Plaid Cymru’s Jonathan Edwards faces a stiff contest with Calum Higgins challenging in a key marginal seat. In 2010, Mr Edwards enjoyed a 3,500 majority over former Welsh Government minister Christine Gwyther. Mr Higgins has, however, been assiduous in building upon his local presence as a County Councillor and is hopeful of overturning Jonathan Edwards’ majority. The seat has not returned a Labour MP since 1997.
Jonathan Edwards told The Herald: “Having the huge honour of being a Member of Parliament for my home communities and being Carmarthenshire’s voice in Westminster over the last five years has helped me establish some of the key issues facing our county and country. As a father of two, I want to live in a Carmarthenshire where our young people can grow up having the best education, the best opportunities to pursue a career and the best chance of creating a home and raising a family of their own.
“Speaking of his hopes for his constituents Mr Edwards said: “I want Carmarthenshire residents to be able to enjoy their retirement, and approach their older year’s safe in the knowledge that they will receive the very best of health and care services available. Carmarthenshire needs and deserves a Member of Parliament who can stand up and fight its corner against an out-of-touch London elite. I have proud record of doing just that, and would consider it my duty if I have the honour of being re-elected.
“Addressing the issue of the NHS in Wales, the MP continued: “With around 30% of our local GPs reaching retirement, Plaid Cymru’spolicy to employ 1,000 extra doctors will enable more people to see their local GP and relieve pressure on our A&E departments. We would ensure ambulances are once again located in our rural communities, saving valuable time in responding. We would introduce a living wage, making sure Carmarthenshire workers are paid a fair wage for their work.
We would take over 70,000businesses out of business rates by extending the successful rates relief scheme. Additionally, I want to finish my positive campaign to ‘Connect Carmarthenshire’ and deliver strong mobile phone signal and broadband to each and every community. “On a final note, Jonathan Edwards told The Herald: “In my time as your MP, I have been a voice for powerless against the powerful. I led the successful campaign to protect local fire stations from downgrading and closure.
I am now fighting to save our Police Helicopter. “He concluded with an appeal to the electorate: “If you continue to put their faith in me, I promise to be the strong advocate you need. More importantly, I promise to make you proud. “This week, Ammanford town centre was the scene of Welsh Labour’s official campaign launch. The launch began with a visit from First Minister Carwyn Jones and Owen Smith MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Wales. The Carmarthen East and Dinefwr seats on the list of target seats that Labour need to win to kick the Tories out of Government.
Calum Higgins told us: “It was a real pleasure to have the national attention on Ammanford and to highlight how important this seat is in the battle for 10 Downing Street. Carmarthen East and Dinefwr is one of the few seats that will determine if the Tories get another 5 years to decimate our public services, or if we can deliver a fairer economy with Labour.
There’s only one way to kick out the Tory Government and it means electing as many Labour MPs as possible at Westminster. “Speaking about his local campaign, Calum Higgins said: “It’s also important that this is a positive campaign and I’m determined to focus my campaign what I will do locally. I’m sure that people are fed up with negative politics and want to hear what we will do.
The way to convince voters is to talk about jobs and investment. What I promise the voters in Carmarthen East and Dinefwr is that if elected I will be a local voice in a party of government and focus my energy on positive policies to bring investment and jobs to the area. “The Conservative vote rose significantly in 2010, and it is what happens to the Tory’s share of the vote and that of LIb Dem and UKIP that is likely to be a significant factor.
Add Comment