Former Plaid leader planning comeback with Anglesey seat
FORMER Plaid Cymru leader and ex-Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones is in the running to be the party’s election candidate in Anglesey – the seat he previously represented at both the Assembly and Westminster.
The seat is today held by Labour’s Albert Owen and represented in the Assembly by Plaid’s Rhun ap Iorwerth.
Labour won in 2015 with a majority of just 229.
Mr Jones is understood to be one of six people seeking the Plaid nomination. He made history in 2007 when he negotiated a coalition deal with Labour’s Rhodri Morgan that brought the two parties to power in Wales.
Mr Jones left the Assembly in 2013, triggering the by-election which was won by sitting AM Mr Iowerth.
He said: “The circumstances in which this election is being held are both exceptional and unprecedented. Consequently, those of us who are concerned about the future of our communities and our country need to take a stand and fight for the principles we believe in.
The Leader of the Labour party is extremely weak and lacks the ability to withstand the Tories and their right-wing agenda. I want to ensure that Anglesey and Wales gets the best possible deal in the wake of Brexit.
“I am not prepared to allow the UK Government to use this election as a way of slashing the resources we need to meet the challenges we face. I will fight for investment for deprived communities in the North West of Wales, for companies large and small, for the Energy Island initiatives, for our farmers and rural communities, for the tourism industry for the port of Holyhead and to withstand the enormous pressures faced by our language and our ability to create jobs for our young people. If Brexit is to happen, we have a responsibility to fight for the best possible deal for Anglesey. To ensue this happens, we need an experienced MP with the skills and ability to be a strong and effective advocate for the people of the island.
“During the last four years, I have successfully established a Science Park in Gaerwen to create high-value jobs in the area. The first building is on its way, and in partnership with Bangor University the aim is to create hundreds of jobs in innovative companies. As MP I would ensure that I would promote the Park’s developments to benefit the economy.
“Given my experience in Parliament, in the Assembly and as Deputy First Minister in the Welsh Government, I believe that I have the experience, the skills and ability needed in these unprecedented times.
“I will be asking the party’s members and the exceptional team of volunteers we have on the island to give me the opportunity once again to be the Plaid Cymru candidate and to work with Rhun ap Iorwerth so that we have the strongest possible team to work for Anglesey.”