General election 2024: Meet the candidates for Newport West and Islwyn

Tell us about yourself
I am a local resident living in the constituency who has been active as a local town/community councillor for three years. I am also a school governor and work closely with the county councillors in the ward. I have developed a reputation for independent thinking and cross-party working – this is essential in modern politics. I am also involved with various organisations in the community and help wherever possible at various events.

What do you have to offer if you are elected? Why should people vote for you?
I believe in openness and transparency along with consultation and engagement and listening to the voice of the people and acting accordingly and treating everyone equally. It is vital to work in partnership with the electorate regardless of who they vote for. We must help businesses by promoting “shop local” initiatives and attract inward investment to renew our town centres.

Why are you a party member (or why aren’t you a member of a party)?
I am an independent candidate as I believe in being a free thinker and carrying the voice of the people and not being tied to a party whip where I would have to gain permission to operate. I believe in judging issues on their own merit and believe in consultation and engagement with the people of the constituency. I believe in having regular walk in surgeries where people can come and speak freely about issues or concerns they may have. The voice of the people must be heard at all times and I believe in fighting against injustices.

What, in your opinion, are the main issues in your constituency?
There are many issues in the constituency but some of the main ones are of course the sad state of the NHS in Wales, poor policing, lack of high street investment, extremely high business rates, lack of wellbeing and leisure facilities and lack of facilities for the younger generation.

Brandon is 29 and lives in Risca, where he grew up. He is a qualified secondary school teacher, and currently works in further education, encouraging students from all backgrounds to pursue the next steps in their educational journey. He is also a charity trustee, school governor and community councillor, passionate about providing opportunities for our young people, better mental health support and fighting for fairer funding for our key local services.

“Wales faces huge economic disparity and underinvestment. To address this, I will advocate for increased funding and support for Welsh infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Our communities have suffered from years of underfunding, which has hindered growth and opportunity. By securing more resources, we can invest in essential public services, improve our transport and digital infrastructure, and ensure that our schools and hospitals are adequately supported.

“Additionally, I will push for greater devolution of powers to Wales, allowing for more effective decision-making that meets the unique needs of our communities. With more control over our own affairs, we can implement policies that directly benefit the people of Wales, fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life for all Welsh citizens.”

Information taken from candidate profile on party website.

Dr Mike Hamilton, who was Newport Council’s deputy leader in 2012, recently stood as the party’s candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner. He also stood in the 2021 Senedd election in the Newport East constituency.

A former merchant navy officer and archaeologist, he has also been a university archaeology lecturer.

Nick Jones is honoured to serve as your chosen parliamentary candidate for Newport West and Islwyn, a role he embraces with great pride. With profound dedication to the communities of Newport and Islwyn, Nick’s unwavering passion for the region shines through, fuelled by his intricate knowledge of the area.

Drawing from a wealth of political experience, Nick has a robust background as a former local county councillor, currently serving as a community councillor. In addition, his diverse professional portfolio in financial services, international property, and technical industries, uniquely positions him to understand the everyday challenges faced by residents, small business owners, and companies.

Complementing his public service, Nick is actively engaged in various community roles, participating in local Neighbourhood Watch programs, Scouts and church activities, Remembrance Day events, and also serves as a school governor. Recognising Newport’s rich history and its pivotal role in connecting with south-east Wales and beyond, Nick envisions a brighter future for the city, emphasising its inherent talent, innovation, and potential for greatness to be reignited.

Championing a platform of positive transformation for Newport West and Islwyn, Nick eagerly anticipates engaging with residents and business owners to understand their priorities, which he wholeheartedly embraces as his own.

Information taken from candidate profile on party website.

Tell us about yourself
I was born and raised in the Gaer and attended Duffryn High School. I worked across the Gwent valleys as an NHS physiotherapist and live in Allt-yr-yn with my family.

I’m a big believer in people power. I was elected President of the Wales TUC in 2007 and had a replica of the Chartist demands in my Newport West office. I will proudly support Labour’s plans to level up your rights at work and make work pay.

What do you have to offer if you are elected? Why should people vote for you?
I’ll serve every community as their local MP. I saw the importance of being of being accessible while volunteering for Paul Flynn. People want and deserve that connection with their MP, which is why I’ll continue to hold regular advice surgeries across the constituency and ensure that I’m accessible online.

Why are you a party member?
I joined the Labour Party in 1999 and have seen first hand the positive difference a UK Labour Government can make to people’s lives. At a local level, the party provides a good forum for like-minded people to talk about the issues that really matter. Every day as part of the shadow Defra team I’ve been playing my part, getting ready to implement the serious change our country needs.

What are the main issues in the constituency?
The cost-of-living crisis. Every day, people on the doors tell me they are struggling with their supermarket shops, energy bills or mortgage payments. The Tories crashed the economy and working people are still paying the price. The next UK Labour Government will restore economic stability and deliver growth.

I am 72-years-young, born and raised in the Blackwood area where I was privileged to be afforded a first-class education firstly at Blackwood Primary School followed by a life enriching experience at the esteemed Lewis Boys Grammar School Pengam.

On leaving school I pursued a career in car sales for nigh on thirty years having started the car sales at The Rock Garage next door to The Rock Inn, where I have steadied the ship as landlord for the past 17 years. Prior to that being at the helm of The Cross Oak Oakdale and The Red Lion (now demolished) Blackwood.

I believe in old fashioned standards and values as reflected in the presentation and day-to-day running of The Rock Inn. I care passionately about this nation and have observed with abject dismay it “Going Down the Pan” since the Blair era. In 27 years no government has had the concern and welfare of its citizens at the heart of its policies. They have just successively compounded the collateral damage inflicted.

I feel that we are in very dangerous uncharted waters and desperately in need of strong leadership and politicians who put their country first not their pockets!

I believe that this is our chance as REFORM UK to steady the ship and put the “GREAT” back into Britain!

Information taken from candidate profile on party website.

Kerry was active in her trade union at local, regional and national executive levels when she taught in further education. As someone who is particularly interested in the natural world Kerry has been the treasurer for a friends group on a local nature reserve and volunteered with Avon Wildlife Trust.

Information taken from candidate profile on party website.