Green Party selects ex-journalist for by-election

The campaign for Gareth Hughes is due to launch officially on Friday

The Green Party has chosen a former journalist and political commentator as its candidate at next month's Caerphilly by-election.

Gareth Hughes is the seventh candidate announced for the election, following the death of Labour Senedd member Hefin David.

Hughes, who lives in Caerphilly, said Wales needed "positive political change" that "puts people and the planet first".

Amongst his priorities, he said, were "green jobs for people where they live" and better public services including more evening buses and "warm, safe housing".

Before he was a journalist Hughes had a career in the public housing sector, working for housing associations.

He was an ITV Wales television reporter and also commented on Welsh politics, including for BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru.

After his selection was confirmed, he said: "The Green Party is the only left-wing party that truly aligns with my values, and I am determined to give Caerphilly a strong, honest, and committed voice in the Senedd," he said.

He said his other key aims were to build "stronger communities with empowered local voices" and to promote a "fairer, greener future tackling the climate".

The by-election for the Welsh Parliamentary constituency of Caerphilly will take place on 23 October.

The deadline for nominations is 16:00 BST on Friday.

The other candidates that have been announced are:

• Conservatives - Gareth Potter

• Gwlad - Anthony Cook

• Labour - Richard Tunnicliffe

• Plaid Cymru - Lindsay Whittle

• Reform UK - Llŷr Powell

• Welsh Liberal Democrats - Steve Aicheler

BBC Wales is holding a live debate for the candidates of the Caerphilly by-election on 15 October. Click below to apply to be in the audience.