A Reform UK councillor from Torfaen County Council has voiced alarm about the increasing number of Houses of Multiple Occupancy in his Welsh constituency, which he suspects will accommodate asylum seekers.
During an appearance on GB News, Stuart Keyte told presenter Nana Akua that whilst his area lacks a migrant hotel, the proliferation of HMOs presents a significant concern.
The councillor, who represents Wales' first Reform UK council victory, stated: "I know, within my area, we have at least four HMOs being designated for what we believe, asylum seekers."
His comments come as the party continues to gain ground in Welsh politics, following their recent breakthrough in securing representation on Cardiff Council.
Stuart Keyte said if anything were to happen in his area, big issues will arise
|GB NEWS
Mr Keyte expressed deep apprehension about potential community discord, drawing parallels to disturbances in Epping Forest.
He emphasised the tight-knit nature of Welsh communities, saying: "Wales is a real community. We have whole families here, grandparents on one side of the street and their grandkids on the other."
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The councillor warned that any incident could escalate rapidly in such close-knit neighbourhoods. "I am really fearful. If something was to happen like it did in Epping, it will go off," he stated during the broadcast.
He suggested that without proper management, the situation could deteriorate significantly, claiming: "If we don't control this, it will make Epping Forest look like a fairground fete."
Mr Keyte joined Nana Akua on GB News
|GB NEWS
Mr Keyte acknowledged the potential for swift escalation, stating: "A red mob can get out there in 20-minutes. I don't condone it."
The presenter responded to his concerns with measured caution. Nana said: "We wouldn't condone or want that. I understand where you're coming from but of course not all Channel migrants are bad, but it just takes a few bad apples."
Mr Keyte's remarks reflect growing anxiety amongst some local representatives about demographic changes in traditionally stable Welsh neighbourhoods.
His appearance on the programme comes as Reform UK builds momentum across Wales, capitalising on concerns about immigration and local governance issues.
Nigel Farage recently set out ambitious plans to deport hundreds of thousands of migrants | X / NIGEL FARAGEReform UK's electoral fortunes in Wales have transformed dramatically in recent months.
Edward Topham became the party's inaugural Cardiff councillor after securing victory in the Trowbridge ward with a commanding 461-vote margin.
The by-election triumph saw Reform capture 1,142 votes, whilst Labour slumped to third position with merely 615 votes. This result forms part of a broader pattern of Reform UK achievements in Welsh local elections.
The party's momentum extends beyond council chambers. Recent polling for the forthcoming Senedd election indicates Reform could secure 37 of 96 seats, positioning them as the second-largest party.
Nigel Farage's organisation has capitalised on Labour's declining support, with the governing party projected to achieve just 14 per cent in May's Senedd election according to ITV Cymru Wales/Barn Cymru polling.