New Welsh Political movement seeks local support and prospective candidates

People First or Gwerin Gyntaf (in Welsh) was formed as a registered political movement two weeks ago and is also a legal political party for all elections in Wales.

It was set up by two Cramarthenshire County Councillors, Sian Caiach from Llanelli and Arthur Davies from Carmarthen Town as they wished to create a movement that was Independent of political parties

They are using the Bell’s Principles (see below), which is guidance written by former independent MP Martin Bell as a basis for their movement.

The movement has grown as they have recently been joined by community councillors and have recruited over a dozen local candidates for the county elections in May.

They are now seeking more like minded people to help them in their cause.

Sian Caiach, one of the founders said:

“Gwerin Gyntaf – People First is a movement, not a political party. Membership is open to all who wish to help and serve their communities outside the traditional political party system as true independents.”

“Independent” can mean many things as a political label.”

“We are truly independent and see representing the people as our primary aim. Each issue has to be examined and judged in the interests of our communities and action taken as necessary. “

“We will help like minded activists and ordinary folk to find solutions to problems and improve our society. We will endorse and support candidates who promise to adhere to the Bell Principles.”

“Where more than one endorsed candidate wishes to stand in an area we will assist in organising open hustings and primaries so that the voters can choose our candidate in a fair and open way.”

People First County Candidates in Llanelli area include Sian Caiach and Ken Jones in Hengoed Ward, Clem Thomas in Dafen, Robin Burn in Burry Port and Huw Gilasby in Kidwelly

Anyone interested in People First can contact Cllr Sian Caiach on 01554 741461, Cllr Arthur Davies on 01267 220183 and Cllr Clem Thomas on 01554 771495 who is a welsh speaker.

The Bell Principles – A code for elected public servants written by Martin Bell

We will:

• Abide wholeheartedly by the spirit and letter of the Seven Principles of Public Life
• Set out by Lord Nolan in 1995: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• Be guided by considered evidence, our real world experience and expertise, our constituencies and our conscience.
• Be free from the control of any political party, pressure group or whip.
• Be non-discriminatory, ethical and committed to pluralism
• Make decisions transparently and openly at every stage and level of the political process, enabling people to see how decisions are made and the evidence on which they are based.
• Listen, consulting our communities constantly and innovatively.
• Treat political opponents with courtesy and respect, challenging them when we believe they are wrong and agreeing with them when they are right.
• Resist abuses of power and patronage and promote democracy at every level
• Claim expenses, salaries and compensation openly so the public can judge the value for money of our activities.