The Welsh Liberal Democrats have chosen local electrician and electrical inspection engineer Tim Wilson as their candidate for the Llanyre with Nantmel by-election.

The party says Mr Wilson, who has lived and worked in the area for decades, would be a “visible, responsive and actively engaged” councillor for the ward.

Mr Wilson has run his own electrical business near Rhayader for many years and trained three local apprentices who have gone on to work in the industry. He is now semi-retired, but his business remains based in the ward.

He has been married for 30 years to his wife, who was brought up in the area. Their two children attended Nantmel Primary School before moving on to Llandrindod and Llanidloes High Schools.

Alongside his work, Mr Wilson has raised money for local charities through long-distance walking challenges, including the Abbeycwmhir Christmas Cracker, Reservoir Roundabout in the Elan Valley and walks such as Hadrian’s Wall, supporting mental health causes.

Mr Wilson said: "Many residents will know me through my work as a local electrician and electrical inspection engineer, having worked across the area for many years.

"My family and I have deep roots in this community. My wife was brought up in the ward, our children attended local schools and my business has remained based here throughout my career.

"I strongly believe that Llanyre with Nantmel deserves a county councillor who is engaged with local communities, easy to contact and willing to work hard on behalf of residents.

"I'm a practical person who isn't afraid to roll up my sleeves and get things done. Whether it's supporting local projects, standing up for residents or helping tackle the challenges facing our rural communities, I will always put local people first.

"At 60, I've experienced many of the ups and downs that life can throw at us. Those experiences have given me both the resilience to fight for local people when needed and the understanding to listen and help where I can.

"If elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure residents have the strong local representation they deserve."

MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick added: “Tim is exactly the sort of person we need representing Llanyre with Nantmel. He knows the area, understands the challenges facing local communities and has spent years contributing to community life.

"He is hardworking, approachable and deeply committed to the area. I know he would be a strong voice for residents and a dedicated county councillor.

“At the last election we were less then 10 per cent away from winning this ward against the now Reform Senedd Member, it's vital that voters who want to stop Reform back Tim and the Lib Dems here.”