Former Secretary of State for Wales Ron Davies today threw his support behind council leader Lindsay Whittle’s bid to become the next Caerphilly MP.
Ron Davies, who was a elected as an Independent councillor in Caerphilly in 2008 and serves as a cabinet member in the Plaid-led council administration, said that Lindsay Whittle would make a superb advocate for Caerphilly as a Plaid MP.
Cllr Davies said: “Lindsay is a true Caerphilly boy – deeply proud of the town and area he was brought up in and as a councillor determined to make life better for those he represented.
“Like many he was raised on a council estate in Caerphilly and throughout his political life he has never forgotten those roots – the people are his first concern, particularly today who face a constant battle to make ends meet in these really difficult economic times.
“As an Independent member of Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet, I’ve seen at first hand Lindsay’s work and commitment on behalf of the public.
“I’m certain that Lindsay would make a superb advocate for Caerphilly as its MP. He’s a man who has the best interests of the area at heart and won’t be hamstrung by having to toe a London based party line. I am proud to say that Lindsay has my 100% support and I will be actively supporting his campaign.”
Cllr Whittle said: “I know how much regard Ron is held in, both within Caerphilly and across Wales, so I’m delighted to have his public support. Ron Davies is a hugely capable and talented politician with an excellent record of delivery.
“If elected I promise to work tirelessly on behalf of the people of Caerphilly. I will put their interests first at all times.”
Cllr Davies’ backing of the Plaid Cymru candidate will be seen as a move closer to the party.
Speculation is already rife that the former Labour MP and AM will try and make a return to frontline politics in next year’s Welsh Assembly elections by standing as a Plaid Cymru candidate.
The proposition of Cllr Davies standing against Labour’s Jeff Cuthbert, the man who replaced him in Cardiff, was first raised earlier this year when the former Welsh Secretary’s Forward Wales party was officially disbanded.