General election 2024: Meet the candidates for Caerphilly

Tell us about yourself
I’m just an ordinary person. I’ve lived in Machen for the past 20 years with my family, so I have two children in the local school. I currently work in a local university supporting students and graduates to start businesses, and previously I ran my own businesses for 14 years. I try to keep fit and active, and love being outdoors in our beautiful countryside, running, walking or cycling. I don’t enjoy writing about myself!

What do you have to offer if you are elected? Why should people vote for you?
I have experience of starting and running businesses, of the education system and of being an employee of a university. This puts me in a good place to understand the challenges and needs of these sectors. Through my involvement in entrepreneurship and innovation I understand the importance of listening to ‘customers’ and I would apply this design thinking methodology in government to develop public services which are efficient and effective. I know that I don’t know everything, and therefore that as a politician I have to listen to those who have more experience than I do. I would however be a strong advocate and servant for the people of Caerphilly and I believe I can do this effectively.

Why are you a party member (or why aren’t you a member of a party)?
I’m a member of the Lib Dems because their approach and policy ideas best fits with my own thoughts. We’re rooted in the centre ground of UK politics with a commitment to social democracy (Making things better for everyone, by listening and caring). For me its about practical, evidence led decision making rather than ideology, what actually works to make lives better, not what some political theory says should work.

Our manifesto is full of innovative ways to tackle the challenges we face, which make sure that people have both freedom to be who they want to be and freedom from oppression, bad health, poverty and authoritarianism.

What, in your opinion, are the main issues in your constituency?
The main issues in Caerphilly are still those caused by the mine closures and de-industrialisation – despite this happening 30 years ago. 25 years of Labour in the Senedd hasn’t solved the problems of poverty, poor health, low paid work, poor educational attainment and poor transport links – I’m not convinced that Labour in Westminster will solve them quickly either.

If we want Caerphilly and it’s people to thrive rather than survive we must tackle these issues from a strategic viewpoint – this is why we are calling for a proper industrial strategy which gives a blueprint to de-carbonise our economy, a social care system which allows the NHS to function properly and proper investment in education at all levels. If I was elected I would ensure that Caerphilly and Wales were an essential part of this, resulting in new jobs which are more highly paid, better opportunities for our children and protection for the environment.

Tell us about yourself
I was born and brought up in the south Wales valleys. Up until the recent dissolution of Parliament, I had the privilege of being MP for Islwyn for 14 years.

I am a published author of two sports biographies, one on boxer Freddie Mills and another on football manager Don Revie. Until Parliament was dissolved, I was shadow minister for Technology, which has grown my belief that south Wales can and should be a hotspot for innovative new tech businesses.

What do you have to offer if you are elected? Why should people vote for you?
One of many areas in which we have been let down by the Conservative government is connectivity. We are disproportionately affected by unreliable 4G, and we can’t expect anyone to maximise the potential of their small business or finish their homework to a great standard when the internet is unusable.

Why are you a party member?
I am proud to be a member of the party with a plan to bring about growth and prosperity, and to work constructively with the Welsh Government to truly improve people’s lives.

If Labour forms the next government in Westminster, we will create Great British Energy to invest in homegrown green power, end our reliance on international energy markets controlled by dictators like Putin, and cut energy bills for good. Labour’s tax avoidance crackdown will raise funds that can go back into the NHS, including for Wales. More neighbourhood police will be funded to crack down on antisocial behaviour.

This is a party with a reasoned, costed plan for change, standing ready to turn the page from the last 14 years of division, chaos and instability.

What are the main issues in the constituency?
We need to tackle the cost of living. The price of energy has been a major driver of this crisis, which is why I want to see Labour take forward Great British Energy, investing in homegrown clean power to end reliance on international gas markets and seriously cut energy bills.

Tell us about yourself
I grew up watching my parents work hard for our family and serve our local community with dedication. My dad a college teacher and my mum a healthcare worker in the NHS. I want to make that same difference to people as their local representative. I have been fortunate to enjoy a successful career so far specialising in product operations and change management. I attended my local schools growing up, Hendre Infants, Juniors and later St Cenydd community school. I was lucky to be taken on as an apprentice and studied at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. That experience changed my life and as a result I am passionate about ensuring everybody has access to a great education, and most importantly have access to quality apprenticeships. In 2022 I stood as a candidate in the Caerphilly Council elections in my local ward of Penyrheol.

What do you have to offer if you are elected? Why should people vote for you?
If elected, I offer a common-sense approach to addressing our community’s needs. I will listen to all residents and work tirelessly to fight for improvements in both devolved and national areas. I will hold the Welsh Labour government to account on areas they oversee such as healthcare and education. I will demand the government scrap their 20mph policy and replace it with a more sensible solution. I will fight for planning changes so Caerphilly can build more housing for young people, so we can have a place to call our own. I will fight to put Caerphilly on the map. Caerphilly has a rich history and has a lot to offer such as Caerphilly Castle, Aber Valley Heritage Museum and overnight Glamping! We have so much to offer yet our council and Welsh Government lets us down. I will bring practical solutions and a unified voice to Caerphilly.

Why are you a party member (or why aren’t you a member of a party)?
Growing up, I was taught that to get on in life, you must put in the work. If you work and perform well, you will be rewarded. This simple notion has been the foundation for working people across Caerphilly for generations. How does this answer why I’m a member of the Welsh Conservative Party? It doesn’t really, but it sets the context. The Conservative Party has always believed in personal responsibility, rewarding those who work and looking after those in need. This realisation came to me at the age of 17, the day I opened my first pay slip (21st June 2017 to be precise). From that day on, I started researching political parties and how their policies impact me. The Welsh Conservative Party’s aims and values align closely with working people. The party has always aimed to improve the quality of life for everyone through a dynamic economy, a strong society and a sustainable environment. The party’s values emphasise trust in people and a shared responsibility for our future. This alignment is why I am a member of the Welsh Conservative Party. The party also gives me an opportunity to meet like-minded people and challenge not just others but myself on certain topics from immigration to trade for example. The party is often referred to as a broad church, and that is something to cherish. Having such a diverse group of thinkers allows those who share the same core values the ability to apply new ideas to make the country an ever-better place to call home. A party is only made up of members and to create change and improvements you must be part of it, and I’m incredibly proud to call myself a member of the Welsh Conservative Party and the wider Conservative Party family.

What, in your opinion, are the main issues in your constituency?
The main issues in our constituency include the need for affordable housing for young people, ensuring we can stay and thrive in our community. We also face challenges with access to GP services, making healthcare difficult to obtain. – GP services need an overhaul so the services they provide are effective and efficient. Local infrastructure and public transport. For many this is a lifeline and for far too long, companies have “brought back a route” for it to be either seasonal or stopped within months. This isn’t fair to residents who are heavily or solely reliant on those services. Additionally, the lack of a “high street” hinders local business development and community cohesion. Small businesses boost the local economy, they too need our help. Finally, potholes everywhere are a persistent problem, affecting our daily commutes and overall infrastructure. The local council do appear to be patching them up as quickly as they should. Addressing these issues is crucial for the wellbeing of residents.

Tell us about yourself
I live in Machen with my young family. My daughter goes to Machen Primary. Whilst I work as a teacher in Cardiff now, I have done supply teaching in Bedwas. I’m a very hard-working individual and a graduate of a world-class university. My head of department would agree that I am entirely dependable and get things done. I’m not aiming for a place in a future cabinet, but rather to be a great constituency MP, working industriously to sort constituents’ issues. Wales has given so much to me; I want to repay this debt by serving the Caerphilly constituency.

What do you have to offer if you are elected? Why should people vote for you?
If elected: As a non-white immigrant Reform MP, my very existence would nullify the fallacious argument that being anti-mass immigration is racist. Immigration is too high. And no: immigrants are not all doctors and engineers. Our public services clearly cannot cope. It is plain common sense that any government should put its own citizens first. I will speak this truth to power, whilst the Labour candidate would slavishly support Keir and (the disgraced First Minister) Vaughan Gething. Vote Reform for lower taxes, shorter waiting lists, more police. Vote Reform as a declaration that we will not stand for mass immigration!

Why are you a party member (or why aren’t you a member of a party)?
I am as polite and reserved as the next Brit, but I was galvanised into joining the Reform Party by the news of approximately 700,000 net immigration into the UK for the second consecutive year – for this crime alone the Tories deserve electoral annihilation. Reform is the only party directly and openly addressing this existential threat. I’ve long noticed Labour tiptoeing around the immigration issue – partly because they covet the immigrant vote, partly because the Left fear being suspected of racism more than they care about the country. Let’s be on the right side of history, not the left!

What, in your opinion, are the main issues in your constituency?
Poor governance. Caerphilly is not getting the level of funding we should be getting because the Welsh Government is wasting our money, e.g. £32 million on the 20-mph fiasco, and because the main Westminster parties are obsessed with virtue-signalling by squandering billions on Net Zero. Labour take Welsh votes for granted. They treat us with contempt: Vaughan Gething clings to power despite losing a vote of no confidence. The Welsh Labour Party has imposed a candidate on Caerphilly with zero consultation with the local Labour party. If someone (Welsh Labour) shows you who they really are, believe them!

Mark is 35 and lives in Caerphilly with his wife and children. He works as a therapist after qualifying from the University of South Wales and also manages an award-winning, family-run business. Mark has a long history in volunteering with both local and international charities.
(Bio taken from party website)

Tell us about yourself
I am a well-known local campaigner. I have lived in this constituency all my life. It is where I belong. I have been a local councillor for a staggering 48 years. Served on four councils. Also have the experience of serving five years as a Senedd member.

What do you have to offer if you are elected? Why should people vote for you?
I am a local volunteer for many causes. I have dedicated my entire life to public service. The voice of the ordinary people is important to me.

Why are you a party member (or why aren’t you a member of a party)?
I joined Plaid Cymru in 1967. I was inspired by the work of Gwynfor Evans. He had fought against the drowning of Tryweryn. I always wanted to speak Welsh. I know that we were robbed of our language. I felt Welsh nationalism was my natural home. It talked about putting Welsh people first and also caring about others in the world.

What, in your opinion, are the main issues in your constituency?
The cost of living is very high on people’s agenda. I volunteer at a foodbank. I see poverty every week. Jobs are essential for our young people. We desperately need affordable homes. Too many of the new homes are way out of people’s league. Local homes for local people is always my motto. We are in a crisis with mental health. If I have any priority it will be that we use our resources wisely to help those suffering.