Eyes and ears of the world on Bridgend
THE close fight between Labour and the Conservatives generated huge media interest in what was happening in the Bridgend constituency throughout the General Election campaign.
The largest contingent of journalists in 20 years descended on the humble Bowls Hall at the recreation centre for the count last Thursday night, with representatives from all of the major UK broadcasters and radio stations.
Journalist Patrik Holmstrom, from National Swedish Radio, said there was huge interest in what was happening in Bridgend, and across the UK, back home.
“We have got four correspondents here (in the UK) covering the election and we want to have a good spread over the country,” he said.
“It’s an interesting seat – Wales is interesting in the sense of where Labour is going. It’s a good story.”
Patrik said that over the course of the campaign he saw how early leanings towards the Conservatives by the Bridgend electorate waned.
“I was here a month ago on the day Labour launched their manifesto and I sensed a change. At that time there was much more hesitation about Jeremy Corbyn and Labour and that has changed, at least with the people I have talked to.
“When you talk to people in the street now and out and about there’s a change.”
Patrik said as the UK has been Sweden’s closest ally in the EU, the country is disappointed over the leave vote, so there was huge interest in what is happening in this general election back home.
Liam Ronan, communications manager for Bridgend County Borough Council, said: “In the 20 years I have been doing elections this was definitely the largest number of journalists who have attended. And we’ve never had international coverage of the counts.”