Caerfyrddin candidates set out why you should vote for them

The South Wales Guardian asked each of the candidates why they were standing in this election, and which issues they felt were most important to them.

The seat has been created after boundary changes merged areas of the Carmarthen East and Dinefwr and Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire constituencies.

It is likely to be a tight contest, with pollsters split over who is projected to be elected. 

Here is what you candidates have said.

Will Beasley - Green Party

Will Beasley is standing for the Green Party. (Image: Linkedin)

Nicholas Paul Beckett - Liberal Democrats

Nicholas Paul Beckett is standing for the Liberal Democrats. (Image: Liberal Democrats)

The Conservatives have demonstrated time and time again that they do not care about Wales, a vote for the Conservatives is a vote for more of the same incompetence and corruption that we have seen for the last 10 years.

Meanwhile the incumbent Labour government in Cardiff have become complacent and no longer listen to the voices of our communities.

Plaid Cymru have, through their co-operation agreement with Welsh Labour, lost sight of the needs of the people they represent. They do not offer a vision for a confident, prosperous, and welcoming nation.

So, I’m standing as the Welsh Liberal Democrat candidate for Caerfyrddin so that voters have an opportunity to demand different. To demand that their needs and aspirations are heard and acted upon, to expect and receive representation that is delivered with professionalism and integrity. I am standing for a safer, fairer, cleaner, and more prosperous Wales.

Nancy Cole - Women's Equality Party

Nancy Cole is standing for the Women's Equality Party. (Image: Women's Equality Party)

I am standing in this election because inequality is deepening and public services are crumbling and women are on the front line of these crises. We cannot go on like this.

I believe things can be better but politics has to be done differently.

I have the drive and the imagination to deliver this and put the people of Caerfyrddin at the heart of the decisions.

Like so many, I am tired of business-as-usual politics, of the same old policies. That’s why the Women’s Equality Party is campaigning to build a caring, sustainable economy that puts our health and happiness as central as wealth.

We will do this by investing in care, ending child poverty, building climate positive communities and reimagining work.

Ann Davies - Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales

Ann Davies is standing for Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales. (Image: Plaid Cymru)

I’m standing for Plaid Cymru in Caerfyrddin because I want to be a fresh voice for our people. In me, people can expect a hard-working, honest, local champion who will always stand up for Caerfyrddin.

I’ve devoted my life to serving my community, from the village hall to County Hall, and with your help Westminster Hall will be next. 

My priorities for Caerfyrddin are straightforward – equity for rural communities on public transport, infrastructure and digital connectivity. Revitalising our local economy by supporting local small businesses so they can energize our town centres.

Additionally, I’m going to fight hard to protect our NHS from privatisation, and ensure local services like Glangwili hospital are protected.

I’m also going to continue my staunch opposition to the proposed pylon routes in the Teifi and the Tywi valleys.

It would be an honour and a privilege to represent Caerfyrddin in Wesminster.

David Mark Evans - Workers Party of Britain

David Mark Evans is standing for the Workers Party of Britain. (Image: Facebook)

Born in the mining village of Gilfach Goch, Mark knows hard times. His family were miners, factory workers, bakers, waste collectors, and farmers. He’s been an astronomer, defence analyst, public affairs specialist, a soldier, managed a B&B and farm, worked in Welsh economic development. A writer, he’s active in his local church and a mental health charity. Experienced in local and national politics, he’s appeared on TV and radio, spoken at many public meetings. 

He's worked abroad, witnessed poverty and deprivation, helped many people. He’s lived in Carmarthenshire for twenty-four years.

Mark is standing in the election in Caerfyrddin because he wants to give ordinary people a strong voice. He’s very engaged with the people of Carmarthenshire, identifies with their concerns. He brings much experience with him as he stands for election. It’s time the People were listened to, were heard.

Simon Hart - Conservative and Unionist Party

Simon Hart is standing for the Conservative and Unionist Party. (Image: Conservative Party)

I’ve represented West Carmarthenshire and South Pembrokeshire since 2010. Previously, I was a director of the Countryside Alliance and many will also know me through my former job as a land agent based in offices on Carmarthen’s Spilman Street. I’ve lived, worked and brought up my family here with my wife Abigail. 

I’ve been proud to represent Wales in the Cabinet on the world stage as Secretary of State for Wales. Locally, I have secured millions of pounds of “levelling-up” funding for Carmarthenshire County Council.

Our rural way of life is under threat as never before with Welsh Labour’s wind industrial zone covering a swathe of Carmarthenshire and the Plaid and Labour’s Sustainable Farming Scheme.  Coming from a farming family I will do whatever I can to resist attempts to drive farmers off the land or to deface the area with pylons and turbines.

Bernard Holton - Reform UK

Bernard Holton is standing for Reform UK. (Image: Reform UK)

Tired of the legacy parties policies of managed decline, mass immigration and betrayal of BREXIT, I joined REFORM UK as soon as it was formed. BREXIT and sovereignty were key.

On this immigration and a population explosion have led to strains on vital services and wages, particularly as rural wages are low. A raising of tax threshold to £20,000 would be a welcome relief.

Coming locally, Carmarthenshire issues  are driven by the stampede to net zero. On roadsides are signs: No pylons and No Farmers No Food. The rural community is very concerned. Net zero compulsion does not serve the people. Blanket 20mph speed limits damage transport and deliveries.

Health provision is especially vital for Rural communities. I am well qualified to champion this issue. REFORM UK.

Martha Angharad O'Neil - Labour Party

Martha Angharad O'Neil is standing for the Labour Party. (Image: Nathan Roach)

I am standing to be Caerfyrddin's MP because I think we deserve better. We've had 14 years of Conservative chaos in Westminster, and have been let down by the local Plaid Cymru-run Council.

I am from Ammanford, and feel strongly that people need a local voice in Parliament who can work with the next UK Government to make sure the priorities of Caerfyrddin are heard.

I was brought up in a Welsh-speaking home by my mum, after my dad passed away when I was young. I have seen how transformational a Labour government in Westminster can be for families.

When I’m out knocking doors, the issue that comes up time after time is the cost-of-living crisis. Our communities have been let down and left behind repeatedly. I want to be part of a Labour majority in Westminster fighting for the issues that matter to our communities - and to achieve the change that Caerfyrddin deserves.