Owen Smith MP congratulates Paralympic athletes on achievements so far

The Shadow Welsh Secretary and Pontypridd MP offered his congratulations on the great achievements of the Welsh Paralympians in this year’s games.

London 2012 has seen the UK excel across the Olympics, with Britain achieving its highest tally of gold medals since 1908.

With another week still to go, the Paralympics have also brought huge success, with Bridgend athlete Aled Davies winning Gold in discus on Sunday. The 21 year old amputee is the second Welsh Paralympian to win Gold, after Mark Colbourne from Tredegar won the 3km individual pursuit on Friday.

Pontypridd’s Sara Head stormed in the Table Tennis championships, but lost out in the women’s class three Bronze medal match on Monday. In her interview after the match, Sara said coming fourth was “better than I ever dreamed of”. Sara received a barrage of positive tweets from fans across Wales and the UK offering their support.

Commenting on the games, Owen Smith said:

“It has been fantastic to see such excellent achievements from our Paralympic players in Wales. I met Sara Head prior to the games to wish her luck and congratulate her on getting selected in the Paralympics. She’s done extremely well coming fourth in the world, Pontypridd has really got behind her and we’re all extremely proud of her efforts and achievements.”

See more information on Owen Smith here

Work has begun in Rhondda Cynon Taff and Pontypridd Constituency

Work has already begun in the constituency, with the newly elected Councillors and those that have retained their seats already busy implementing the plans from the Rhondda Cynon Taff Labour manifesto.

Today's revised growth figures show that there is much work to be done on a national and local level to protect people from the double-dip recession made in Downing Street. Labour will be working hard in Pontypridd to protect people from the failed policies of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition.

Ed Balls show below that there is more urgency than ever to protect people from the damage being done to our communities.

Figures show Britain’s double-dip recession is even deeper than first thought - Ed Balls

RCT Turns red!

Click here for the full RCT election results.

Labour has achieved superb results across Wales and we, in RCT, after a great team effort have not only re-elected many effective existing councillors, but re-claimed seats previously lost. There are some regrettable casualties who should be commended for their commitment and hard work.

Thanks to the army of volunteers who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes walking the streets, filling envelopes, manning the phones and to Owen and Mick always on the doorsteps listening to voters and supporting candidates.

We in Pontypridd Labour Party have never taken our constituents for granted!

The new team will have a difficult task with the awful cuts imposed by the terrible tory twins in Westminster, and we hope that politics will be put aside to ensure that we can deliver on our promises to the people of RCT and beyond.

Diolch yn fawr to all who voted for us.


Jayne Brencher,
Chair, Pontypridd Constituency Labour Party

Why not join the winning team? Click here.

The 2012 Election campaign in Pontypridd Constituency

Campaigning for the 2012 Council Election  is currently happenning all over the Pontypridd constituency.
The Labour candidates have been out and about discussing local issues with residents and explaining their priorities.

Here is a list of the candidates working hard in your area;

Beddau – Richard Yeo
Church Village – Graham Stacey
Graig – Joyce Cass
Hawthorn – Teresa Bates
Llantrisant – Glyn Holmes
Llantwit Fardref – Bev Channon
Llantwit Fardref – Jacqui Bunnage
Ponty town – Steve Carter
Pontyclun – Margaret & Paul Griffiths
Rhondda – Bob Smith
Rhondda – Tina Leyshon
Rhydyfelin – Maureen Webber
Taffs Well –Jill Bonetto
Talbot Green – Jeff Woodington
Tonteg – John David
Tonteg – Ray Butler
Tonyrefail East – Bob Mcdonald
Tonyrefail East – Russ Roberts
Tonyrefail West – Eudine Hanagan
Trallwng – Allan Bevan
Treforest – Steve Powderhill
Tynant – Clayton Willis

Please see below for profiles of each candidate;

Clayton Willis - Tyn-y-Nant

I am honoured and privileged to again be the Labour Candidate for the Tyn-y-Nant Ward, having served as a County Borough Councillor since Rhondda Cynon Taff came into being. Having lived in Tynant all my life and as a family man with two married daughters, each with children, I am aware of the needs of our community. If elected, I will continue to do my utmost to serve these.

I originally worked at Cwm Colliery for some 14 years before moving into management, and was formally employed as a Human Resources Manager for a multi-national manufacturing company based at Cardiff.

Labour has delivered continuous improvements in our Ward, including traffic calming, dropped kerbs for people with disabilities, and alley-gates to tackle anti-social behaviour. I am committed to continuing this work and being a strong and effective representative for our community.

Steve Powderhill - Treforest

I live and work in Treforest and have owned and run a photographic studio on the Broadway for the last 27 years If elected you can be sure I will represent you to the best of my abilities knowing that I do it for the right reasons. I’m a co-opted governor at Parc Lewis Primary School having been so for a number of years. I do it because I care, care about the school, the village and the community, the exact reasons I stand for election. I already help in the community as many are aware, and will help by representing you at the Council meetings working with you helping to get things done or get things stopped for the right reasons for Treforest. I have grown up children, have young grandchildren, have young friends both student and local, have old friends who have lived here far longer than I but hopefully and most importantly I have the respect and trust of the community.

Allen Bevan - Trallwng

Allen has been a Community Councillor for over twenty years, working hard for Trallwn and has also been its County Borough Councillor. He is currently Vice Chair of the Governing Body of Coedpenmaen Primary School and is also a Governor of Trallwn Infants.

Allen is committed to campaigning for improvements in Trallwn and if elected, will be a strong and effective voice for its residents within the Council.

Eudine Hanagan - Tonyrefail West

I have been honoured to serve the people of Tonyrefail West, Penrhwfer and Edmondstown since 1999. In this time I have always given one hundred percent effort to listening to your concerns, answering and addressing your queries and working to improve our local communities. I have never made false promises at election times and always honour the commitments I have made at each election. I have always tried to act as a strong voice for Tonyrefail, ensure our needs are heard at the decision making table and the rest investment which Tonyrefail has received demonstrate this. There are still many issues and needs which need attention in Tonyrefail, Edmondstown & Penrhwifer and if re-elected I will continue to work hard on your behalf. For more information visit www.tonyrefaillabour.org.uk

Bob McDonald - Tonyrefail East

I have lived in Tonyrefail all my life and served as your Councillor for many years. I have always made it my priority to represent the needs of Tonyrefail. Under this Tory-liberal government Tonyrefail needs Labour Councillors more than ever to ensure we stand up for the services we already have and continue to receive the funding and investment we have received in recent years which is starting to making a difference locally. If re-elected I will continue to champion your concerns. For more information visit www.tonyrefaillabour.co.uk

Russell Roberts - Tonyrefail East

It has been a privilege to represent the people of Tonyrefail for over 29 years. In this time, particularly thanks to my role as Council Leader I have been able to ensure that Tonyrefail is always a top priority for the Council and its needs and the views of residents are always heard loud and clear. Since regaining control of the Council in 2004 progress has been made in improving our community and the services the Council provides in Tonyrefail, there is however still much more to do. I have lived in Tonyrefail all my adult life, like you I use its facilities, shop in the town and send my children to its local school, so if re-lected I will continue to ensure that the needs of Tonyrefail are heard loud and clear. For more information visit www.tonyrefaillabour.co.uk

Ray Butler - Tonteg

Ray served as an RCT Councillor from 2004 to 2008 and was Chairperson of the Education and Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee.. Ray is a current Community Councillor.
A School governor at Ysgol Gyfun and Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Garth Olwg he is a former Chairperson of Governors at Bryn Celynog Comprehensive.
Ray is Secretary of Llantwit Fardre Sports Club and a vice president of the Football, Cricket and Rugby Clubs.
Main interests are education, road safety and planning.

John David - Tonteg

I am very proud to have represented Tonteg as a Councillor since 1995, ever since Rhondda Cynon Taf came into being. I also served as a Cabinet Member between 2004 and 2010, holding the Health & Adult Services and Communities portfolios as well as being Older People’s Champion.

I have represented the Council on various external bodies such as the Local Health Board, the Adoption Panel and am a governor of Ysgol Gyfun Garth Olwg.

I was a key campaigner for the Church Village Bypass, which when it opened in 2010 marked one of the biggest achievements in Tonteg and the surrounding area in many years.

If re-elected, I will continue to do my very best to fully represent the electorate in Tonteg and believe the Labour Party has the fairest policies for the majority of people of this country.

Jeff Woodington - Talbot Green

Jeff Woodington has been married for over 25 years and has four grown up children and has made Talbot Green his home for over 19 years. Jeff has worked in a variety of industries stretching from agriculture to hi-fi to food and food packaging; and is currently working for a charity which seeks to support families and family life. He is a governor of both Tonysguboriau Primary School and Y Pant Comprehensive School. Jeff is also a member of the Neighbourhood Watch. Jeff is a Youth Leader working with young people who are comprehensive school age. His passion is to help those in need whether directly or by the use of other agencies.

Jill Bonetto - Taffs Well

I have lived in Taffs Well for 29 years and I have served as a Community Councillor for the last 4 years and currently have the privilege of serving as Chairman. I am a school governor of Ffynon Taf primary school.

I am currently involved with a working Party of residents setting up a Community development hub in Taffs Well village, this will involve a book depository, computer links and advice centre, an exciting prospect to expand on in the future!

My commitment to making Taffs Well/ Nantgarw a safe and friendly place to live in will always be my prime consideration.

Maureen Webber - Central Rhydyfelin / Ilan

I feel privileged to have been selected by the Labour Party to stand as your candidate in Central Rhydyfelin/IIan. I have served as a County Borough Councillor since 1996. I live in the heart of the Rhydyfelin Community and sit on the Governing Body of two local schools. We are halfway through the Flood Prevention Scheme, which attracted over three million pounds of funding. It will hopefully end the many years of flood devastation for many families in our village.

I have applied for funding for Safe Routes which will implement lower speed limits and many safety measures throughout the community if we are successful in getting it. I have been fortunate to have served as Chair of the Licensing Committee and more recently as a Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Council Business.
I hope I have the opportunity to serve the residents of Rhydyfelin for another term of office.

Christina Leyshon - Rhondda

Hi, my name is Tina Leyshon and I am a Councillor for Maesycoed, Pwllgwaun, Hopkinstown, Pantygraigwen and Trehafod. I was born in Pwllgwaun and have lived in Hopkinstown for thirty years.

As a community minded Councillor I attend local pact meetings and work with residents on traffic and youth annoyance issues. I am also governor of a local school where I love listening to the children read.

In my position as Chairperson of the Environmental committee I deal with parks, refuse and recycling. The Rhondda Ward is one of the highest areas for recycling and I would like to thank residents for their help and committment.

In the future I will continue to be a hands on Councillor working with residents to set up neighbourhood watch schemes to pull down funding for security cameras, protecting our seven playgrounds and making Barry Sidings Countryside Park more accessible to our young and disabled residents.

It is only by working together that we can make a difference and I assure residents that I will always do my best to make our streets safer, cleaner and greener for future generations to enjoy. Thank you for your support.

Robert Smith - Rhondda

I have represented the Rhondda Ward for two terms and bring to the ward a wealth of experience in both the public and private sector. It was during 2009 I was elected to the position of Mayor a role which provided me with the opportunity to observe the tremendous work which is being undertaken in the statutory and voluntary sectors. I continue to be committed to the provision of quality services and the development of opportunities for all.

Prior to a career in Social Services Children’s division I was employed in engineering and by the Salvation Army. My local government service started in 1971 and concluded in 2001. Whilst employed in local government I was a member of the trade union being privileged to become the Regional President.

My education was to secondary level in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire which was followed by successful courses in Social Work at a Cardiff College and Bristol University.

Margaret Griffiths - Pontyclun

I am standing for the County Council because I believe that the people of Pontyclun deserve representation from a councillor actively involved in the community.

I have lived in Pontyclun for 27 years and have worked with parent and toddler groups and youth clubs for children and young people and I am a governor on both the English and Welsh primary schools.

I am a Trustee of the Pontyclun Community Trust and a board member of a local housing association. I am also working to try to influence the new town centre development to ensure it meets the needs of the people of the area.

Paul Griffiths (Michael Paul Griffiths) - Pontyclun

I am delighted to be seeking election as a councillor for Pontyclun where I have lived for the past 27 years. Pontyclun people are a pleasure to know. They are good neighbours. They value each other and willingly support all the local groups and organisations that make our community so special. I want to be a Pontyclun councillor who will work as part of the RCT Labour Council, and with our Labour AM and MP, to ensure that Pontyclun people get the support they so richly deserve in the efforts they make to support each other.

Steve Carter - Pontypridd Town

Steve Carter has been selected by Welsh Labour as their candidate to represent the Pontypridd Town Ward in the forthcoming Rhondda-Cynon-Taff County Borough Election.

Steve is at present serving the community as Mayor of Pontypridd Town. He was selected by his fellow town councillors in recognition of his enthusiastic dedication to public service over the last fourteen years.

Steve has previously represented Pontypridd Town Ward as a county councillor with an unrivalled record of achievements for his community. He is proud and eager to offer himself for election once again.

Jacqui Bunnage - Llantwit Fardre

I have lived in Llantwit Fardre for 47 years and for the past 12 years have been a Community Councillor for the ward and have also been Chairman. I am a school governor of Maes y Bryn. Having worked in Trading Standards I have a keen interest in consumer affairs. My interests include walking, conservation and wildlife, as a member of the Ramblers, Wildlife Trust and RSPB.

I take a keen interest in planning matters in relation to the conservation aspect and the effects of adverse planning. The Church Village Bypass has been very welcome as it has had an impact on the area giving the community somewhere to walk and cycle plus relieving traffic congestion throughout the area.

Bev Channon - Llantwit Fardre

I have lived in Crown Hill, Llantwit Fardre since 1977 – when I moved with my young family from Cardiff because I worked as an Ambulance Driver for Mid Glamorgan A.H.A.

After working with the people of the Rhondda and Pontypridd area, It soon became clear that I had a great empathy, warmth and feeling of unity from these people and had no hesitation in becoming part of the community.

I give 100% commitment to whatever task that I undertake, and am always prepared to ‘go the extra mile’ for whoever I represent. I have been a Community Councillor for Llantwit Fardre Ward for many years.

I am fiercely supportive of the betterment of my Community and offer my Assurance that if I am successful in my chosen role as Elected Member for the Labour Party representing the Llantwit Fardre Ward, I will work tirelessly and diligently to deliver the optimum service and will strive to assure a constantly improving environment for the people of Llantwit Fardre.

Glynne Holmes - Llantrisant

I am now in my eighth year as a Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC representing the Llantrisant Town Ward. I have resided in the Llantrisant area for virtually all my life and have always had a great interest in public affairs. For many years I have been a governor at both Penygawsi and Llantrisant primary schools and previously a governor at Y Pant comprehensive.
By profession I am a Chartered Surveyor and Building Engineer with a consultancy which involves me with commercial buildings, party wall work and occasional domestic building projects. Such work takes me all over South Wales and the South West of England. Ultimately I am ever mindful that I started my working life as a bricklayer and mason and am no stranger to the pitfalls of the building industry.

Teresa Bates - Hawthorn

I am married with two grown up children and have lived in Hawthorn all my married life. A town councillor for many years and a County Councillor for the last 8 years, I am also a governor at Hawthorn High School and Rhydyfelin Nursery.

I worked to secure the lease on the field (dog track) for Rhydyfelin Football Club, with Hawthorn Voluntary Play Group to refurbish a play area for the benefit of people in the area.

Flood alleviation preparatory work is complete and work is to start very soon on the main project. Some bus stops will be refurbished in the next year.

I will work hard for the benefit of residents in these difficult times.

Joyce Cass - Graig

I was born and brought up on the Graig within a socialist family so a social conscience is therefore inherent in me. I understand the difficulties that life can throw at you and know I have, in complete confidence, helped many local residents and have always been available to help in times of need.

I enjoy the debates held at the Council chamber and have the confidence of 14 years as a councillor to assist me when I speak on your behalf.

I believe in fair play and equal opportunity for all, and I believe we all face an uncertain future. However, if re-elected, one thing you can be certain of; you will have a councillor you can trust, a councillor who will always do her best for this constituency, and to be there for you whenever needed.

Graham Stacey - Church Village

Education: Pontypridd Boys Grammar School
Employment: 14 years service with Firth Cleveland Fasteners, 32 years service as Sales Office Manager with Staedtler (UK) Retired in 2006

I am seeking the support of the residents of Church Village in the forthcoming elections.I have been a local Borough and Community councillor for over 20 years gaining vast experience in council matters, this has enabled me to assist and guide residents to overcome many of their problems and concerns.
Anti social behaviour will be one of my main priorities, with the help of the P.A.C.T.initiative and the community we can create safer communities for all.
If elected I will continue to give my full support to the people of Church Village

Richard Yeo - Beddau

Born & bred in Beddau, I am 47 years of age & married with 3 children. I am passionate about the community that I have lived in all my life & its people. I was County Borough Councillor for Beddau from 2006 to 2008 when I was defeated by just 4 votes. I believe public service is a privilege & it is an honour to be selected to contest the Beddau ward on behalf of the Labour party in the RCT Unitary Authority Elections on May 3rd 2012. I have served as a school governor on all the schools in Beddau and I was parliamentary election agent for Owen Smith MP during the 2010 General Election Campaign.