UKIP Llanelli’s Launch Party Stirs up a Storm

WEST WALES CHRONICLE EXCLUSIVE

UKIP Llanelli’s Launch Party Stirs up a Storm

Demonstrators took to the streets of Llanelli on Saturday morning to protest against the opening of UKIP Llanelli’s town centre campaign office. The demonstrators positioned themselves directly outside the campaign office in John Street and remained there throughout the Welsh-cakes-and-coffee launch party.

One protester held a board saying ‘UKIP is a racist party.’ Another protester brought along his dog and a drum with a ‘Free Palestine’ sticker on it.  The protester’s drum-beating was brought to an abrupt end when a local businessman approached him and demanded that he stopped making as much noise.

On site to cover the event, the West Wales Chronicle asked UKIP Llanelli candidate and former rugby player, Ken Rees, whether the protest raised concern about the security of the new premises and staff. Mr Rees said that there were “always concerns” about security. However, neither Mr Rees, nor any of the other party officials who attended the event, were concerned about any serious security problems arising at the UKIP Llanelli branch in the near future.

Commenting on reactions to the announcement of the campaign office opening, Mr Rees expressed disappointment with some of the statements that were made on social media. He said: “It is sad that some people don’t respect other people’s political opinions.”

Although this is the first time Mr Rees has stood as a UKIP parliamentary candidate, he pointed out that he is no stranger to political life: “I was a Councillor for Llanelli Town Council and served as a County Councillor for both Dyfed County Council and Carmarthenshire County Council. I was also the Mayor of Llanelli from 2001 to 2002. My time as Mayor was a fantastic experience.”

Turning to his decision to leave the Lib Dems and stand for UKIP, Mr Rees said: “I took some time to read the policies of UKIP and found that they made real sense.” Mr Rees also commended UKIP for requiring those who wish to stand as candidates to first pass “rigorous assessments” and said he was proud to qualify as a UKIP parliamentary candidate.

Discussing his participation in a range of organisations, including the Parc Howard Association and Llanelli and District League of Hospital Friends, Mr Rees described himself as someone who strongly believes that political candidates must be “transparent about personal interests.”

Referring to some of the things that he would do for the people of Llanelli if he were elected, Mr Rees, emphasised his commitment to establishing “a dedicated park and ride facility between Trostre Retail Park and Llanelli Town Centre.” Mr Rees also outlined his plans to make changes to existing housing policies in order to “facilitate housing for specific elderly accommodation and assist young people to access their first homes.”