The Welsh Liberal Democrats have selected local farmer Colin Millichap as their candidate for the Yscir with Honddu Isaf and Llanddew by-election.

The by-election was triggered after former councillor Iain McIntosh was elected to the Senedd last month.

Mr Millichap lives in Llandefalle with his wife, Mandy. The couple have four children and two grandchildren.

He farms with his wife and three sons at Llandefalle and Yscirfawr, Merthyr Cynog, where they run a sheep flock and suckler cow herd.

Mr Millichap has lived in the area for all of his life, apart from three years spent studying at Aberystwyth Agricultural College.

He is a former chairman of NFU Cymru in Brecon and Radnor and has served on the organisation's Livestock Board. He is currently a member of its Less Favoured Area Board.

Commenting on his selection, Mr Millichap said: “I have lived in this area for my entire life at the family farm in Llandefalle, and 12 years ago my family started farming in the ward at Yscirfawr, Merthyr Cynog too. I care deeply about our local communities and want to ensure they have a strong voice on Powys County Council.

"It is increasingly clear that rural areas are being left behind and not getting a fair deal from the Welsh Government. We need a rural premium for areas like Powys that recognises the challenges of delivering services across vast areas and a rapidly ageing population.

"Residents regularly raise concerns with me about the poor condition of our roads, potholes, inadequate drainage and the lack of winter salting. There are also growing concerns about rural crime, long waits for emergency services such as ambulances and poor internet connectivity. I want to focus on getting these basic things right.

"If elected, I will work tirelessly to stand up for Yscir, Honddu Isaf and Llanddew and ensure our rural communities get the attention and investment they deserve."

MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick, added: "Colin is a first-rate candidate with a deep understanding of both farming and rural communities. He has spent decades serving local agriculture and standing up for rural Wales, and I know he would be a highly effective councillor.

"This by-election is clearly a contest between the Liberal Democrats and Reform. The result last time shows it will be closely fought. If voters want a hardworking local champion who will focus on delivering for our communities rather than empty populism, I encourage them to get behind Colin."

A trio of Powys County Council by-elections are set to take place on Thursday, July 2.

The by-elections are for the wards of Glantwymyn near Machynlleth, Llanyre and Nantmel near Llandrindod Wells, and Yscir with Honddu Isaf and Llanddew near Brecon.

They are happening due to the successful election of former councillors Elwyn Vaughan (Plaid Cymru), Claire Johnson-Wood and Iain McIntosh (both Reform UK) to the Senedd last month.