Now Carwyn must fight for Bridgend

THE big news this week is the resignation of Bridgend AM Carwyn Jones as Wales’ First Minister.

The question on many peoples’ lips is: did he jump or was he pushed? We may never know. However, the events over the past year and “inquiries” yet to report are more likely to be the reason for his decision than any talk of a coup within his party.

A bigger question is what he does next if he stays in his role as Assembly Member for Bridgend.

Many residents feel that Bridgend borough has lost out since Carwyn became First Minister in terms of addressing the big issues that concern the residents of the area in favour of being Wales’ national leader.

One example is the huge cost being borne by local tax payers of Bridgend with the City Deal. The overall deal promises great things for the region, however there are thoughts that Bridgend will not get its fair share.

Carwyn must fight for our fair share for Bridgend.

There is much mention of the City Deal creating new jobs. We must have an AM who will fight for a fair share of those jobs to be based in this county borough. Someone travelling out of county to work feeds one family – someone working here in a newly created business in the borough feeds their family and the families of local suppliers.

The path that many of Britain’s political leaders take on stepping down from office is to “become a backbencher” where they pick up their salary, travel on fact finding missions abroad, take up after dinner speaking and rarely take their seat in the parliament.

Carwyn is looking to the future, so must we, his constituents.

If he intends to remain as an Assembly Member then he needs to find the motivation to re-energise and fight for the residents of Bridgend.