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Documents obtained by BBC Wales reveal that Welsh Labour outspent its competitors by a significant margin during the recent Caerphilly Senedd by-election campaign but still faced a historic defeat. Labour, led by First Minister Eluned Morgan in this contest, devoted nearly £98,447 to campaigning efforts in an attempt to maintain control of the seat—a position the party had held for over a century. Despite this substantial expenditure, Labour’s candidate, Richard Tunnicliffe, finished only third.
Lindsay Whittle, representing Plaid Cymru, emerged victorious with his party spending less than half of Labour’s total amount, declaring £46,933 in campaign costs. Reform UK’s candidate claimed second place, with expenses reaching £96,125. The by-election took place on 23 October following the death of Labour MS Hefin David. Welsh Labour responded to inquiries by affirming that “all necessary declarations have been made transparently and in full accordance with the rules.”
By law, political parties must submit detailed financial returns that disclose their spending during such campaigns, allowing public scrutiny. Breaking down Labour’s campaign finances reveals £26.51 spent for every vote received by Tunnicliffe, whose total votes numbered 3,713. Significant portions of Labour’s spending were allocated to advertising (£40,470) and campaign leaflets and other unsolicited electoral materials (£45,840). Moreover, the party paid £31,295 for advertising placements on Meta and Google platforms. Notably, Labour’s filings included receipts for six Airbnb accommodations covering 22 people in various locations, totaling £25,315, although the official return reported only £3,321 as “staff accommodation.” When questioned by BBC Wales, Labour explained that splitting and sharing expenses between regulated and unregulated expenditure is a common practice, but declined to clarify whether these accommodations were used by staff from the wider UK party.
Regarding the other parties, Reform UK’s return itemized expenses such as £55,239 on unsolicited electoral materials, £16,500 for staff and accommodation, £16,003 on advertising, along with administrative and transport costs. Among their leafleting expenses was a single item valued at £17,084. Social media advertising through Facebook also accounted for £4,794. Plaid Cymru’s campaign spending consisted of £21,649 on leaflets and similar materials, £12,794 for advertising, £6,710 towards agent and staff salaries, and £5,208 on accommodation and administrative expenses. A representative for Plaid Cymru expressed pride in their “positive, people-powered campaign” characterized by numerous volunteers delivering leaflets and canvassing throughout Caerphilly. Reform UK was invited to comment on their spending but no response has been recorded
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