CAERPHILLY

THE leader of Caerphilly council has lost her seat.

The Independent candidates, Jan Jones and Janine Reed, saw a landslide victory in Ynysddu – securing more than 85% of the votes in the ward.

Labour candidate Philippa Marsden received just 213 votes, compared to 720 five years ago. Her daughter, Phoebe Marsden, was also standing in Ynysddu for Labour and received 182 votes.

Ms Marsden, the first woman to be leader of the council, was elected as leader in November 2019 after the resignation of David Poole.

Ms Marsden declined to comment following the announcement of the result, because it was “too raw”.

Deputy leader Jamie Pritchard described Ms Marsden as an “exceptional leader”.

Cllr Pritchard added: “She has put in absolutely loads of work. Obviously local factors have conspired against her. It didn’t help that Plaid Cymru stood down and done a deal with the Independents. But, I know that Philippa is going to be back, she’s a formidable character, and it has been a pleasure to work under her.”

The local factors Mr Pritchard is referring to is the controversy that surrounds a recycling waste plant in Cwmfelinfach.

The plant was granted planning permission in 2015 and has been an issue ever since, especially for the Sirhowy Valley Residents Group – which both successful candidates were heavily involved with.