By-election to be held in Llandrindod South ward following councillor's resignation

A county council by-election for Llandrindod South is to be held, Powys County Council has confirmed.

The by-election is taking place to fill the county council vacancy following the resignation of Josie Ewing earlier this month.

Josie resigned saying she couldn’t continue in a role which holds so little power to deliver the changes communities are crying out for.

Josie also announced that she would step away from party politics with the Liberal Democrats

Josie said “I have seen first-hand the impact of a system that many residents feel is failing them and I can only agree.”

In a statement on social media Josie said: “This has not been an easy decision. Serving the community I live in had been an honour, and I am deeply grateful to every resident who trusted me to represent them.

“Also a select few party colleagues, who I have been lucky enough to have had incredible conversations and creative ideas alongside, other councillors that have helped shaped my understanding of politics and broadening discussions in community projects and collaborative development, officers and of course work personnel- I shall miss moaning with so many of you.

“I have listened to residents and staff concerns, stood alongside you, and carried your voices into rooms and meetings- where, too often, they are not truly heard!!

“But I cannot continue in a role that, in reality, holds so little power to deliver the change our communities, are crying out for.

“Through both my work as your elected County councillor and my own personal experiences with local authority services, I have seen first-hand the impact of a system that many residents feel is failing them and I can only agree

“I have heard countless stories — and experienced enough myself — to know that too many people are being let down by outdated frameworks, slow processes, and a lack of meaningful accountability.

“Yet, when you try to challenge it — when you try to push harder for answers, fairness, equality and justice — you quickly learn how restricted you are, and what you're "allowed to be." And .. where you position really is.”

Josie said she was not elected to be silent or to just accept that is how things are and she said Powys deserves better, residents deserve quality services to be delivered as expected and she deserved better

The notice of election has been published and anyone considering standing as a candidate have until 4pm on Thursday, April 9, 2026 to submit their nomination paper to the Returning Officer.

If an election is contested, it will take place on Thursday, May 7 2026.

Anyone who isn’t registered to vote has until Monday, April 20, 2026 in order to vote in this election. To register to vote visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Electors should take note that applications to vote by post or requests to change or cancel an existing application must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at County Hall, Llandrindod Wells by 5pm on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Applications to vote by proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at County Hall, Llandrindod Wells by 5pm on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Proxy applications can be found at www.powys.gov.uk/elections

For more information go to www.powys.gov.uk/elections and click on Find out about upcoming elections.