Plaid Cymru candidate William Cuthbert Linton Shaw (commonly known as Billy Shaw) has taken the seat of County Councillor for Fishguard North East following a by-election.

The declaration of Fishguard North East Pembrokeshire County Council by-election was made by Returning Officer Will Bramble on Tuesday, February 10.

The candidate with the most votes (253) - and elected County Councillor for the ward was Plaid Cymru representative Billy Shaw.

There was a turnout of 48%. Full results were as follows:

• Caleb Charles Churchill (Welsh Liberal Democrats) - 135

• Paul Stephen Howe (Welsh Labour) - 83

• Peter Martin John (Reform UK) - 95

• Brian Andrew Murphy (Welsh Conservatives) - 69

• William Cuthbert Linton Shaw (Plaid Cymru) - 253

• Teresa Ruth Tannahill (Independent) - 79

• Adrian John Tyrrell (Independent) - 35

Plaid Cymru’s new councillor for Fishguard, elected following the death of Jordan Ryan has promised to “take over the mantle” of the late councillor.

Cllr Shaw’s election will see Plaid now having three county councillors in Pembrokeshire.

He said: “Thank you to the residents of Fishguard North East for electing me to represent them as their county councillor.

“I take over the mantle after the passing of the previous incumbent, Jordan Ryan, whose passing shocked us all. He was an excellent ambassador for Fishguard and I hope to do his memory proud. Now the hard work begins.”

Liberal Democrat candidate Caleb Churchill, who finished second, said: “Fishguard saw one of its highest turnouts to date, and not only in Fishguard: it was also one of the highest turnouts across Pembrokeshire in some time. That level of engagement is something we can all be proud of.

“I’m incredibly proud of the hard work my colleagues and I put into this campaign, and grateful for the support, encouragement, and conversations along the way. I also wish to make a special thanks to my agent throughout this campaign, Thomas Hughes.

“As a first-time candidate, Tom has guided me through this journey and been incredibly patient and supportive – and I’m proud to call him my friend.

“Most of all, I want to thank my wonderful wife, and amazing little girl, for their patience, support, and understanding throughout the campaign, I couldn’t have done it without them.”