Reform councillor hits the ground running in Carmarthenshire

Michelle Beer outlines first initiatives and vows to bring fresh energy to West Wales politics
REFORM UK councillor Michelle Beer has wasted no time settling into her new role after a shock by-election win in the Lliedi ward of Llanelli — launching a series of community initiatives and pledging to be 'visible, accessible, and accountable' to local people.
Less than two weeks after her election to Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Beer has begun holding meetings with residents, responding to casework, and setting out her plans for the ward — including a new monthly litter-picking scheme and a pledge to host open-door surgeries.
Her first public surgery is due to take place on Monday, July 7 at Llanelli Town Hall from 10:00am to 11:30am.
'This isn't about party politics — it's about people,' said Cllr Beer. 'Lliedi deserves a councillor who shows up, listens, and works hard. I'm already speaking with residents, local businesses, community groups and public service teams to understand where the problems are and how we can start addressing them together.'
Political shockwaves
Beer's win — Reform UK's first council seat in Carmarthenshire — has caused ripples beyond the ward. Her 42.6% share of the vote not only unseated Labour from a previously safe patch but has also raised questions about whether Reform's support could now spread to other parts of South Wales.
'This result wasn't just a protest,' a local Reform supporter told The Herald. 'People feel let down by the status quo and are responding to someone who speaks plainly and turns up.'
Some Labour activists privately admit they were 'caught off guard' by the scale of the swing, which saw their candidate pushed into second place with just 23.4% of the vote.
From ministry to council chamber
Cllr Beer's journey into politics is far from conventional. A former marketing consultant and mother-of-four, she stepped away from business to attend the Bible College of Wales and support her family, including her husband Gareth — a Reform UK parliamentary candidate in 2024.
Now, she says, her focus is squarely on community service and delivering on local issues, not national debates.
'I've always believed in servant leadership,' she said. 'That means being present, being transparent, and making decisions in the interests of the people who put their trust in you.'
Ward priorities
Top of her list are improvements to street cleanliness, stronger links with community policing teams, and exploring how local services can better support families and older residents.
She also plans to work closely with fellow Lliedi councillor Rob James — an independent — and says cross-party cooperation is essential: 'I'm not here to argue for the sake of it. I want to work with anyone who puts Lliedi first.'

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