Plaid councillor retains Denbighshire seat

Plaid Cymru has retained a Denbighshire council seat vacated by the death last year of long-serving councillor Huw “Chick” Jones.

Alan Hughes won Thursday’s by-election in Corwen after securing 66% of the turn-out, leaving supporters “jubilant”.

The win gives Plaid Cymru 10 seats within the local authority after the defection to the party by Cllr Paul Penlington from the Labour Party in June last year.

After his victory Cllr Hughes said: “I will be joining a strong Plaid Cymru team.

“We are all there to put the people of Denbighshire first, to protect the most vulnerable in society and to give hope to the people of Wales after the crisis of Covid.”

Plaid Cymru’s group leader within the authority, Cllr Rhys Thomas said: “Our job is to hold the Cabinet to account so our communities are protected and the economy is supported.

“As a Plaid Cymru group we must ensure our young people can find work and everyone can find a suitable home in their communities.”

As part of his election pledge Cllr Hughes said: “There are many issues that need resolving in the area, not least the lack of investment in the Dee Valley.

“Housing is a priority. We need an improved housing stock for local people.

“Transport connection and road standards is also of vital importance to us here.

“Added to this, being a father to two young men, I would champion the needs of our young people here.”