General election: Candidates for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney

Anne Baker
Green Party

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Jackie Charlton
Welsh Liberal Democrats

Your connection to the constituency
I have lived in Llangattock, just three miles from Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, for 34 years and worked in Ebbw Vale College teaching access courses to mature students. 
Tell voters something about you
I am profoundly deaf, campaigned for disability and equality rights for many years. I am a cabinet member in Powys County Council for A Greener Powys. For many years I have worked with community projects including community renewable energy and environmental projects. I’m married with one daughter and granddaughter. 
What is the biggest issue/challenge in the constituency
Community street crime and tackling anti social behaviour; getting to a dentist; arranging a GP appointment and delivering social care; tackling the cost of living crisis and climate emergency. All are linked and need sorting. We have put the NHS and social care front and back of their policies. 
What is the best thing about the constituency
The people, the mountains and the culture. There is so much to hope for in Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney. Blaenau Gwent & Rhymney has the strong ethos of valley community to link in to. 
What is your top priority if elected
Getting more Police Community Support Officers. Showcase the community spirit in the area to encourage more doctors, dentists and social care workers.

Robert Griffiths
Communist Party of Britain

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Yas Iqbal
Workers Party of Britain

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Hannah Jarvis
Welsh Conservatives

Your connection to the constituency
I have lived in South Wales for 12 years, close to Blaenau Gwent where I also worked. 
Tell voters something about you
I am a mum of two, an army veteran and a freelance public relations consultant. Outside of family life and politics, I spend a lot of my time devoted to charity work, including fundraising for medical equipment and making aid runs to Ukraine.
What is the biggest issue/challenge in the constituency
The biggest challenge facing Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney is the cost-of-living crisis. Not only are families stretched financially, so too are our public services, which is why I can’t understand why the Welsh Government wants to spend £120 million on more politicians and unnecessary projects like 20mph zones, while the Welsh NHS is crying out for more nurses. 
What is the best thing about the constituency
There are many great things about Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, the scenery is fantastic, the people are friendly and my children and I are big fans of the leisure centre in Ebbw Vale, particularly the pool and slides!
What is your top priority if elected
If elected, my top priority will be to to call on the Welsh Government to stop wasting money on vanity projects and look beyond their Cardiff Bay bubble to the valleys. Abertillery is already earmarked for levelling-up funding, which would be a fantastic investment for the people of Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney and I would work hard to secure further investment in the area.

Niamh Salkeld
Plaid Cymru

Your connection to the constituency
Born in Newport, I attended Ysgol Cymraeg Cwmbran, and then Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw. I went onto study international politics in Aberystwyth University, where I left with a Bachelor of Arts and Masters degree. I’ve briefly worked as a substitute teacher in a Welsh speaking secondary school before getting a job with the Plaid Cymru Senedd group as a political researcher for social justice, education and the arts.
Name a policy you want to see become law if elected as an MP
The implementation of a child payment policy in Wales, like the successful model in Scotland. This policy is crucial for tackling child poverty and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
What’s the biggest issue facing Wales?
The cost-of-living crisis, impacting countless families struggling to afford basic necessities. Rising costs are placing immense pressure on household budgets, exacerbating poverty and inequality. I am dedicated to addressing this crisis through comprehensive, community-focused solutions.
Together, we can build a resilient and equitable Wales where everyone can afford to live and thrive.
Who has been the best British Prime Minister?
I believe the best British Prime Minister for Wales was Attlee. Attlee’s vision for a fairer society resonated deeply in Wales, fostering a legacy of social justice and equality that continues to influence Welsh politics today. His leadership demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of ordinary people, aligning closely with the values that Plaid Cymru stands for.

Nick Smith
Welsh Labour

Your connection to the constituency
I attended Tredegar Comprehensive. I helped my dad in his job for Brace’s Bread, travelling around Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney. It’s where I grew up and where I now live.
Tell voters something about you
I’ve been an MP since 2010, serving in the Public Accounts Committee and as Shadow Deputy Leader of the House. I’m an experienced MP who is able to get things done. I’m resilient and focused, I know how to get complex problems sorted and how to successfully campaign in Parliament. 
What is the biggest issue/challenge in the constituency
Wales is continuing to pay the price for Tory economic failure. Energy costs, food bills and mortgage rates are sky-high. People work harder than ever for less reward. Labour will deliver economic stability. We will bring forward a decade of national renewal, kickstarting growth, boosting jobs and making work pay.
What is the best thing about the constituency
As well as the incredible views and many wonderful parks and green spaces, it’s the people. We all care about this place because it’s our home. The last 14 years have been hard on everyone but with a UK Labour Government we can make the changes we need.
What is your top priority if elected
After 14 years of Conservative rule, nothing seems to work anymore. I want to get our public services on their feet and help drive up living standards. With two Labour governments working together we can cut NHS waiting times, put more police on the streets and work to lower your bills.

Mike Whatley
Independent

We attempted to approach the candidate for a contribution.