First Minister helps launch Carmarthenshire Labour’s Local Election Campaign

Carmarthenshire Labour have launched their local government campaign with First Minister, Mark Drakeford, under the slogan ‘Standing Up For Carmarthenshire’.

The campaign events held in Llanelli and ultra marginal Glanamman were supported by the First Minister, former Welsh Government Deputy Minister, Gwenda Thomas, Lee Waters MS and Nia Griffith MP.
The First Minister spoke passionately about the need for strong locals councils to support the Government’s action in dealing with the pandemic and our recovery, assisting refugees fleeing horrendous violence in Russia and hundreds of thousands in Wales who have been plunged in poverty, due the Conservative Government’s failure to tackle the cost of living crisis.

Former Deputy Minister, Gwenda Thomas, highlighted the excellent community activism from Labour candidates in the Amman Valley during the pandemic and spoke of the importance in local councils standing up for those in need of care and support in our communities.

Carmarthenshire Labour have six key pledges during this campaign: ‘No One Left Behind’ – fast tracked investment in schools and enhanced support for those in need of care; action to tackle the climate emergency and fuel poverty; a council-owned bus company to improve services; 2,500 green homes and a shared equity scheme for first time buyers; £45m Play and Sports Revolution – building two new leisure centres, new 3G pitches for grassroots teams and a fund to renovate children’s parks; and creating safer, cleaner streets – tackling litter, fly tipping, anti-social behaviour and dog fouling.

Speaking at the launch, Carmarthenshire Labour Leader, Cllr Rob James stated “It is an honour to lead such a strong group of passionate community activists seeking to improve their communities in this election.

“We believe that we have the most comprehensive and credible plan that will bring real change to communities across Carmarthenshire. A plan that will deliver for our communities, our local businesses, our local community groups and our residents.

“As the First Minister stated local councils are essential in supporting Welsh Government policy and delivering key services to our communities. We have shown during the pandemic that Welsh Labour are a safe pair of hands protecting us during difficult times and as we move forward, we need to elect Councillors with a vision that will move Carmarthenshire forward.

“Unfortunately, over the last seven years we have seen that Plaid Cymru and Independent Councillors are failing our communities, with Carmarthenshire becoming the capital of Wales for fly-tipping, the worst local planning authority in Wales, dilapidated schools, under investment in children’s parks and sports facilities, gigantic backlog of housing repairs outstanding and a broken public transport network.

“It is only Carmarthenshire Labour that can and will stand up for Carmarthenshire.”