Labour leader Ed Miliband has made a local election campaign visit to Bedwas.
Mr Miliband enjoyed Welsh Cakes and tea with members of Bedwas OAP Association and grassroot Labour activists.
Speaking to the Caerphilly Observer, Mr Miliband admitted that his party had lost touch with electors before the 2010 General Election, but was now “reconnecting”.
He said: “There’s no question that by 2010, across the United Kingdom, we had lost touch.
“I think what we have done over the last couple of years is that we are a party getting back in touch with people and a party showing that we’re on people’s side.
“You’re starting to see that in the response we’re getting on the doorstep. We’ve made 30% more contact across Wales in these local elections than we did in the 2010 General Election.
“That shows we’re determined to win people back to our cause and win back support.”
His appearance went down well with the people he spoke to – although his willingness to join in with the regular bingo session failed to turn into a game.
Kathleen Hughes, 84, from Bedwas, enjoyed a cuppa with Mr Miliband.
She said: “He sounded a very nice man – very honest.”
Mr Miliband also proved a hit with James Pritchard, a Labour candidate for the Morgan Jones ward in the upcoming election.
Mr Pritchard told Mr Miliband: “Call me an old-fashioned left-wing socialist, but everyone should have a job. There should be full-employment.”
The Labour leader agreed and when asked later about his comments to Mr Pritchard replied: “I do agree. I think full-employment is an incredibly important ambition.
“We had a really big impact when we were in Government and I think full-employment should be an aim for a Labour Party – it is an aim for the Labour Party.”
Labour hopes the leader’s appearance will boost its election chances next month in its bid to regain control of Caerphilly County Borough Council which it lost to Plaid Cymru in 2008.
Deputy leader of the Caerphilly group, Cllr Gerald Jones, said: “It’s a morale booster for the people out there working their socks off, in all winds and weather, knocking on doors and speaking to voters.”