MP picked to contest Senedd seat

OGMORE Labour MP and former UK Government Minister Huw Irranca-Davies has been selected to contest the seat at next May’s National Assembly election.

Mr Irranca-Davies announced in October he wanted to make the transition to Cardiff Bay.

Teacher Vikki Howells has been selected as Labour’s candidate in Cynon Valley.

The two seats were “twinned” by Welsh Labour so that one male and one female candidate were chosen by both local parties.

Mr Irranca-Davies said: “It’s a privilege to have been selected as the Welsh Labour candidate for Ogmore, and I know I have a hard act to follow in Janice Gregory. Having served as the MP and a front bench spokesman for nearly 15 years, I hope to put that experience to use at the service of my constituents in the Senedd.

“The UK Government’s onslaught on Wales shows the need for a strong Labour government. I’ll be on the doorstep from now to the election making that case.”

Ms Howells said: “I am delighted to be selected as Welsh Labour candidate for the Cynon Valley, the community in which I have lived all my life.

“Christine Chapman has been a fantastic representative for us and I hope to build on her record.

“As a teacher I see the difference a Labour government makes for people in my community.”