#three-crosses — Public Fediverse posts

FAIRWOOD: Lib Dems take Swansea seat from Conservatives in by-election following death of former Lord Mayor

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have gained the Fairwood seat on Swansea Council from the Conservatives in a by-election held on Thursday.

Beth Rowe was elected for the Welsh Liberal Democrats with 240 votes, taking a seat the Conservatives had held comfortably at the last full council elections.

The by-election was called following the death of Conservative councillor Paxton Hood-Williams, a former Lord Mayor of Swansea, who represented the Gower ward of Fairwood.

One of the council’s longest-serving members, he had served as Lord Mayor in 2024 and died earlier this year following a short illness.

Rowe took 29.3% of the vote, up almost 20 points on the Liberal Democrat share in 2022, when the party finished fourth in the ward.

Welsh Labour’s Nigel Evans came second with 185 votes, on 22.6% — a fall of more than nine points on the party’s 2022 showing.

Reform UK, standing in the ward for the first time, came third with 139 votes, a 17% share on its debut.

Independent candidate Paul Dennis took 94 votes, while the Conservatives’ David William Helliwell finished fifth with 84 votes.

The result marked a dramatic fall for the Conservatives, whose vote share dropped from 41% in 2022 to 10.3% — a decline of more than 30 points.

Plaid Cymru did not field a candidate, having taken 18% in the ward in 2022. Matthew Alan Ward, who stood for Plaid at the last election, contested the seat without a party description this time, taking 77 votes.

Newly elected Rowe thanked residents for their support and spoke of her long ties to the area.

“I’d like to thank everyone in Fairwood for their support. I have spent many years in the community with my grandparents and horses, and it really is a home from home,” she said.

She said she intended to use what remained of the community budget to invest in local priorities.

“I’m looking forward to working with the community councils and continuing my work with Gower commoners,” she added.

Rowe also paid tribute to Killay councillors Jeff and Mary Jones, whom she described as friends and mentors.

The leader of the opposition on Swansea Council, Liberal Democrat councillor Chris Holley, welcomed her to the group.

“I am pleased to be able to welcome Beth to the official opposition group, who will join us in continuing to hold Labour to account locally,” he said.

Holley said the result positioned his party to challenge Labour at the next council elections.

“Here in Swansea the Lib Dems are well placed to beat Labour next year, and do so by stopping Reform UK. Our councillors have a strong record of local action and that is what people want right now,” he said.

The full Swansea Council elections are due to take place in 2027.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

TRIBUTES: Swansea mourns former Lord Mayor Paxton Hood-Williams after death following short illness
Tributes were paid across Swansea following the death of the former Lord Mayor and long-serving Fairwood councillor.

Long-serving councillor becomes Lord Mayor
Cllr Paxton Hood-Williams succeeded Cllr Graham Thomas to become Lord Mayor of Swansea in 2024.

TRIBUTES: Swansea mourns former Lord Mayor Paxton Hood-Williams after death following short illness

The well-known and much-respected councillor, who served communities across Fairwood, Upper Killay and Three Crosses for decades, died peacefully with his family by his side.

Heartfelt messages from colleagues, community groups and residents have painted a picture of a dedicated public servant and a deeply valued friend.

Upper Killay Community Council said they were “absolutely heartbroken” at the news, describing Paxton as a “long standing Community Councillor” and “a dear friend to us all”.

They added: “He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his wife Patricia and his family.”

The Swansea City Disabled Supporters Association also shared their sadness, saying: “The DSA is very saddened to hear that our member, Paxton Hood-Williams has sadly passed away after a short illness. Thinking of Pat and the family at this sad time.”

Leader of the Welsh Conservative group on Swansea Council, Cllr Lyndon Jones MBE, confirmed the news had been shared by Paxton’s wife Patricia.

He said: “My good friend, Cllr Paxton Hood-Williams sadly died last night… My thoughts are with his wife Patricia and his family. He will be missed by so many people.”

Social media has also been filled with tributes from those who knew and worked with him.

Jennifer Rudd wrote: “He was a great guy who cared about the community… even when we didn’t agree politically, he always took issues seriously.”

Eve Morse added: “We have lost a wonderful friend of the city, who did his best for everyone.”

Paxton Hood-Williams served as Swansea’s Lord Mayor last year, a role he described as a proud moment in a lifetime of public service.

Born and raised in Upper Killay, he spent more than 30 years representing local communities, becoming a familiar and trusted figure across Gower.

Before his retirement in 2004, he worked at the Margam steelworks, rising to become a senior manager in engineering services. In later years, he continued to devote his time to community life, including roles as Chair of Three Crosses Community Council and governor at local primary schools.

He was also a passionate advocate for the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a lifelong Swansea City supporter.

Three Crosses Community Council said his level of commitment was rare, adding: “He was passionate and enthusiastic… it is rare these days to see such dedication.”

Paxton is survived by his wife Patricia, daughter Laura, and two granddaughters.

His passing marks the end of an era for many in Swansea’s west side communities — and leaves behind a legacy of service that will not be forgotten.

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