A Record Number of Welsh Labour Women Set to Transform Parliament

14th November, 2019

As nominations close, Welsh Labour is standing a record number of women for Parliament. Out of 40 Welsh Labour candidates, 23 are women. Many are contesting battleground seats that Welsh Labour intends to win at the General Election in a few weeks’ time.

Among the new candidates in December’s election:

Teaching representative Belinda Loveluck-Edwards will take on former Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns in the Vale of Glamorgan
Mary Wimbury, who leads a social care organisation is looking to succeed Ian Lucas in Wrexham
Social Justice and anti-poverty campaigner, Mary Roberts who was born and bred on Ynys Môn will look to carry on the work of retiring Albert Owen
Tonyrefail councillor Alexandra Davies- Jones is campaigning to succeed Owen Smith in Pontypridd
Ex-diplomatic service worker Philippa Thompson will challenge Stephen Crabb’s 314 majority in Preseli Pembrokeshire

They will join the team of candidates who are hoping to return to Parliament, including Shadow Defence Secretary Nia Griffiths in Llanelli, Mark Tami in Alyn and Deeside, Tonia Antoniazzi in Gower and Shadow Solicitor General Nick Thomas-Symonds in Torfaen.

The election will also see a record number of openly gay candidates – 13% of Welsh Labour candidates identify as LGBT+.

Welsh Labour Leader and First Minister Mark Drakeford AM said:

“It’s crucial we send the strongest possible of Welsh Labour MPs to Westminster to represent Wales and stand up for Wales’ interests.

This General Election is a clear choice between a Welsh Labour party which will always stand up for you and your family and a Tory party which has let down working people time and time again.

“This election is an opportunity for everyone to have their say on the Tories’ cruel, chaotic government and a decade of cuts.”

Welsh Labour Deputy Leader Carolyn Harris said:

“Boris Johnson has done nothing but lie and break his promises.

We will hold the Tories to account for the choices they have made. Choices which are leaving working families worse off and starving public services of funds.”