THE newly formed Clwyd East constituency is set to be hotly contested on July 4.

The Independent Boundary Commission have redrawn the lines in North Wales so nine constituencies have now become seven.

This means the former Vale of Clwyd seat no longer exists – so MP Dr James Davies is one of seven candidates fighting to take the seat at Westminster.

Liberal Democrats candidate Alec Dauncey says he wants to return the power back to the people.

“I want to see a Fair Deal for people in Britain – so much has become broken and unfair,” he said.

“We need to bring power closer to people. That means more local responses from councils and respecting and strengthening our Senedd, holding it to account on health, education agriculture, and transport. Westminster politicians have no place interfering in that.

“The UK government needs to get to grips with economic fairness and a greener, more innovative economy.

“Well-being and security mean we should work together much more closely to rebuild our relations with our European Union allies and neighbours in an increasingly uncertain world. We need to get on with clear steps towards eventually rejoining the European Union.”

He added: “I’m proud that the Liberal Democrats have stood up for the rule of international law in the face of Israel’s response to the appalling attacks of October 2023.”

Conservative candidate Dr James Davies, the former MP for the Vale of Clwyd, has backed Tory plans to alter the Welsh Government’s newly introduced 20mph speed limit.

“I know how unpopular the default 20mph limit has been in this area,” he said.

“The manifesto proposes that the Conservative Government at Westminster would ensure that the Backing Drivers Bill gives power to local people in local communities to object to inappropriate designations of 20mph along roads, so I hope that will appeal to those who are looking for a common sense policy.”

Dr Davies also has strong opinions on the NHS. He said: “Time and time again, I hear of concerns and have done as MP, of course, about the state of the health service in North Wales. It’s been run by Labour from Cardiff for 25 years now.

“Really I think the time has come for greater intervention. We need a public enquiry into Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. We need access for patients in North Wales for the NHS elsewhere in the UK should they wish it. We need more comparable data and statistics across the UK so that the Welsh Government is held to account in terms of its delivery, and we need auditors and inspection mechanisms that are broadly UK wide to make sure there is patient safety.”

Labour candidate Becky Gittins is determined to beat the Tories and claims to have a rich heritage with her party.

“Standing up for what is right and fighting for my community, those are the principles that have been passed down from generations of my family,” she said.

“My family’s roots are deep in North Wales, a family proud of our mining heritage. My parents met, struggling through industrial unrest, at the hands of Thatcher. Just like my great grandad, a trade union activist and Labour council candidate, my parents stood up to the injustice of a Conservative Government. Right now, families across Clwyd East are struggling through a cost-of-living crisis, not of their making.

“People need more secure work, better public services, and further opportunities through a well-resourced education system. I cannot let another general election go by without knowing I did all I could to help Labour win again here at home.

“I know that people here want an MP they can be proud of. As a new constituency, Clwyd East needs a candidate that will unify members from different areas, celebrating the traditions and successes each branch brings, joining together to beat the Tories.”

She added: “I know what it takes. I’ve taken on the Tories before and won.”

Plaid Cymru candidate Paul Penlington took aim at both the Labour and Conservative parties when outlining his pledge to the people of North Wales.

“In many ways life is harder in this part of the UK than anywhere,” he said.

“In this constituency we have the highest levels of poverty in the UK. 35% of children live in poverty. 18% of pensioners live in poverty. 22% of working people live in poverty

“The NHS is in serious crisis, people are dying in ambulances, and people are pulling their own teeth, but the two main parties do nothing but bicker about whose is performing best and blame each other for their failings.

“It’s a very long list of failures from the red and blue, too long to list here, but you know we are being failed and even put at risk by their failures.”

He added: “There’s a lot of talk in this election about ‘change’ and a ‘plan’ but their policies remain the same: blame each other, do nothing and pander to their billionaire sponsors.

“Plaid Cymru can deliver change and do have a clear plan. We only represent you, we have no billionaire backers, and our candidates are all local community champions who only work for the benefit of our communities.”

Lee Lavery is the candidate for the Green Party.

A Green Party spokesman said: “Lee is a local lad. He was brought up in Mostyn and attended Ysgol Bryn Pennant there, moving on to Holywell High School. After attending university in Durham, he worked for a few years in London, before returning to care for his parents in Mostyn. He now works in Mold for a mental health charity.”

Mr Lavery said: “British politics needs to change. With the Tories now moving further to the right and Labour decidedly mired in the centre, the people of Clwyd East need a truly progressive candidate who will stand up for their rights: the right to earn a decent living wage, the right to feed their families, and keep them warm without breaking the bank. I believe I am that candidate for Clwyd East.”

Reform candidate Kirsty Walmsley claims Clwyd East holds a special place in her heart.

“I was educated at Llanfyllin High School, where I gained a basic knowledge of the beautiful Welsh language. I am now moving to Llangollen, where I have so many fond childhood memories,” she said.

“I am married to Jonathon, and we have two children, Emily and Isaac, who I hope will get to enjoy picnics and paddling in the River Dee, just as much as I did.

“I believe I would make an excellent advocate for Clwyd East, having both real world and political experience. I started working life in my family’s carpet and flooring business and went on to have my own furniture business later.”

She added: “My experience as a parent makes me passionate about children, family, and education, which I gave keynote speeches on at Reform UK’s first two national conferences. I also have political experience working behind the scenes for three Members of Parliament as a caseworker. So I know, and understand exactly how to get issues resolved, which is one of the most rewarding parts of being a local MP.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service was unable to contact independent candidate Rob Roberts.

The full list of candidates:

  • Alec Dauncey (Lib Dem)
  • James Michael Davies (Conservatives)
  • Becky Gittins (Labour)
  • Lee Lavery (Green Party)
  • Paul Penlington (Plaid Cymru)
  • Rob Roberts (Independent)
  • Kirsty Walmsley (Reform UK)