The Welsh Assembly Election takes place on Thursday, May 5 and Caerphilly Observer has asked all the candidates in the county borough to submit 100 words. Here we profile the Islwyn constituency.
The Islwyn constituency covers the Argoed, Aberbargoed, Crumlin, Penmaen, Blackwood, Cefn Fforest, Pengam, Newbridge, Pontllanfraith, Maesycwmmer, Abercarn, Ynysddu, Crosskeys, Risca East and Risca West wards to the south and east of the county borough.
The Assembly seat has been held by Labour since 2003, after Plaid Cymru won the first election in 1999. Its last AM Gwyn Price, elected in 2011, is not seeking re-election. In 2011 Labour won 58% of the vote, with Plaid Cymru coming second with 22%. Turnout was just 38.1%, below the average of 41.4%, with 20,908 people voting out of a registered electorate of 54,893.
There are six candidates standing in the Islwyn constituency.
LYN ACKERMAN, PLAID CYMRU: Lyn was brought up in Crumlin and has lived in Newbridge since 1989, so she knows her constituency very well.
She was educated in Crumlin High Level and Newbridge Comprehensive.
She has represented Caerphilly on the county borough council for over 15 years and campaigns tirelessly for her local area.
She has two children, Emyr and Rhianydd, and is very active in the local community.
• Lyn Ackerman did not provide a biography. This profile was taken from Plaid Cymru’s website.
KATY BEDDOE, GREEN PARTY: Katy Beddoe is a professional youth worker and social and environmental activist, working on campaigns such as the People’s Assembly and CND.
After spending most of her life in Ebbw Vale she has recently moved to Crosskeys with her husband and son. Katy is pleased to standing in the Assembly Elections, and hopes to add pressure with a campaign message for the National Assembly to do more to protect the most vulnerable from vicious ideological Tory cuts; such as following the Scottish Parliament who protect their tenants from the bedroom tax, instead of overpriced vanity projects like M4 relief road.
MATTHEW KIDNER, LIBERAL DEMOCRATS: I grew up in Newbridge, where I attended school and started my career and returned to the area, with my family, in 2014. I was drawn to politics after seeing the differences in standards between England and Wales, particularly in health and education.
I firmly believe in the Welsh Assembly and its devolved powers but I am disappointed by Labour’s lack of ambition for Wales.
The Welsh Lib Dems will ensure safe nursing levels in hospitals and the community. We will deliver smaller class sizes; and we will create more jobs by helping businesses grow and creating an opportunity economy.
RHIANON PASSMORE, LABOUR: Rhianon is a former teacher/lecturer and trade union officer. Rhianon has a strong voice and will stand up for you if elected.
She was appointed to the National Probation Board and BBC Broadcasting Council of Wales, and awarded in 2003 for her community work.
“I want a fairer deal. This is WHY I am Labour. Cameron must #SaveOurSteel – as he saved Nuclear PLC.
Tory welfare cuts are driving food banks – and disability cuts are driving suicides.
Labour stands for fairness and the future of our NHS is in your hands.
Before “Paying the Doctor” meant just that! Please vote – Labour.”
JOE SMYTH, UKIP: Joe Smyth lives in Newbridge with his family.
He joined the Royal Engineers at 16 in Chepstow as an Army apprentice. He then went on to serve with 9 Para Sqn RE attached to 3 PARA during the Falklands war. After leaving the Army he served in the probation service and is currently working in the transport and logistics industry.
Joe made a massive impact at the general election last year coming from a standing start to finish second in Islwyn, UKIP’s top candidate in Wales.
Joe believes that Wales need a change and that career politicians have lost touch with common people.
PAUL WILLIAMS, CONSERVATIVE: I have an established track record as an elected public servant: Five advice surgeries a month, regular news letters, a ‘fact finding’ public meeting approximately every three months and an effective communicator of community views.
I firmly believe people should be aware of their rights, their responsibilities for their actions and the key decisions affecting their lives; together with acknowledging other peoples’ equality of rights.
I contend these values are best reflected in Conservative policies.
After 17 years of Labour government Wales is falling behind the rest of the UK.