Plaid Cymru announces Rhodri Davies as Llanelli Westminster candidate

Plaid Cymru Llanelli constituency has selected broadcaster and journalist Rhodri Davies as its candidate for the Westminster election.

Originally from Pen-y-Mynydd, near Trimsaran, Davies worked as a bartender, refuse collector and teacher, before his successful media career.

Across three decades, he has worked for the BBC, ITV and Llanelli based Tinopolis, which makes programmes for S4C and audiences worldwide.

His ambition as a candidate is to present a clear choice for his home town, based on integrity, trust and genuine local understanding.

“I grew up with one foot planted firmly in Ceidrim Farm, Trimsaran and the other planted equally as firmly in Trinity Road, New Dock Llanelli. Those places mean family, identity, roots and community – they made me what I am,” he said. “What I am not is a career politician – I have spent my life working outside any political bubble. People I speak to tell me that’s a refreshing change.”

He added that he understands why people often lack trust in politicians, when an out-of-touch Westminster fails to put local interests first.

“Devolution in its current form has left us still beholden, still tied and yet without the means, the laws or the finances to better ourselves. To London – and in truth to Labour as well as the Tories – Wales continues to be an afterthought. That has to change.”

“I’m already listening to and learning from people throughout Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth so that we can put their interests and hopes first and build a strong future for this area together.

“I believe we deserve better and that Llanelli can and should be the place we all dream of: ambitious, prosperous and full of ideas and drive. Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth offer so many opportunities, that it’s criminal not to have made the most of them.”

Described as “a boy formed by the Gwendraeth Valley and a man made by Llanelli” he believes now is the time to raise ambition and build opportunity locally.

“I want to make a difference every single day, to re-establish trust and hope within this community.” he said.  “Our recent experiences at the hands of faraway Westminster have been devastating – a perfect example of why we in Wales need to stand up for ourselves. By taking responsibility, together, we can and will build a better future.”