LIZ Rijnenberg won the Brecon St Mary’s ward by-election for the Labour Party, with a majority of 100 votes.

This means that the Labour group at Powys County Council (PCC) is now up to eight.

The ward had been held by the Conservative group but became vacant when the councillor, Sarah Lewis resigned as she was moving away from the area.

The result of the by-election held on Thursday, November 14, was:

  • Liz Rijnenburg – Labour – 344
  • Alan Roberts – Conservative – 244
  • Grenville Ham – Plaid Cymru – 130
  • Gareth Roberts – Liberal Democrat – 102
  • Gareth Phillips – Independent – 101

Turn out was 42.4 per cent.

Labour say this is the first time it has held every PCC seat in the market town since 1985.

Cllr Rijnenberg said: “I’m so pleased to win on my first attempt at running for the county council.

“I thoroughly enjoyed getting out, meeting people on the doorstep, and listening to their concerns.

“I am delighted to have won, and it is a huge comfort to know that people have confidence in me and in Labour.

“I have worked hard as a Town Councillor, and promise to work hard for the whole community as a County Councillor.”

PCC Labour group leader Cllr Mathew Dorrance, (Brecon St John) said: “This is a stunning victory which has seen us go from third to first.

“We have now won each of the last four by-elections in Brecon.

“I’m very pleased to welcome Liz into the group.

“She will be a fantastic asset and terrific representative for St Mary’s Ward.

“Voters in Brecon know that Labour Councillors for both Town and County work exceptionally hard for residents and that can be seen in this result tonight”

Cllr Rijnenburg has also been congratulated on social media platforms by Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford.

On his personal account Mr Drakeford AM, said:  Llongyfarchiadau Liz, @WelshLabour’s newest county councillor!

“A terrific result for @BreconLabour#StandingupforWales

At the moment the numbers at county hall are:

  • The Independent Group - 24
  • Conservative - 18
  • Liberal Democrat - 14
  • Labour - 8
  • Action for Powys - 4
  • Plaid Cymru - 2
  • Non-aligned -  2
  • Green - 1

PCC is run by an Independent/Conservative coalition and the biggest opposition group is the joint Liberal Democrat/Green group.