Cymru's role in government, including tax policies and the 20 mph speed limit.
- Referenced alongside fellow Plaid MSs Delyth Jewell and Lindsay Whittle in regional political discourse.
- Tagged in discussions about Plaid Cymru's broader policy platform.
Media Coverage
News articles referencing Niamh Salkeld (May 2026):
- "Senedd election results all in – who's in and who's out?" — Caerphilly Observer (11 May 2026)
- "Plaid Cymru releases list of Senedd candidates" — Nation.Cymru (21 November 2025)
- "The Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni candidates in the Senedd election 2026" — Wales Online (16 April 2026, by Ruth Mosalski)
- "'We will not let you down': Lindsay Whittle MS talks Senedd election results" — Caerphilly Observer (12 May 2026)
- "Full list of Wales' 96 new Senedd Members" — Wales Online (14 May 2026, by Ruth Mosalski)
- "Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney general election 2024: constituency result in full" — Wales Online (5 July 2024, by Ruth Mosalski)
No significant Reddit discussion found (search of all Reddit for "Niamh Salkeld" returned no results as of 23 May 2026).
Constituency: Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni
This is a new Senedd constituency created for the 2026 election as part of the Senedd expansion. It covers:
- The Blaenau Gwent area
- Caerffili (Caerphilly)
- Rhymni (Rhymney)
It is a South Wales Valleys constituency, historically a Labour stronghold but where Plaid Cymru has been making gains (they previously held regional list seats in South Wales East).
Key Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Niamh Ffion Mai Salkeld |
| Year of birth | 1998 |
| Age (as of May 2026) | 27–28 |
| Education | Aberystwyth University (BA International Politics) |
| Previous career | Substitute teacher, political researcher |
| First electoral contest | 2024 UK General Election (Blaenau Gwent & Rhymney) |
| Senedd election | 8 May 2026 |
| Constituency type | Newly created (Senedd expansion from 60→96 seats) |
| Party | Plaid Cymru |
| X handle | @niamh_salkeld |
Sources
- Wikipedia — Niamh Salkeld
- Caerphilly Observer — General election 2024: Meet the candidates for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney (2 July 2024) — link
- BBC News — Welsh Parliament election results 2026 — link
- Who Can I Vote For? — Niamh Ffion Mai Salkeld profile — link
- Nitter / X — @niamh_salkeld
- Google News search — "Niamh Salkeld MS" (23 May 2026)
- Wales Online — Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney general election 2024: constituency result in full (5 July 2024)
- Wales Online — Full list of Wales' 96 new Senedd Members (14 May 2026)
- Nation.Cymru — Plaid Cymru releases list of Senedd candidates (21 November 2025)
Profile created: 23 May 2026
Delyth Jewell - Plaid Cymru MS
Delyth Jewell MS — Plaid Cymru
Full name: Delyth Non Jewell
Born: 1988
Constituency: Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni (since May 2026)
Previous constituency: South Wales East (regional list, 2019–2026)
Party: Plaid Cymru
Current role: Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women's Health (since May 2026)
Party role: Deputy Leader of Plaid Cymru (since June 2023)
Who They Are
Delyth Jewell is a Welsh nationalist politician representing Plaid Cymru. She entered the Senedd (then the National Assembly for Wales) in January 2019 as a regional Member for South Wales East, succeeding the late Steffan Lewis following his death from bowel cancer. In the 2026 Senedd election, she was elected as the first MS for the newly created constituency of Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni, which covers the New Tredegar area.
She has been described on Reddit as "brilliant" and "personable" (r/politicsjoe), with observers noting her as one of the more visible and articulate Plaid Cymru MSs.
Background & Early Life
- Born in Caerphilly, grew up in Ystrad Mynach
- Education: Ysgol Bro Allta → Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni → University of Oxford (BA English Language and Literature, MA Celtic Studies)
- Student politics: President of the Dafydd ap Gwilym Society (Oxford's Welsh-language society) in 2007
- Pre-political career:
- Five and a half years as a researcher and speechwriter for Plaid Cymru MPs
- Contributed to new laws against stalking (2012) and domestic violence (2015)
- Worked for Citizens Advice and Welsh Water
- Worked for ActionAid charity on women's rights and international development
- Two days before entering the Senedd, she wrote for The Independent highlighting abuse and harassment of female politicians
Political Career Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Second on Plaid Cymru list for South Wales East; not elected (only Steffan Lewis won) |
| Jan 2019 | Succeeded Steffan Lewis in the Senedd after his death |
| Feb 2019 | Sworn into office as Assembly Member |
| Jun 2019 | Selected as Plaid Cymru candidate for Caerphilly constituency |
| Feb 2020 | Appointed Plaid Cymru spokesperson for Public Service Transformation and the Future; LGA coordinator |
| May 2021 | Re-elected as MS for South Wales East; given responsibility for Climate Change, Energy and Transport |
| Jun 2023 | Appointed Deputy Leader of Plaid Cymru's Senedd group by new leader Rhun ap Iorwerth |
| Jun 2024 | Transport and Energy portfolios transferred to other MSs |
| May 2026 | Elected as MS for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni (new constituency) |
| May 2026 | Appointed Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women's Health in Rhun ap Iorwerth's government |
Key Stances & Campaigns
💚 Welsh Independence
- Strong advocate for Welsh independence; pressed Mark Drakeford in 2019 on whether Wales should consider independence if Scotland leaves the UK
- Has argued that Wales' best interests "will never be served by any Westminster government"
- Has made the case that Westminster owes Wales ~£200 billion due to the industrial revolution (a claim debated on Reddit at the time)
🏘️ Jobs & Economic Development Outside Cardiff
- The Reddit post "Senedd must create jobs outside Welsh cities" (2021, 66 upvotes, r/Wales) reflects her focus on spreading economic opportunity beyond the capital
- Has called for "creating opportunities for young people outside Cardiff"
- Advocated for reopening the railway line through Nelson
🏴 Welsh Language & Culture
- Welsh speaker, educated through Welsh-medium education (Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni)
- President of Oxford's Welsh society during her studies
- Campaigns on cultural issues including library closures and arts funding
⚕️ Health & Social Care
- As Deputy Minister, responsible for social care, mental health, and women's health
- Has challenged the Welsh Government on NHS issues, including mortuary mix-ups at Grange University Hospital
- Called for better support for those affected by welfare benefit cuts
- Raised concerns about the impact of climate anxiety on young people's mental health
🏉 Rugby & Sport
- Led Senedd questioning on the WRU professional game crisis; the WRU "must recognise that it has lost the argument over the future of the professional game" (Reddit, r/rugbyunion, 227 upvotes)
- Praised world champion boxer Lauren Price in the Senedd
⚖️ Social Justice
- Slams UK Government welfare cuts as "brutal"
- Called for support for women denied their state pensions (1950s WASPI women)
- Opposed benefit cuts calling the situation "shameful"
- Advocate for animal rights and nature emergency legislation
🚆 Transport
- Called for devolution of Crown Estate management to Wales
- Attacked UK Government rail announcements as "smoke and mirrors"
- Supported reopening of Valleys railway lines
Recent Activity (as of May 2026)
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 13 May 2026 | Appointed Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women's Health — the first time a Welsh Government portfolio has explicitly named "Women's Health" |
| 13 May 2026 | Sworn in as MS for new Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni constituency |
| May 2026 | Campaigns supported by Crisis Cymru/Wales congratulate her on appointment |
| Mar 2026 | Featured on BBC Radio 4 Any Questions? alongside Chris Bryant MP, James Evans MS, Darren Millar MS |
| Mar 2026 | Senedd committee response to WRU professional rugby crisis — statement that WRU "has lost the argument" |
| 2025 (Oct) | Plaid Cymru wins Caerphilly by-election (constituency Labour had held) |
Media & Appearances
Delyth Jewell is a regular panelist on BBC Radio 4's Any Questions?, having appeared multiple times between 2019 and 2026 alongside figures including:
- Sir Chris Bryant MP, James Evans MS, Darren Millar MS (March 2026)
- David TC Davies MP, Guto Harri, Rain Newton-Smith, Jo Stevens MP (June 2024)
- Vaughan Gething MS, Andrew RT Davies, Jane Dodds (2021–2023)
- Grant Shapps MP, Stephen Kinnock MP, Ben Habib MEP (2019)
Sources
Wikipedia
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delyth_Jewell
Senedd / Welsh Government
- https://www.senedd.wales/people/delyth-jewell/
- https://gov.wales/delyth-jewell (Welsh Government profile)
News Articles
- Delyth Jewell MS appointed Welsh Government Deputy Minister — South Wales Argus
- Plaid Cymru's success is a 'real moment in time' – Delyth Jewell MS — The National Wales
- Delyth Jewell: Senedd must create jobs outside Welsh cities — The National Wales (May 2021)
- Delyth Jewell selected as Plaid Cymru Assembly candidate for Caerphilly — Nation.Cymru (Jun 2019)
BBC
- BBC Radio 4 Any Questions? — Delyth Jewell — Multiple appearances
Social Media (X / Nitter)
- @DelythJewell — Official X account
- https://nitter.local/DelythJewell (via Nitter)
- Introducing the new Welsh Government Cabinet — r/Wales (May 2026)
- Senedd must create jobs outside Welsh cities — r/Wales (May 2021)
- "The WRU must recognise that it has lost the argument" — r/rugbyunion (Mar 2026)
- Caerphilly by-election — "Delyth Jewell in particular is brilliant" — r/politicsjoe (Oct 2025)
- Delyth Jewell AM claims Westminster owes Wales £200 billion — r/Wales (Jul 2019)
News Aggregators
File generated: 23 May 2026
Lindsay Whittle - Plaid Cymru MS
Lindsay Whittle MS — Plaid Cymru
Full Name: Lindsay Geoffrey Whittle
Born: March 1953 (Caerphilly, South Wales)
Party: Plaid Cymru
Constituency: Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni (since 2026)
Senedd Term: Senedd Member for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni (2026–present); previously MS for Caerphilly (2025–2026); Regional MS for South Wales East (2011–2016)
Official Senedd Page: https://senedd.wales/people/lindsay-whittle-ms/
Email: Lindsay.Whittle-AS@senedd.cymru
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindsay_Whittle
X (Twitter): @lindsaywhittle (Plaid Cymru)
Biography
Lindsay Whittle was born in Caerphilly, South Wales. He lives in Abertridwr, near Caerphilly. He is a former housing manager in Cardiff, a career he pursued for 25 years. He has served as a governor for his old school, Cwm Ifor Primary.
Political Career
Local Government
Whittle has one of the longest records of local government service in Wales:
- First elected in the 1976 local elections, representing the Penyrheol and Trecenydd ward on Rhymney Valley district council, and was re-elected repeatedly until the council was abolished in 1996.
- Elected to Mid Glamorgan County Council in 1977 (lost in 1981; contested again in 1989 and 1993).
- Caerphilly County Borough Council: Represented the Penyrheol ward continuously from 1995, elected 7 times.
- Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council (1999–2004 and again 2008–2011).
- Plaid Cymru group leader on the council from 2022 until 2025.
- WLGA spokesperson on Equalities, Community Safety and Social Justice.
- Resigned his council seat after winning the 2025 Caerphilly by-election (as he could not hold both roles simultaneously).
National Politics (Senedd / Welsh Assembly)
Whittle has stood in every Senedd (formerly Welsh Assembly) election since its formation in 1999:
-
2011–2016: Elected as a Member of the Welsh Assembly (AM) on the South Wales East regional list. Appointed Plaid Cymru spokesperson for Social Services, Children & Equal Opportunities. Retained the role under Leanne Wood (post-2012 leadership election); became spokesperson for Social Services, Equality & Older People in May 2013. Lost his seat in the 2016 election when Plaid Cymru was reduced from 2 to 1 seats in the region.
-
2025 Caerphilly By-election (October 2025): After the death of incumbent MS Hefin David (Labour), Whittle was selected as Plaid Cymru's candidate. He won with 15,961 votes (47%) — a historic result, as this was the first time Labour had failed to win the seat since the establishment of the Senedd in 1999. This was Whittle's 14th time contesting the Caerphilly constituency since 1983.
-
2026 Senedd Election (May 2026): Elected as an MS for the new Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni constituency, placed second on the Plaid Cymru list behind Delyth Jewell. Plaid Cymru won 3 seats in the constituency (Delyth Jewell, Lindsay Whittle, Niamh Salkeld).
Westminster Elections
Whittle has stood ten times for the Westminster Parliament seat of Caerphilly, first standing in the 1983 general election and in every subsequent general election except 2015. His best result was in the 2024 general election, coming second with 21.2% of the vote. In each election, he lost to the Labour Party, who have held the seat continuously since 1918.
Key Political Positions & Interests
- Housing and local government
- Combating homelessness (former housing manager)
- Social services, equalities, and older people
- NHS improvement (surgical hubs, tackling waiting lists)
- Education outcomes
- Childcare scheme (9 months to 4 years)
- Affordable/social housing and council home waiting lists
- Welsh independence and devolution
Notable Quotes
- "We will not let you down" — On the 2026 Senedd election results (Caerphilly Observer, 11 May 2026)
- "The hard work starts now" — Following Plaid Cymru's successes in the 2026 Senedd election
- "You don't attack the vulnerable" — On Labour's campaign tactics after the Caerphilly by-election (2025)
- "Clearly, people wanted change after 27 years of stale Labour government in Wales" — Reflecting on the 2026 Senedd election
- "A choice for voters between a Plaid government and one led by Reform UK – and it was a question of what sort of society did we want to live in" — Pre-election column
Electoral History (Notable Results)
| Election | Constituency | Party | Votes | % | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Senedd | Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni | Plaid Cymru | — | — | Elected (3rd PC MS) |
| 2025 By-election | Caerphilly | Plaid Cymru | 15,961 | 47% | Elected (historic Plaid Cymru gain) |
| 2024 General Election | Caerphilly | Plaid Cymru | — | 21.2% | Lost (2nd place) |
| 2011 Senedd | South Wales East (Regional) | Plaid Cymru | — | — | Elected (Regional list) |
| 2016 Senedd | Caerphilly | Plaid Cymru | — | — | Lost |
Online Presence & Public Sentiment
X (Twitter) / Social Media
- Whittle has been widely discussed in connection with the 2025 Caerphilly by-election and 2026 Senedd election.
- Noted for his distinctive red and green suit which has become something of a trademark.
- Referenced positively for his speaking style (described as having "some pipes" — a strong orator).
- Plaid Cymru colleague Níamh Salkeld expressed being "really grateful to have been elected alongside the fantastic Delyth Jewell and Lindsay Whittle."
- The phrase "you don't attack the vulnerable" (Whittle's rebuke after Caerphilly) has been cited by multiple users criticizing Labour/Starmer.
Reddit Discussion
- r/Wales (Jan 2026): A discussion thread titled "Lindsay Whittle lost in Caerphilly 13 times before finally being elected in 2025. Why did Plaid keep him as a candidate for so long?" asked why Plaid persisted with a 72-year-old candidate who had been rejected repeatedly — the user was pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong. Score: 29 upvotes, 32 comments.
- r/AskTheWorld (Nov 2025): "What do Welshmen & Non-Welshmen think about Lindsay Whittle?" — Discussion about the new Senedd member. Score: 13 upvotes, 38 comments.
- r/Wales (Oct 2025): Caerphilly by-election megathread showed the full result: Whittle won with 15,961 votes vs Reform UK's 12,113 and Labour's 3,713. Score: 356 upvotes, 345 comments.
- r/BreakingUKNews (Oct 2025): "Lindsay Whittle - the local boy who stood unsuccessfully in Caerphilly 13 times, then won on the 14th" — linking to the Sky News article.
Media Coverage
- Caerphilly Observer (11 May 2026): "'We will not let you down': Lindsay Whittle MS talks Senedd election results" — Whittle's post-election column reflecting on the campaign, the historic result for Plaid Cymru, and his priorities going forward (NHS, housing, childcare).
- BBC/Sky News (Oct 2025): Extensive coverage of the Caerphilly by-election upset, framing Whittle's persistence as a remarkable story of political endurance.
Terms of Office
| Term | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| 4th Assembly (South Wales East Regional) | 6 May 2011 | 5 April 2016 |
| 6th Senedd (Caerphilly) | 24 October 2025 | 7 April 2026 |
| 7th Senedd (Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni) | 8 May 2026 | Present |
Committee Membership
- Plenary — Member
Contact
Senedd Address:
Welsh Parliament
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
CF99 1SN
Email: Lindsay.Whittle-AS@senedd.cymru
Key Sources
- Wikipedia: Lindsay Whittle
- Senedd Cymru: Lindsay Whittle MS
- Caerphilly Observer: "We will not let you down": Lindsay Whittle MS talks Senedd election results
- Sky News: Who is Lindsay Whittle? The man who stood unsuccessfully in Caerphilly 13 times, then won on the 14th
- Reddit: r/Wales discussion threads (2025–2026)
- Nitter/X search results (May 2026)
File created: 23 May 2026
Lyr Powell - Reform UK MS
Llŷr Powell — MS for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni (Reform UK)
Overview
Full name: Llŷr Tomos Powell
Born: April 1995 (age 31)
Constituency: Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni
Party: Reform UK (since 2024)
Senedd role: Member of the Senedd (MS) for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni
Assumed office: 8 May 2026
Shadow Cabinet role: Chief Whip and Business Manager (Thomas Shadow Cabinet, since May 2026)
Previous party affiliations:
- UKIP (2014–2016)
- Conservative (2016–2019, 2022)
- Brexit Party (2019–2021)
Political History
Early Career
Powell has been active in politics since his early 20s, having worked as a political staffer for multiple parties. He ran for election with UKIP in 2016 for the South Wales West electoral region. In March 2016, he stood down as a UKIP candidate for the Welsh Assembly election after a controversy over race-related social media posts.
He later worked as a staffer for various politicians, including Nathan Gill (UKIP/Reform UK MEP) and Mandy Jones (UKIP AM for South Wales West). He was involved in the controversy surrounding Mandy Jones's 2018 departure from the UKIP group in the Senedd.
Powell worked at Gorwell Consulting (a public affairs firm) and was a researcher for the "Apolitical" think tank. He also served as a senior manager at Scouts Cymru until 2023, leaving after an investigation into his conduct was launched by Nation.Cymru.
Conservative Years
He rejoined the Welsh Conservatives in 2022 and stood as the Conservative candidate for Grangetown ward in Cardiff Council in the 2022 local elections (not elected). He publicly supported Kemi Badenoch in the 2022 Conservative leadership contest.
Reform UK & By-election
Powell joined Reform UK in 2024. He was the Reform UK candidate for the 2025 Caerphilly Senedd by-election, coming second to Plaid Cymru's Lindsay Whittle. During the campaign, he faced questions about his knowledge of bribery charges against his former boss Nathan Gill, who later admitted Russia-linked bribery offences, though Powell denied any knowledge.
2026 Senedd Election
In the May 2026 Senedd election, Reform UK won a major breakthrough, becoming the official opposition. Powell was elected as an MS for the newly-created constituency of Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni. The constituency returned three MSs under the new electoral system:
- Lindsay Whittle (Plaid Cymru)
- Llŷr Powell (Reform UK)
- Delyth Jewell (Plaid Cymru)
Labour's Alun Davies lost his seat in a major upset.
Shadow Cabinet Role
On 19 May 2026, Reform UK Wales leader Dan Thomas announced his Shadow Cabinet, with Powell appointed as Chief Whip and Business Manager for the Reform UK group in the Senedd.
Key Facts
- Middle name "Tomos" is the Welsh variant of Thomas.
- Described as a Welsh speaker.
- Has been identified as an MS with dyslexia.
- Contested one Senedd election as a UKIP candidate (2016), one as a Conservative council candidate (2022 Grangetown), one Senedd by-election as Reform (2025 Caerphilly), and was elected as a Reform MS in the 2026 Senedd general election.
- One of the youngest members of the 7th Senedd (born April 1995).
Sources
- Wikipedia — Llŷr Powell
- Wikipedia — Thomas shadow cabinet
- WalesOnline — Mosalski, Ruth (2025-10-15). "A leisure centre and a lads' holiday led me to Nigel Farage and altered the course of my life"
- Caerphilly Observer — Gurner, Richard (2025-09-12). "Llŷr Powell: Reform's candidate for the Caerphilly Senedd by-election"
- BBC News — Various articles on UKIP race row controversy (2016), Nathan Gill bribery case (2025), Caerphilly by-election (2025)
- Nation.Cymru — Price, Emily (2025-09-30). "First Minister calls on Reform Senedd candidate to explain what he knows about Gill bribes"
- ITV News — "Reform UK candidate denies knowledge of his former boss' Russia bribes" (2025-10-03)
- The Independent — Storey, Eleanor (2025-09-12). "Reform by-election candidate in Wales seeks to reverse 20mph limit"
- Gov.uk — "Llyr Tomos POWELL" Companies House record
- WalesOnline — Mosalski, Ruth (2026-05-08). "Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni election results in full"
Joshua Kim - Reform UK MS
Joshua Kim (Joshua Seungkyun Kim) — Reform UK MS
Full Name: Joshua Seungkyun Kim (Korean: 김승균 / Gim Seung-gyun)
Born: Seungkyun Kim, South Korea
Party: Reform UK (Reform UK Wales)
Constituency: Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni
Took Office: 8 May 2026
Title: Member of the Senedd (MS)
Residence: Machen, Caerphilly County Borough, Wales
Occupation prior to election: Supply teacher in Cardiff
Biography
Joshua Seungkyun Kim is a South Korean-born Welsh politician who made history as the first person of Korean descent ever elected to any parliament in the United Kingdom. He represents the Reform UK party for the newly created constituency of Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni in the Senedd (Welsh Parliament), having been elected in the 2026 Senedd election.
Kim is an immigrant from South Korea who settled in Wales. He worked as a supply teacher in Cardiff and lives in the village of Machen in Caerphilly County Borough.
Political Career
2024 UK General Election
Kim stood as the Reform UK candidate for the Caerphilly constituency in the 2024 United Kingdom general election, though he did not win the seat.
2026 Senedd Election
He was placed third on Reform UK's candidate list for the Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni constituency in the 2026 Senedd election. Under the new proportional voting system (six seats per constituency), Reform UK won three of the six seats in this constituency alongside Plaid Cymru (three seats), with Labour losing their incumbent, Alun Davies.
"Supply Teacher" Viral Moment
Kim gained significant media attention for his unlikely path to becoming an MS:
- He arrived late to the election count because he was teaching as a supply teacher that day. He opted not to attend the count earlier as it would have meant losing a day's pay.
- Upon winning the sixth and final seat, he was reported by the BBC as being "distraught, utterly shocked and confused", telling reporters he "did not think for one minute" that he would be elected.
- However, in his own interview with the Caerphilly Observer upon arrival at the count, he gave a more measured account: "I always knew there was a chance, but I wouldn't say I was confident. And you can see from the result, it was pretty close."
Election Results — Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni 2026
| Party | Seats Won | Vote Share |
|---|---|---|
| Plaid Cymru | 3 | 42.0% |
| Reform UK | 3 | 34.3% |
| Labour | 0 | 11.1% |
| Conservative | 0 | 4.8% |
| Green | 0 | 3.5% |
| Liberal Democrat | 0 | 1.8% |
| Others | 0 | 2.3% |
Turnout: 47.6% (of 146,732 registered voters)
The six elected MSs for the constituency:
- Plaid Cymru: Delyth Jewell, Lindsay Whittle, Niamh Salkeld
- Reform UK: Llŷr Powell, Catherine Cullen, Joshua Kim
Personal
- Of South Korean origin; his birth name is Seungkyun Kim, anglicised to Joshua Seungkyun Kim.
- Lived and worked in Wales as a supply teacher.
- Lives in Machen, a village between Caerphilly and Newport.
- First Korean-descended member of any UK parliament (Westminster, Senedd, Scottish Parliament, or Northern Ireland Assembly).
Key References
- The Chosun Daily (2026-05-11) — "英 웨일스 의회에 한국계 첫 입성… 영국개혁당 조슈아 김" (First Korean-descendant enters UK Welsh Parliament... Reform UK's Joshua Kim) — chosun.com
- BBC News (2026-05-08) — Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni constituency results — bbc.com
- Caerphilly Observer (2024-07-03) — Child poverty, cost-of-living, and food bank use hot topics at election hustings — caerphilly.observer
- South Wales Argus (2024-07-04) — General election: Candidates for Caerphilly — southwalesargus.co.uk
- Wales Online (2026-03-25) — Reform UK publishes full list of candidates for Wales' Senedd election — walesonline.co.uk
- Caerphilly Observer (2026-05-08) — Plaid Cymru win Senedd Election 2026, but without a majority — caerphilly.observer
- BBC News (2026-05-09) — Live coverage (mentions Kim's "distraught" reaction) — bbc.co.uk
- The Asia Business Daily / 아시아경제 (2026-05-11) — First Korean-British Lawmaker Elected to Welsh Parliament Amid Reform UK Surge
- 매일경제 (Maeil Business Newspaper) (2026-05-11) — Coverage of first Korean lawmaker in Welsh Senedd
- Wales Online (2026-05-09) — The new Senedd Members joining Wales' Parliament — walesonline.co.uk
Notes
- Wikipedia page created around 20 May 2026
- Category tags on Wikipedia: Living people, Reform UK members of the Senedd, Wales MSs 2026–2031, Reform UK parliamentary candidates, South Korean emigrants to the United Kingdom, British people of Korean descent, Welsh people of Asian descent
- No confirmed personal social media accounts (Twitter/X, LinkedIn) found at time of research (May 2026)
- Senedd official profile page not yet live at time of research
Catherine Cullen - Reform UK MS
Catherine Cullen — Reform UK MS for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni
Basic Info
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Catherine Cullen |
| Party | Reform UK (Reform UK Wales) |
| Position | Member of the Senedd (MS) |
| Constituency | Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni |
| Term Start | 8 May 2026 |
| Suffix | MS |
| Welsh Parliament | 7th Senedd (2026–2031) |
Political Career
Catherine Cullen was elected as a Member of the Senedd for the newly created Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni constituency in the 2026 Senedd election held on 7 May 2026.
She is one of three Reform UK MSs elected in this six-member constituency, alongside Llyr Powell and Joshua Kim. The other three seats went to Plaid Cymru (Delyth Jewell, Lindsay Whittle, and Niamh Salkeld).
Election Results (Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni, 2026)
| Party | Votes | Seats Won |
|---|---|---|
| Plaid Cymru | 29,314 | 3 (Jewell, Whittle, Salkeld) |
| Reform UK | 23,955 | 3 (Powell, Cullen, Kim) |
| Labour | 7,739 | 0 |
| Conservatives | 3,353 | 0 |
| Green Party | 2,447 | 0 |
| Lib Dems | 1,284 | 0 |
| Other | 1,740 | 0 |
| Turnout | 47.7% |
Labour's vote "collapsed" and former Labour MS Alun Davies lost his seat, describing it as a "historic turning point" and calling for Keir Starmer's resignation. This constituency was notable as Reform UK came a close second to Plaid Cymru, jointly winning all six seats between them.
Key Policy Stances & Controversies
20mph Speed Limit Opposition
Cullen actively opposes the Welsh Government's default 20mph speed limit policy, which Reform UK has pledged to scrap.
In April 2026 (during the election campaign), she posted a campaign video on Facebook criticising the "blanket 20mph speed limit all over Wales" — but was widely mocked online because a 50mph speed limit sign was clearly visible over her shoulder in the footage.
Key reactions:
The then-incumbent Labour candidate Alun Davies called it "typical of Reform — all mouth and no basic understanding or knowledge."
Reform UK's Welsh leader Dan Thomas had labelled the 20mph policy "stupid," and the party pledged to scrap the default while retaining 20mph limits near schools and hospitals.
Personal Background
- Reportedly pursuing a doctorate (mentioned in her Facebook response to the 20mph controversy: "studying for my doctorate")
- Active on Facebook where she posted campaign content
- No known X/Twitter account identified under her name; may use handle @CathyFazza (unconfirmed)
Sources
- Wikipedia — Catherine Cullen (British politician)
- Wales Online — Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni election results (8 May 2026)
- Nation.Cymru — Reform Senedd candidate mocked for blasting 20mph speed limit while standing on a 50mph road (27 April 2026)
- 7th Senedd Wikipedia page
Notes
- No personal website, Senedd profile page, or X/Twitter account could be reliably confirmed at time of writing
- No known previous political office or local government experience found
- The Senedd member pages had not been updated to include newly elected members as of the research date