Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney - Jackie Charlton
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have announced Cllr Jackie Charlton as their prospective parliamentary candidate for the Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney constituency for the next UK General Election.
Jackie Charlton is a Cabinet Member and County Councillor in Powys, right on the border of Blaenau Gwent. She has served as a County Councillor for Llangattock since 2017 and, with the merger of Llangattock and Llangynidr in 2022, she defeated the sitting Leader of Powys to win the joint ward.
While in opposition between 2017 and 2022, Jackie successfully presented and carried forward several motions to the council, including more recognition for unpaid carers and declaring a Climate Emergency in 2020. Jackie has continued that work as the Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys.
Jackie has lived in Llangattock since 1989 and has been an active member of the community in many roles, as well as being an Equality Professional working for the Welsh Development Agency for 6 years. Jackie was a Welsh Government Appointee to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority for 10 years and a Non-Executive Director of Powys NHS Trust from 2000 to 2003. Jackie was additionally Vice Chair of both the Trust and Local Health Board.
Jackie Charlton and the Welsh Liberal Democrats have stated that Labour has taken Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney for granted for generations. It's time for a change and a new direction. The party believes that it can offer a positive alternative to both a Labour-dominated Wales and the chaotic mismanagement by the Conservatives.
Commenting on her selection Cllr Jackie Charlton stated:
"I have lived on the border of Blaenau Gwent & Rhymney since 1989 and worked in Ebbw Vale for 6 years as a tutor for Access Students who wanted to make a new start. It’s time for a new start now and a move away from Labour. The people of Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney are talented and committed to their communities. My job will be to harness that for a new beginning.
Labour have taken local people for granted for too long in Wales and the Conservatives hardly know Wales exists. It’s time for a voice in Westminster that will speak up for people in Blaenau Gwent instead of focusing on London and the South East. Much of what you see day to day in Blaenau Gwent is delivered by the devolved Labour Government in Cardiff. There is little to address the level of child poverty, access to care and delivering on transport. The dangers of climate change cannot be over-emphasised but Labour have reneged on that commitment too. You will get more of the same with Labour."
Commenting on Jackie’s selection to fight the Westminster seat, former MP for Brecon & Radnor, Roger Williams said:
“Jackie will fight hard for the people of Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney and has demonstrated her commitment to communities in Wales.
It’s time for a change and Jackie can lead that change.
With the Conservatives in complete disarray and crashing the UK economy, that alternative voice demanding better in Blaenau Gwent & Rhymney can only be Jackie Charlton and the Welsh Liberal Democrats.”