WALES’ third-most gender diverse local authority took another step towards a 50/50 split following the election of a new councillor for Trevethin.

Cllr Emma Rapier secured 233 votes in the by-election, which took place in the Pontypool ward on Thursday, February 22.

The result takes the number of female councillors up to 17 – achieving a rate of 38.6 per cent – of the 44 elected members.

Cllr Rapier said: “It is great that the gender balance of Torfaen council is slowly moving closer to 50/50.

“As the process of the by-election went on, I was always thinking that it would be great for a female perspective to have another voice for women on the council.

“That was a little more of an incentive for me to get elected.”

The 38-year-old, of Arcadia Way, added during the campaign, she was pleased to see younger people taking an interest in politics.

"During the campaign, there were a lot of youngsters supporting me and I guess I will be one of the growing number of councillors under the age of 40," she said.

"It is great to have younger people, both in the council and campaigning, getting involved and being excited about their community and playing a role within it.

"There were some people who perhaps it was their first time voting and that can only be a good thing in my view."

The Welsh Labour candidate beat Independent nominees Brynley Parker, second with 141 votes, and third-placed Fred Wildgust, with 69 votes.

Wales Green Party candidate Andrew Heygate-Browne came in fourth place with 15 votes – with Cllr Rapier achieving eight more than the three other candidates on the ballot combined.

Cllr Rapier added that it felt "fantastic that she had been elected in the area in which she's lived for her whole life and she was "looking forward to working with my fellow councillors in the work that they do to help make the community what it is".

She said: "My first priority is to be an advocate for the people of Trevethin within the council.

"I believe that with the impact of austerity of local authorities, places like this ward need a good strong voice on the council.

"I’ll do what I can to prioritise our area.

"Secondly, I’m excited to support the fantastic voluntary groups that exist in Trevethin. They are doing amazing work in the community and it will be great to support those.

"Finally, supporting people where possible with more personal issues on more of a one-to-one basis."

Cllr Anthony Hunt, the leader of Torfaen council, said: "I’m delighted to have Emma as a new councillor for Trevethin. She’s really impressed me by how hard she’s worked in the campaign.

"Emma is Trevethin born and bred, and I’ve seen at first hand her determination to do her best for her community and her passion for social justice.

"It’s also great news to have a gender balanced Labour group. That’s not just because it’s fair that we reflect the communities we serve, but also because I believe that balance leads to better decisions.

"Men, women, younger people, older people, people from minority communities and people with different backgrounds all bring different life experiences and perspectives to the issues we debate and decide upon in local government – and that can only be a good thing."

She will represent with ward with Cllr Louise Shepphard, who was voted in at the 2017 local government election, with Ms Rapier adding she was looking forward to working together with her fellow councillors.

The by-election was called after the former Trevethin member, Matt Ford, stood down from the role after he accepted a role as an employee with Torfaen council.

The voter turnout was 18.6 per cent - 458 votes, from an electorate of 2,463.