IN response to Jim Dyer from Newport regarding the Torfaen election, verification and count process. There are a number of reasons that could account for a handful of Torfaen results being announced later than some parts of Gwent.

All seats in the Torfaen were contested by a record number of candidates. We also had keenly contested community council elections.

I understand that citizens and candidates are eager to hear the results, but counting votes and electing councillors is never a race.

Accuracy is paramount and in this election there were quite a number of closely contested wards, resulting in several recounts.

A delay at the start of the night was partly caused by the very large number of candidates and agents and their guests queuing to enter the count. In the interest of fairness and transparency, I took the decision to wait until the majority of candidates were in the room to ensure they heard all announcements and could witness the opening of ballot boxes and the start of verification.

I can assure Mr Dyer that following elections, we review our processes to identify where improvements can be made.

I would also like to thank all the counters and the election team for their diligence and hard work through the night.

Alison Ward CBE, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Returning Officer, Torfaen Council