20 candidates for new group
A GROUP of independent candidates under the banner Change for Bridgend now has 20 people standing for county council seats in this year’s elections.
THESE are the market traders, shop owners, community activists and parents hoping to shake up South Wales’ political landscape.
United by what they claim is the lack of representation of the people by Bridgend council, they are standing against Labour and the other main parties in the council elections in May .
They are all independent candidates, but are standing under the banner of the Change for Bridgend group, whose leadership admits they came up with the idea after posting about their frustration on a Facebook forum.
“I am standing because of what’s happened in Maesteg. It’s forced my hand,” said Marcelle Humphreys, chairwoman of the Maesteg Market Traders’ Association and owner of the Sew and Sew stall.
She objects to Bridgend council’s plan to transform the town hall building into a cultural hub, which would force the closure of the indoor market.
“We want to make a change and make people accountable – to consult their constituents,” added Marcelle, who is standing in her home ward of Brackla in Bridgend.
And as a group and not a party, chairman Paul Warren said if elected to county and community council seats its members will not be whipped but will instead be free to vote in the best interests of their ward, not their party.
Having started off with just five candidates four months ago, the group now has 20 standing for county council seats in many of the 39 wards. It also has community council candidates.
And although it would not have the numbers to seize control of Bridgend council even if every current candidate won – Change for Bridgend could enter into coalition.
“I certainly think that we pose a serious threat to Labour,” said Paul. “Even if we get 50% of our group in, if you look at the current make up of the council, that would make us the official opposition to Labour.
“But that’s not our goal. Our goal is to be in power with Labour as the official opposition.”
It’s all a far cry from November when, with just a handful of members, Change for Bridgend launched.
Paul and vice-chairman Steve Bletsoe – who owns Ella Riley’s Traditional Sweets in Bridgend with wife Freya who is also a candidate – admit that the group’s members were derided as Facebook whingers by members of other parties when they first launched.
Their popularity has taken them by surprise.
“When we first started out we thought we would be a noisy opposition, but now we are thinking ‘game on’,” said Steve.
“We are also accused of being a harbour for Ukip and Tory members, but 33% of our candidates are ex Labour members.”
The group has county council candidates standing in Aberkenfig, Blackmill, Blaengarw, Brackla, Bryncethin, Cefn Glas, Coity, Litchard, Llangeinor, Morfa, Newcastle, Oldcastle, Pendre, Pontycymmer and Sarn.
They are not putting up candidates in Porthcawl and Maesteg as they have their own independent groups.
Among their 50 principles for change are pledges to support the management and growth of the borough’s town centres and to make the council more efficient by carrying out a full review of council functions.
The Change group admits that even if it took control, it would be unable to overturn the controversial two-rubbishbag system which is due to start in early June.
“There is nothing we can do with the contract that has been signed (with the waste service provider),” said Paul.
“But perhaps we could do something additional which, instead of a punitive measure, gets residents on board with recycling with incentives.”