CANDIDATES’ ELECTION STATEMENTS

 

North Wales

North Wales covers the following CLPs: Aberconwy, Alyn & Deeside, Arfon, Clwyd South, Clwyd West, Delyn, Vale of Clwyd, Wrexham, Ynys Môn

Donna Hutton

(Nominated by Aberconwy CLP, Arfon CLP, Clwyd South CLP, Clwyd West CLP and Ynys Môn CLP)

A lifelong socialist, I currently represent North Wales members on the WEC.

Some of my most important work is on equality, and I am determined to restart the review of how we behave towards each other at all levels within Welsh Labour.

Our socialist government in Wales is unique. I will work for Welsh Labour to support Noth Wales CLPs fighting to make sure this continues.

Other priorities:

• The Democracy Review – does not go far enough
• Work to end violence to women and men.
• We need a just complaints process.
• Senedd electoral reform – for greater equality and democracy.

 

Ann Jones 

(Nominated by Vale of Clwyd CLP)

I have held most positions in the Labour Party over the years and have had the honour of representing my area within the Senedd for 21 years. I believe I have the skills and experience to continue representing the area.

Welsh Labour under Mark Drakeford is demonstrating how a progressive Labour Party is delivering on our priorities of fairness, climate change and rebuilding the economy. We need to see that message clearly being demonstrated across our communities to start fighting back to win those General Election seats recently lost.

I will regularly communicate with you all across the region.

 

Anthony Wedlake

 (Nominated by Aberconwy CLP, Clwyd South CLP and Ynys Môn CLP)

I first joined the Party at 14 years old and was Wales’ representative on the NEC of the Young Socialists.

I am Chair of Clwyd South CLP and a member of the CWU. I’m also a member of: UNITE Community, SEA, SHA, Cooperative Party and Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

I actively supported the grassroots campaign to elect Mark Drakeford.

I am proud of the socialist policies campaigned for by activists and contained in Welsh Labour Government plans for this term as they are for the many and not the few.

If elected, I commit to regular engagement with North Wales members.

Ymunais â’r Blaid Lafur am y tro cyntaf yn 14 mlwydd oed ac roeddwn yn gynrychiolydd Cymru ar PGC y Sosialwyr Ifanc.

Rwy’n Cadeirydd PLlE De Clwyd ac yn aelod o’r CWU. Rwyf hefyd yn aelod o UNITE Community, SEA, SHA, y Blaid Gydweithredol a’r PSC.

Cefnogais yr ymgyrch i ethol Mark Drakeford.

Rwy’n falch o’r polisïau sosialaidd y bu gweithredwyr yn ymgyrchu drostynt ac sydd wedi’u cynnwys yng nghynlluniau Llywodraeth Lafur Cymru ar gyfer y tymor hwn oherwydd eu bod ar gyfer y llu, nid y lleiafrif.

Os caf fy ethol, ymrwymaf i ymgysylltu’n rheolaidd ag aelodau Gogledd Cymru.

 

Mary Wimbury

 (Nominated by Clwyd West CLP)

I’ve campaigned for Labour in every North Wales constituency.

If elected I’ll:

• Make sure decisions work for North Wales and feedback on them to members
• Support Mark Drakeford and Welsh Labour’s programme for government and our local government councillors and candidates
• ensure Welsh Labour plays its part in making Keir Starmer Prime Minister

 

I’ll bring experience as a candidate, agent and local party officer. I represent Wales on the Co-op Party National Executive and was part of Labour Together’s General Election Review identifying how we win next time. I’m a member of GMB and Community Unions.

contact@marywimbury.net

07958 521344

 

Dwi wedi ymgyrchu dros Lafur ym mhob etholaeth yng Ngogledd Cymru. Os caf fy ethol, byddaf yn: ·

Sefyll cornel Gogledd Cymru a rhoi adborth i aelodau

• Cefnogi rhaglen lywodraethu Mark Drakeford a Llafur Cymru a’n cynghorwyr ac ymgeiswyr lleol
• Sicrhau bod Llafur Cymru yn cyfrannu at fuddugoliaeth Keir Starmer yn San Steffan

 

Mae gen i brofiad fel ymgeisydd a swyddog lleol Llafur Cymru. Dwi’n cynrychioli Cymru ar Bwyllgor Cenedlaethol Gweithredu’r Blaid Gydweithredol. Roeddwn yn rhan o Adolygiad yr Etholiad Cyffredinol gan Lafur Gyda’n Gilydd i nodi sut rydym yn ennill y tro nesaf. Dwi’n aelod o GMB a’r Undeb Cymunedol.

 

 

Mid & West Wales

Mid & West Wales covers the following CLPs: Brecon & Radnorshire, Carmarthen East & Dinefwr, Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Llanelli, Montgomeryshire, Preseli Pembrokeshire

 

Fozia Akhtar

(Nominated by Llanelli CLP)

I am dedicated individual, with strong principles. Elected 2012 to the Llanelli Rural and 2017 to Carmarthenshire County Council. I am a shadow cabinet member and Chair of the Communities Scrutiny Committee. I led on the implementation of the Diversity and Equality policy for Carmarthenshire. With 30yrs of experience within the party I want to illustrate the achievements and strengths of Welsh labour government and continued success for Mark Drakeford. I believe I can represent mainstream members from every corner of Wales, and with my knowledge and experience, win back seats and hand Keir Starmer the keys to Number 10.

 

 

Christine Hardacre

 (Nominated by Brecon & Radnorshire CLP, Carmarthen East & Dinefwr CLP, Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire CLP, Ceredigion CLP, Dwyfor Meirionnydd CLP and Montgomeryshire CLP)

A committed socialist I’ve been a member most of my adult life; holding many roles, currently CLP Secretary. I’m treasurer of my UNITE Branch.

I’m currently one of your WEC Representatives and I’ve advocated to continue the democracy review and ensure it was you, Mid and West Members, not the WEC, who decided on the re-selection of our MSs.

If privileged to be re-elected my priorities would be continuing the democratisation of Welsh Labour, ensuring members are at its’ heart; and continuing to provide regular reports to Secretaries to share with members. Please also support Ivan Monckton.

Rwy’n sosialydd ac wedi ymaelodi a’r blaid am rhan fwyaf o’m mywyd; rwyf wedi ymgymryd sawl rôl, ar hyn o bryd rwyn ysgrifennydd fy CLP. Rwyn trysorydd fy nghangen UNITE.

Fel eich cynrychiolydd presennol ar y WEC, cefnogais barhau â’r adolygiad democratiaeth a sicrhau mae chi, aelodau Canolbarth a Gorllewin, nid y WEC, a benderfynodd ar ailethol ein ASol.

Pe bawn yn cael y fraint o gael fe ailethol, fy mlaenoriaethau fyddai parhau i ddemocrateiddio Llafur Cymru, gan sicrhau bod aelodau’n ganolog; a pharhau ddarparu adroddiadau rheolaidd i ysgrifenyddion i’w rhannu gyda’r aelodau. Gofynnaf i chi hefyd cefnogu Ivan Monckton.

 

Ivan Monckton

(Nominated by Brecon & Radnorshire CLP, Carmarthen East & Dinefwr CLP, Ceredigion CLP, Dwyfor Meirionnydd CLP and Montgomeryshire CLP)

Please vote for me as one of your WEC representatives for the Mid and West Wales CLPs, a position I currently hold, and I will be YOUR voice, an ordinary member as opposed to part of the Labour establishment.

40 years Labour membership and 47 years an agricultural trade unionist, I am an active Socialist, spoke at Jeremy Corbyn’s Welsh rallies, supported Mark Drakeford’s leadership campaign and the OMOV campaign that enabled his victory.

You are the most important part of Labour, so I will continue to ensure regular report backs and total accountability.

Please also vote Christine Hardacre

 

Marc Tierney

(Nominated by Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire CLP, Llanelli CLP and Preseli Pembrokeshire CLP)

I am an experienced and loyal Party member. An active campaigner for our NHS and building a green economy.

I am a CLP postholder and former election candidate in the 2016 Senedd and 2017/19 Westminster elections. I’m a GMB member.

With your vote, I will be the voice you can trust, ready to listen to your ideas and act on them.

I will:
• Fight for the resources we need to win for our election candidates
• Support Mark Drakeford and Welsh Labour’s programme for government
• Be a strong voice for members in Mid and West Wales

 

Dwi yn aelod profiadol a ffyddlon o’r Blaid. Yn ymgyrchydd actif dros ein Gwasanaeth Iechyd a dros adeiladu economi werdd.

Mae gen i swyddogaeth ffurfiol yn y CLP ac yn gyn-ymgeisydd etholiadol yn etholiadau Senedd 2016 a San Steffan 2017/19. Dwi yn aelod o’r GMB.

Gyda’ch pleidlais, fi fydd y llais y gallwch ymddiried ynddo, yn barod i wrando ar eich syniadau a gweithredu arnynt.

Byddaf yn :
• Brwydro dros yr adnoddau sydd eu hangen arnom i ennill ar gyfer ein hymgeiswyr etholiadol
• Cefnogi Rhaglen lywodraethu Mark Drakeford a Llafur Cymru
• Llais cryf dros aelod yng Nghanolbarth a Gorllewin Cymru

 

 

South Wales Central

South Wales Central covers the following CLPs: Cardiff Central, Cardiff North, Cardiff South & Penarth, Cardiff West, Cynon Valley, Pontypridd, Rhondda, Vale of Glamorgan

 

Ian Bounds

(Nominated by Cardiff Central CLP and Cynon Valley CLP)

I have been a Labour Party activist for fifteen years. I am campaign co-ordinator in Cardiff Central where we have turned a Lib Dem majority of 4,800 into the largest Labour majority in Wales.

Welsh Labour should be a strong campaigning force in every village and every town across Wales and must be underpinned by good sensible winning policy from the Labour Party at local government level, in the Senedd and at Westminster.

I will provide feedback from all WEC meetings across the region.

I am a GMB member, a Cardiff Rugby and a Glamorgan cricket fan.

 

Lynn Glaister 

(Nominated by Cardiff Central CLP, Cardiff South & Penarth CLP and Cynon Valley CLP)

I joined the Labour Party 40 years ago to fight injustice and inequality – and I’ve not stopped since. We have achieved so much together, but we can do much more in Government. That’s why it’s vital we work hard to secure victories in Local and UK Government elections, following on from the 2021 Senedd victory. As your voice on the WEC, I’ll fight for training, support and funding we need.

I’ll provide feedback from all WEC meetings,  never forget I’m your representative. I am a GMB member, former Labour Organiser and Chair and co-founder of a Rugby Supporters Trust.

 

 

Tansaim Hussain-Gul

(Nominated by Cardiff South & Penarth CLP)

I have been a Labour Party activist for a few years now, and I am a trade union representative.

My reason for joining this party was to put my peoples concern and queries forward. Being a Muslim woman, I have seen an increase in the rise of racism, especially against women over the last few years. I strongly believe in our ethics to be inclusive, equal, being fair and fighting for what is right.

I am here to represent my members, I will provide up to date report back to the CLP as well as raise our concerns.

 

Belinda Loveluck-Edwards

(Nominated by Cardiff North CLP, Cardiff West CLP, Pontypridd CLP and Vale of Glamorgan CLP)

Currently a Branch secretary and CLP Policy Officer. Previously the Vale of Glamorgan Parliamentary candidate in 2019.

I have campaigned across the Region, organising on the very socialist policies that remain at the core of our party. Party democracy at every level is crucial if we are to win. The dignity and inclusion of members is hugely important to me and that is one of the key reasons why I am standing for election.

As Welsh Labour explores the possibility of further devolution, inside the party and within UK Labour, we need a WEC that is inclusive and vibrant.

 

Darren Williams

 (Nominated by Cardiff North CLP, Cardiff West CLP, Pontypridd CLP, Rhondda CLP and Vale of Glamorgan CLP)

I’m seeking re-election, having represented South Wales Central CLPs on the WEC since 2016. In that time, I’ve been a consistent advocate for the rights of members and local parties, helping to organise the successful campaign for OMOV for leadership elections and to initiate and sustain the Welsh Democracy Review. A Labour member for 32 years, I’ve held office from branch to NEC level and been a Cardiff councillor. I’m a proud socialist and trade unionist and was involved in the Corbyn and Drakeford leadership campaigns. In these challenging times, I’ll continue to defend socialist principles. See my reports: www.darrenwilliams.org.uk

 

 

South Wales East

South Wales East covers the following CLPs: Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Islwyn, Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney, Monmouth, Newport East, Newport West, Torfaen

 

Mary Ann Brocklesby

(Nominated by Monmouth CLP)

I am a socialist, intersectional feminist and community activist. I campaigned as a Senedd list candidate, served as CLP policy officer and women’s officer. I champion social change, gender equality and diversity. I have worked in rape crisis centres, on human rights & empowerment, to combat poverty at home and abroad, including harnessing the power of green energy. I am a town-councillor, school governor and chair WEN Wales. A policy analyst and strategist, as a small business owner I understand the challenges and the significant contribution SMEs make to the Welsh economy. This makes me the ideal candidate for WEC.

 

 

Helen Cunningham

(Nominated by Blaenau Gwent CLP, Caerphilly CLP and Islwyn CLP)

I am a committed party member and trade unionist and a former CLP Chair and Secretary. As a candidate for our region in the 2021 Senedd elections, I campaigned across South Wales East, and have well established relationships with many members and CLPs.

Affiliated organisations and members must be at the heart of what we do. I will work to join up the local with what happens at the national level, putting progressive socialist, democratic values at the forefront of our decision-making processes and making myself available and accountable to members and CLPs.

Please vote for me and Kate Thomas

 

Deborah Davies

(Nominated by Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney CLP, Monmouth CLP, Newport East CLP and Torfaen CLP)

I was first elected to be a WEC CLP representative in 2018 and was a member of the Party Development Board.

As an experienced CLP Secretary, I want to be part of our ruling body, to influence future priorities and to ensure party members’ views are heard.

My experience as Agent and Campaign Organiser in every election since 2010 means I understand election priorities, how to devise and implement a strategy for winning for the Labour Party. I believe this skillset, knowledge and my enthusiasm for campaigning would make me an asset to the WEC.

Please also elect Joshua Worrad.

 

John Hunt

 (Nominated by Torfaen CLP)

Locally known as “the-punk-professor”, endorsed by Disability Labour [DL], I’m a UNITE and LGBTQ+ Labour member, climate change professor. I’m a stroke-survivor, branch secretary and CLP Disability-Officer, Deputy Chair DL(UK), Co-Lead DL(Wales).

My socialism, rooted in a life-battle against inequalities in educational-opportunities, is informed through Disability, ‘Green’, & LGBTQ+ activism and as Director of FareShareCymru and Vice-Chair Torfaen-Access-Forum.

My first Party activity working with Jim Callaghan saved a community education-facility.

I’ve worked on climate change projects for John Prescott and Michael Meacher.

If elected, I’d contribute my experience to develop policies to increase access/participation/engagement for elderly, disabled, and women members.

 

Kate Thomas

 (Nominated by Caerphilly CLP and Newport West CLP)

As a long-standing party member, I’ve energetically campaigned for social democracy even before I was elected to Newport Council 2 terms ago, or as CLP WEC representative in 2020. I believe in leadership’s and representative’s accountability – we need to hear from our members and have those conversations to give a voice to them in shaping the Party’s direction in local and our national politics. I have progressive socialist Labour values in my mind and heart: its policies, principles and its power to deliver social democracy for ordinary people: citizens, workers and our future generations. Please support me and Helen Cunningham.

 

 

Josh Worrad

(Nominated by Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney CLP and Newport West CLP)

I have been a Campaign Co-Ordinator since 2010 and member of the Newport West CLP Executive since 2009.

Welsh Labour demonstrates what a progressive Labour Party can deliver. Delivering on climate change, fairness and a helping hand for those that need it most. These authentic Labour values are my values and why I want to continue to represent South Wales East members on the WEC. Working hard to have a party focussed on winning – from local councils to national governments. A united Labour Party can win the next General Election. Please support me and Deborah Davies.

 

South Wales West (please note there is no election in this region as the two candidates have been elected unopposed)

South Wales West covers the following CLPs: Aberavon, Bridgend, Gower, Neath, Ogmore, Swansea East, Swansea West

 

Vicki Evans [ELECTED UNOPPOSED]

(Nominated by Aberavon CLP, Neath CLP and Ogmore CLP)

I am an experienced campaigner and trade unionist, as Secretary of the GMB Cardiff and District Branch and Neath CLP TULO Officer.

I have worked for Labour politicians in Westminster and the Senedd, playing a key part in local and national election campaigns. I have a sound understanding of the key components of a winning campaign, one of which is the membership and harnessing their enthusiasm and support. This is more important than ever with local elections in May 2022 and possible 2023 General Election.

 

I will be accountable to members, through regular engagement, ensuring that your views are represented.

 

Mark Fisher [ELECTED UNOPPOSED]

(Nominated by Aberavon CLP, Bridgend CLP, Gower CLP, Neath CLP and Ogmore CLP)

Dear Colleagues/ Comrades

I would like you to consider voting for Mark Fisher to be your strong voice of reason on the Welsh Executive Committee.

We have shown being in Power as a Labour Controlling Government has done for the people of our Great Nation Of Wales.

I have attend majority of WEC meetings, supported majority of South West Wales Senedd members recent elections, knocking doors, leafleting.

I have submitted written reports to CLPs Secretaries.

I am willing to listen and advocate your views as your Strong Voice on the WEC.

Please consider re-electing Mark Fisher.