MID AND WEST WALES LABOUR PARTY COLLEAGUES
As many of you will be aware, I am a candidate in the elections for Welsh Labour’s Executive Committee (WEC), standing for one of the two seats for Mid and West Wales. Having been a Labour Party member continuously for nearly 40 years, I have held various positions at Branch and Constituency level, and am currently chairman of Brecon and Radnorshire CLP.
I moved to Wales at the age of 21 in 1974 to work as a Forestry Commission woodsman, having previously worked in a children’s residential home in Stafford, and then on a Shropshire farm. For the last 30 odd years, I have worked as a countryside contractor, maintaining and opening up footpaths and bridleways, and latterly, back in the woods during winter months coppicing hazel.
I have been a trade union member since my first working week, first with NALGO, but then transferring to TGWU when I moved to Wales. I became a shop steward and Branch Secretary in the early days and have been active at all levels ever since, serving for 34 years as the Agricultural Delegate on the Executive Council of TGWU/ Unite, and presently sitting on the Welsh Regional Committee and chairing the Regional Political Committee. However, as a lifelong Socialist, activism has always been about more than just sitting on committees. I believe in supporting workers and communities in struggle, whether in Wales, the U.K. as a whole, or internationally in Colombia, Palestine etc. Whether it’s a bullying boss, a Cabinet Minister or a Foreign Ambassador, I have confronted them all about injustices.
To be completely straight with you, I am of the Left and currently chair of Welsh Labour Grassroots. I campaigned to get Jeremy Corbyn elected leader, speaking alongside him at huge rallies in Cardiff and Merthyr. I also campaigned to win the debate on OMOV (One Member One Vote) elections for Welsh Labour leadership, and then again to get Mark Drakeford elected.
So, why do I want to be part of WEC? I believe that the Welsh Labour establishment is too ready to take a middle-of-the-road-approach to it’s affairs, often against the better interests of us members, and sometimes of the leadership itself! We need a more radical approach, and for that we need radical WEC members. How is it possible that the Welsh Democracy Review is going to be allowed to stumble on for another age before conclusions are put to a future conference?
I am plain speaking and occasionally blunt, nevertheless, I am always keen to work as part of a team and attempt to see others’ point of view. I am a capable public speaker, have been dealing with TV and radio interviews for many years and believe, absolutely, in reporting back to anyone I am in a position to represent. I am always happy to be contacted by phone, mail or email, and will accept as many requests to report back in person as is physically possible.
Last Years General Election result was devastating for Wales and the whole of the U.K. we are going to need a Welsh Labour Party that fights as never before to look after those who are going to suffer under a Conservative Government in Westminster. We also have the Welsh Assembly elections coming up next year, and we need to start working on a strong Socialist manifesto that will show the Nation we believe in equality, fairness and a decent life for all, wether you are a Managing Director, a farmworker or one of the homeless, and whatever your gender, sexuality, ethnicity or age.
If you want someone, as your representative, in a smart suit, tie and cuff links, telling you how difficult everything is, pass me by. If you want someone who will be YOUR voice, please vote for me.
I also urge you all to vote additionally for my colleague CHRISTINE HARDACRE, another thoroughly committed Socialist.
As many of you will be aware, I am a candidate in the elections for Welsh Labour’s Executive Committee (WEC), standing for one of the two seats for Mid and West Wales. Having been a Labour Party member continuously for nearly 40 years, I have held various positions at Branch and Constituency level, and am currently chairman of Brecon and Radnorshire CLP.
I moved to Wales at the age of 21 in 1974 to work as a Forestry Commission woodsman, having previously worked in a children’s residential home in Stafford, and then on a Shropshire farm. For the last 30 odd years, I have worked as a countryside contractor, maintaining and opening up footpaths and bridleways, and latterly, back in the woods during winter months coppicing hazel.
I have been a trade union member since my first working week, first with NALGO, but then transferring to TGWU when I moved to Wales. I became a shop steward and Branch Secretary in the early days and have been active at all levels ever since, serving for 34 years as the Agricultural Delegate on the Executive Council of TGWU/ Unite, and presently sitting on the Welsh Regional Committee and chairing the Regional Political Committee. However, as a lifelong Socialist, activism has always been about more than just sitting on committees. I believe in supporting workers and communities in struggle, whether in Wales, the U.K. as a whole, or internationally in Colombia, Palestine etc. Whether it’s a bullying boss, a Cabinet Minister or a Foreign Ambassador, I have confronted them all about injustices.
To be completely straight with you, I am of the Left and currently chair of Welsh Labour Grassroots. I campaigned to get Jeremy Corbyn elected leader, speaking alongside him at huge rallies in Cardiff and Merthyr. I also campaigned to win the debate on OMOV (One Member One Vote) elections for Welsh Labour leadership, and then again to get Mark Drakeford elected.
So, why do I want to be part of WEC? I believe that the Welsh Labour establishment is too ready to take a middle-of-the-road-approach to it’s affairs, often against the better interests of us members, and sometimes of the leadership itself! We need a more radical approach, and for that we need radical WEC members. How is it possible that the Welsh Democracy Review is going to be allowed to stumble on for another age before conclusions are put to a future conference?
I am plain speaking and occasionally blunt, nevertheless, I am always keen to work as part of a team and attempt to see others’ point of view. I am a capable public speaker, have been dealing with TV and radio interviews for many years and believe, absolutely, in reporting back to anyone I am in a position to represent. I am always happy to be contacted by phone, mail or email, and will accept as many requests to report back in person as is physically possible.
Last Years General Election result was devastating for Wales and the whole of the U.K. we are going to need a Welsh Labour Party that fights as never before to look after those who are going to suffer under a Conservative Government in Westminster. We also have the Welsh Assembly elections coming up next year, and we need to start working on a strong Socialist manifesto that will show the Nation we believe in equality, fairness and a decent life for all, wether you are a Managing Director, a farmworker or one of the homeless, and whatever your gender, sexuality, ethnicity or age.
If you want someone, as your representative, in a smart suit, tie and cuff links, telling you how difficult everything is, pass me by. If you want someone who will be YOUR voice, please vote for me.
I also urge you all to vote additionally for my colleague CHRISTINE HARDACRE, another thoroughly committed Socialist.
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