A PROMINENT Welsh Conservative aide has defected to Reform UK just days before standing in the Penarth Town Council by-election.
Zak Weaver previously served as deputy chief of staff to the Senedd leader of the Conservatives Darren Miller. He was also standing as a Conservative candidate for Plymouth ward by-election.
The full list of candidates appearing on the ballot paper in the by-election being held on Thursday, 19th February, will remain as originally listed on nomination papers that were validly submitted and accepted at the close of nominations:
- Mark Todd Bailey – Green Party
- Mutale Merrill – Welsh Labour
- Aled Robert Thomas – Plaid Cymru
- Zak Weaver – Welsh Conservatives
Returning officer Rob Thomas said: “A candidate standing in the Plymouth Ward By-Election for Penarth Town Council has indicated that he now associates with a different political party form that shown on the ballot paper.”
A returning officer is in charge of overseeing elections in a constituency.
He continued: “Nomination papers were validly submitted and accepted at the close of nominations in accordance with the rules (they are ‘the Local Elections (Communities) (Wales) Rules 2021). Once accepted, there is no provision in legislation to amend the ballot paper or halt the election due to a change in political affiliation.
“Furthermore, matters relating to party membership or endorsement are for the candidate and the political party concerned and are not matters for the Returning Officer.
“The by-election – which is scheduled for Thursday 19th February 2026 – will proceed as planned, and the ballot paper will remain as determined at the close of nominations.”
By Kieran Molloy, Local Democracy Reporter
Additional by a staff reporter.
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