Blaenau Gwent party profiles – minority Independent group, Conservatives and Green Party

IN 2017, Independent candidates had a good election in Blaenau Gwent with 28 members elected to 42 seats – and were able to take over control of the council.

They formed the Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council administration, and have ruled the roost in Blaenau Gwent for the last five years

However over the five-year period, splits emerged.

Phil Edwards and three other councillors left Blaenau Gwent’s ruling administration in November 2020 to form a new group.

To  differentiate between the groups they call themselves  the “minority” Independent group.

Mr Edwards was asked what his priorities for Blaenau Gwent would be if elected.

Mr Edwards said:

“We don’t have a manifesto – we campaign on issues affecting our locality.

“Increasing employment would be a priority, I’m all for the glass factory coming here provided there is no undue emissions and that it’s 100 per cent safe for the residents of the area.

“Social Services need looking at, the carers and voluntary carers need assistance and I believe it should be reviewed.

“Recycling collection has been a bugbear.

“There’s been cutbacks on the council litter pickers and fly-tipping crew that has to be revisited – they originally put on an extra vehicle and then took them off – it needs to be more of a priority.”

“We also want to ensure that the council is open and transparent.”

The Conservative Party has three candidates standing in next Thursday’s election.

One of their candidates is 21 year-old Georgia Palfrey who is a final year law student at Cardiff University.

Ms Palfrey said:

“Access to better opportunities, more and better paid jobs to encourage people to stay in the local area and make Ebbw Vale a more desirable place to live and work in is a priority. As is encouraging real support to small businesses, better education, council services and police presence to tackle anti-social behaviour.”

The Green party has one candidate standing on May 5.

The Green party says:

“Our Green New Deal for a just and sustainable future will not only protect our environment but also provide jobs and strengthen public services, supporting those who were left behind by Labour and Conservatives as old Welsh industries declined.

“Quality of life and the wellbeing of current and future generations are at the heart of our beliefs.”