The Aberafan & Maesteg Constituency has welcomed its newest Councillor after Gareth Rice successfully contested the Briton Ferry East by-election in February.

Following the resignation of Chris James (Independent), the by-election was called and Gareth fought an excellent campaign, built on his record of community involvement in the Briton Ferry area.

Polling 52% of the vote, Gareth saw off competition from Independent and Green candidates to gain the seat for Labour.

Members of the CLP would also like to extend congratulations to Councillor Lauren Heard, who was elected as the Labour Councillor for the Neath East ward in March following the sad passing of long-serving Councillor Sheila Penry.  Members from Aberafan & Maesteg joined colleagues from Neath and supported the campaign to secure the Labour hold.