The General Election takes place on May 7 and Caerphilly Observer has asked all the candidates in the county borough to submit 100 words. Here we profile the Caerphilly constituency.
The Caerphilly constituency covers the St James, St Martin’s, Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen, Morgan Jones, Penyrheol, Llanbradach, Aber Valley, Ystrad Mynach, Nelson, Hengoed, St Cattwg, Gilfach and Bargoed wards to the south and west of the county borough.
The seat has been held by Labour since equal parliamentary democracy was created in 1918, when the Representation of the People Act allowed women equal votes.
It has been held by Wayne David since 2001 and in 2010 Labour won 44.9% of the vote, with the Conservatives coming second with 17.1%, closely followed by Plaid Cymru.
Caerphilly has an electorate of 62,134 and the turnout in the last General Election was 62.3%, compared with 65.1% nationally.
There are seven candidates standing in the Caerphilly constituency, which contains the most deprived ward in Wales, St James, according to the Welsh Government’s Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation.
ALADDIN AYESH, LIBERAL DEMOCRATS: I am a University lecturer with 16 years experience in teaching and research. I have a long-standing family connection with Caerphilly.
I am a progressive liberal; strongly support small and local businesses, family run farms, young people who work hard to excel, and devolution.
I support sensible environmental policies and signed up to ‘Frack Free Promise’.
I believe that life-saving drugs and operations should be available for all on NHS, and we should generously support the relevant research in our own institutions, so signed up to ‘Cross Cancer Out’ Campaign.
KATY BEDDOE, GREEN PARTY: I am a youth worker, poet, environmental and social justice campaigner, involved in the People’s Assembly, South Wales Against the Bedroom Tax and CND.
I will be working towards a healthier and more equal society for ALL. Austerity is right wing ideology based on the vision of a small state and is NOT bringing the deficit down.
I will make a stand to end austerity and the cruel policies it has introduced such as the ‘Bedroom Tax’ and benefit sanctions. Also to scrap Trident, oppose nuclear and fracking, raise the minimum wage to £10 an hour, protect public services and nationalise vital services such as energy and transport.
WAYNE DAVID, LABOUR: Two big issues in the Caerphilly constituency are low pay and the cost of living.
Labour will tackle these effectively. We will also scrap the unfair ‘Bedroom Tax’. We need a country based on fairness and equality of opportunity.
If re-elected, I will continue to run an effective constituency office and be accessible to everyone. I will also continue to fight on issues of local concern.
A priority must be opposition to the Local Development Plan (LDP). This needs to be completely re-drafted and our countryside protected. For me, this is a priority.
JAIME DAVIES, TRADE UNIONIST AND SOCIALIST COALITION: I’m 25, born in Caerphilly Miners’ Hospital, and I have lived in Caerphilly all my life.
I’m treasurer of Caerphilly Trades Union Council and an active member of the Bakers Union and the Socialist Party. I am campaigning for a doctor-led 24 hour A&E at the new YYF hospital in Ystrad Mynach and helped organise the campaign march through Caerphilly.
It is completely unacceptable that the emergency services are not available at the new hospital, forcing emergency patients to travel many miles.
If elected I pledge not to accept an MP’s inflated salary and expenses and I will live on an average worker’s wage.
LEO DOCHERTY, CONSERVATIVE: I was born in 1976 and graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and commissioned into the British Army in 2001.
During six years of military service I saw active service in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am married to Lucy with two young children.
If elected I will fight to: cut income tax and freeze fuel duty, create more jobs and support local businesses, support our NHS, cap welfare and get immigration under control, let Britain decide its future in Europe with an in/out EU Referendum in 2017, and fight for the best schools for our young people.
SAM GOULD, UKIP: Sam has lived in Caerphilly all his married life and has two young children.
Sam owns a number of small local businesses, which employ local people.
Since his wife nearly died waiting over an hour for an ambulance transfer from Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr to the Royal Gwent he has been campaigning for better NHS services.
Sam pledges to: fight for an A&E at Ystrad Mynach, oppose developments on green spaces around Caerphilly, end the privatisation of the NHS as introduced by Labour, and ensure the NHS remains FREE at the point of delivery for all UK residents.
REBECCA NEWTON, PLAID CYMRU: Beci, who is a firefighter, lives in Llanbradach with her husband, Matt and children, William, five, and Elin, 13 months. Outside work and politics, Beci’s interests include running, rock climbing, cooking and playing rugby for Penallta Miner Birds.
Beci is campaigning strongly for an end to austerity. “Public services will be decimated if we have another five years of cuts under a Labour or Conservative Government.
We must give people hope, not more of the same. If I am elected, I will always put Caerphilly and Wales first. I’m determined to change the perception that all politicians are the same. I’m not.”
Rebecca, I hate that our services have been decimated, I hate that there are so few park keepers, litter pickers etc let alone nurses and doctors. But we just can’t afford it as we have no money. I need a new car but my £800 blood red overdraft tells me I can’t have it.
Sam, I met you the other day and you seemed like a good guy. It’s true that Ystrad hospital might as well have a sign in front of the front door that says “go straight to the Gwent”. But if you were elected could you actualy get 24 hour A&E ?
Mr Docherty, with a C.V. Like that I would trust you with my house keys, but can we trust Cameron to deliver the referendum and not pervert it as the original one was.
Jamie Davis, cracking idea with hospital mate but as far as cutting off your nose to spite your face wages wise, would you apply this immovable principle to other decisions? Because that ain’t politics.
Sorry Mr David, Tony Blair and his everlasting essence that has drenched Labour of all it’s soul.
Ms Beddoe, poetry eh? Righto.
Alladin, if your Limp-Dem leader wasn’t so hen pecked and emasculated then I might listen to you. As it is, Vince Cable gives me the creeps and I am not convinced you occupy the centre ground anymore.
Rebecca, I hate that our services have been decimated, I hate that there are so few park keepers, litter pickers etc let alone nurses and doctors. But we just can’t afford it as we have no money. I need a new car but my £800 blood red overdraft tells me I can’t have it.
Sam, I met you the other day and you seemed like a good guy. It’s true that Ystrad hospital might as well have a sign in front of the front door that says “go straight to the Gwent”. But if you were elected could you actualy get 24 hour A&E ?
Mr Docherty, with a C.V. Like that I would trust you with my house keys, but can we trust Cameron to deliver the referendum and not pervert it as the original one was.
Jamie Davis, cracking idea with hospital mate but as far as cutting off your nose to spite your face wages wise, would you apply this immovable principle to other decisions? Because that ain’t politics.
Sorry Mr David, Tony Blair and his everlasting essence that has drenched Labour of all it’s soul.
Ms Beddoe, poetry eh? Righto.
Alladin, if your Limp-Dem leader wasn’t so hen pecked and emasculated then I might listen to you. As it is, Vince Cable gives me the creeps and I am not convinced you occupy the centre ground anymore.
It is a sad reflection that the constituents of Caerphilly have continued to vote in a Labour MP in every election since the early 1900’s. And it stands to reason that they will once again blindly vote in Wayne David to represent us on May 7th.
I find it incredulous that Labour continues to possess a stranglehold over this community at every level of the political spectrum and local Government.
I ask you, under Labour, has Caerphilly truly prospered? And will Labour policies provide the level of ‘prosperity’ that the town badly needs? I am not convinced. I see a town in decline, nationally recognised as containing the most deprived area in the UK, poverty, unemployment, reliance on benefits, under performing schools, a new hospital not fit for purpose, and an NHS frankly in a shambles etc..
After 100 years of Labour in this Ward is it not time that we looked towards a fresh face, to inject new impetus into looking after our interests in Westminster?
Labour is not the only party that will protect the interests of the working class.
After 100 years of Labour, Caerphilly is still one of the poorest parts of the United Kingdom. Labour has also always been in control at the Welsh Assembly and Wales is still the poorest country in the United Kingdom (Labour have even had 13 years controlling all money and Wales is still no better off). The evidence is clear, the backwards-looking, socialist, illogical policies of Labour do not hold the answers for Wales or Caerphilly.
However, come May 8th Labour’s shepherds will be rounding up the long-indoctrinated sheep and also the councillor disciples for the quinquennial pilgrimage to the farm so they can vote for their messiah.
All hail Wayne David, for he is the mighty one!
Dean, you have, in this election campaign, variously described Wayne David, as `The Beloved`, and `The Messiah`, and `The Mighty one`, It seems you know his supporters well, and It appears you read the mood of the Caerphilly Electorate correctly, because Wayne David will, of course, be relected to serve the people of Caerphilly for another five years at least. It appears there is no candidate or alternative party who can convince the voters that they will do a better job, `thats politics for you` one winner, and the rest. also rans.
The real test of political harnessing of votes will come next year of course in the Assembly Elections, when the current member for Caerphilly stands down, and is not standing again, . We will have had twelve months of whoever governs the UK and be able to at lease consider a judgement of that administrations quality and the direction they will be taking country, we will know if promises have been kept or broken, etc. etc, That will all make for a lively and inspiring election campaign on the part of opposition parties in Wales.
I think the voters will punish anyone who has spoken the forked tongue in this election when considering who to vote for at that time.
Quite correct! However, I do not blame the idolisation of him on a lack of other candidates. Both UKIP, Conservatives and Plaid seem to have a better vision for Wales, even if the latter still bases everything on wanting Wales to be a charity case relying on handouts from London and the EU.
The sad truth is the people of Caerphilly are mostly politically illiterate. Labour to them is not seen as a political party, it is seen as a religion. In the same way a parents views their child as being perfect no matter what the child does, these people view Labour as being perfect no matter what Labour does, hence my analogy of them all lining up to do as they have been told/indoctrinated. Labour could have a Tinky Winky standing and he would still have an overwhelming majority.
It is only when people open their eyes, look beyond failing Labour policies, and consider what other parties are offering that Caerphilly will move forward. As an interesting example, a polling company wrote the policies from the big parties down on a sheet of paper and asked thousands of people on the street to choose which ones they preferred, when the party name was not shown the largest group of people (around 37%) preferred UKIP’s policies. However, polls showing support does not mirror this proving voters are blind to policy and see party name only.
Edward Says:”After 100 years of Labour in this Ward is it not time that we looked towards a fresh face, to inject new impetus into looking after our
interests in Westminster”
Which of the election candidates do you suggest people vote for? I assume you are suggesting a different Party, not simply a different `Labour` person to the current incumubant?
Well Trefor, it doesn’t matter which of the election candidates I suggest. As Dean, pointed out, the majority of the electorate in Caerphilly are politically illiterate. I would go so far as to say naive and ignorant.
Although I would like to see a UKIP MP, it is up to the electorate to read and understand the implications of each parties manifesto and make there own choice.
However, I concede that on 7th May, we shall see the return of Wayne David, as Caerphilly has done for the last 100 years returning a Labour MP.
I chatted to a labour voter the other day and asked him why he voted so. He kept telling me about what labour did for the miners and after the war and the glory of yesterday. When I suggested that the post Blair labour party of today was nothing like the one we all remembered he conceded that I was right. So why still vote for them then? ” You don’t know boy, you don’t know what they did for us” was his reply. That is the proverbial brick wall upon which we all have to bang our heads and why your labour representatives only have to answer the questions they want. They can also get snotty when asked awkward questions or simply walk away if they feel like it.
Power corrupts and absolute power……………etc.
It is a sad reflection that the constituents of Caerphilly have continued to vote in a Labour MP in every election since the early 1900’s. And it stands to reason that they will once again blindly vote in Wayne David to represent us on May 7th.
I find it incredulous that Labour continues to possess a stranglehold over this community at every level of the political spectrum and local Government.
I ask you, under Labour, has Caerphilly truly prospered? And will Labour policies provide the level of ‘prosperity’ that the town badly needs? I am not convinced. I see a town in decline, nationally recognised as containing the most deprived area in the UK, poverty, unemployment, reliance on benefits, under performing schools, a new hospital not fit for purpose, and an NHS frankly in a shambles etc..
After 100 years of Labour in this Ward is it not time that we looked towards a fresh face, to inject new impetus into looking after our interests in Westminster?
Labour is not the only party that will protect the interests of the working class.
After 100 years of Labour, Caerphilly is still one of the poorest parts of the United Kingdom. Labour has also always been in control at the Welsh Assembly and Wales is still the poorest country in the United Kingdom (Labour have even had 13 years controlling all money and Wales is still no better off). The evidence is clear, the backwards-looking, socialist, illogical policies of Labour do not hold the answers for Wales or Caerphilly.
However, come May 7th Labour’s shepherds will be rounding up the long-indoctrinated sheep and also the councillor disciples for the quinquennial pilgrimage to the farm so they can vote for their messiah.
All hail Wayne David, for he is the mighty one!
Dean, you have, in this election campaign, variously described Wayne David, as `The Beloved`, and `The Messiah`, and `The Mighty one`, It seems you know his supporters well, and It appears you read the mood of the Caerphilly Electorate correctly, because Wayne David will, of course, be relected to serve the people of Caerphilly for another five years at least. It appears there is no candidate or alternative party who can convince the voters that they will do a better job, `thats politics for you` one winner, and the rest. also rans. You know of course that Wayne David cannot be held responsible for the weaknesses in the political argument of the other candidates which then failes to win them support.
The real test of political harnessing of votes will come next year of course in the Assembly Elections, when the current member for Caerphilly stands down, and is not standing again, . We will have had twelve months of whoever governs the UK and be able to at least consider a judgement of that administrations quality and the direction they will be taking the country, we will know if promises have been kept or broken, etc. etc, That will all make for a lively and inspiring election campaign on the part of opposition parties in Wales.
I think the voters will punish anyone who has spoken with forked tongue in this election when considering who to vote for at that time.
Quite correct! However, I do not blame the idolisation of him on a lack of other candidates. Both UKIP, Conservatives and Plaid seem to have a better vision for Wales, even if the latter still bases everything on wanting Wales to be a charity case relying on handouts from London and the EU.
The sad truth is the people of Caerphilly are mostly politically illiterate. Labour to them is not seen as a political party, it is seen as a religion. In the same way a parent views their child as being perfect no matter what their child does, these people view Labour as being perfect no matter what Labour does, hence my analogy of them all lining up to do as they have been told/indoctrinated to do. Labour could have Tinky Winky from the Teletubbies standing and he would still have an overwhelming majority.
It is only when people open their eyes, look beyond failing Labour policies, and consider what other parties are offering that Caerphilly will move forward. As an interesting example, a polling company wrote the policies from the big parties down on a sheet of paper and asked thousands of people on the street to choose which ones they preferred, when the party name was not shown the largest group of people (around 37%) preferred UKIP’s policies. However, polls showing support does not mirror this proving voters are blind to policy and see party name only.
Edward Says:”After 100 years of Labour in this Ward is it not time that we looked towards a fresh face, to inject new impetus into looking after our
interests in Westminster”
Which of the election candidates do you suggest people vote for? I assume you are suggesting a different Party, not simply a different `Labour` person to the current incumubant?
Well Trefor, it doesn’t matter which of the election candidates I suggest. As Dean pointed out, the majority of the electorate in Caerphilly are politically illiterate. I would go so far as to say naive and ignorant.
Although I would like to see a UKIP MP, it is up to the electorate to read and understand the implications of each parties’ manifesto and make their own choices.
However, I concede that on 7th May, we shall see the return of Wayne David, as Caerphilly has done for the last 100 years returning a Labour MP.
I chatted to a labour voter the other day and asked him why he voted so. He kept telling me about what labour did for the miners and after the war and the glory of yesterday. When I suggested that the post Blair labour party of today was nothing like the one we all remembered he conceded that I was right. So why still vote for them then? ” You don’t know boy, you don’t know what they did for us” was his reply. That is the proverbial brick wall upon which we all have to bang our heads and why your labour representatives only have to answer the questions they want. They can also get snotty when asked awkward questions or simply walk away if they feel like it.
Power corrupts and absolute power……………etc.
Well here is Wayne at his finest, little time for the people of Caerphilly and shouts you down when he avoids questions!
https://youtu.be/tLncSQLX-O4
Well here is Wayne at his finest, little time for the people of Caerphilly and shouts you down when he avoids questions!
https://youtu.be/tLncSQLX-O4
There is a alternative for Caerphilly, give Sam Gould 20 minutes of your time and think!!
https://www.facebook.com/SamuelGould/videos/841230879297194/
There is a alternative for Caerphilly, give Sam Gould 20 minutes of your time and think!!
https://www.facebook.com/SamuelGould/videos/841230879297194/