A Welsh Labour MP has posted an angry thread after losing a selection contest to represent Labour in a newly-enlarged constituency at the next general election. Cynon Valley MP Beth Winter lost out to Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MP Gerald Jones for the new seat.
Ms Winter has said she is considering her options after failing to be selected to stand for Labour at the next election in the redrawn parliamentary constituency of Merthyr Tydfil and Upper Cynon. Under the plans brought in by the UK Government the current 40 Welsh constituencies will be reduced to 32.
Posting on Twitter Beth Winter said: "I'm disappointed by this very close result and the unjust manner in which it came about, which leaves major questions outstanding. In this contest, I sought reselection as Labour's candidate on a platform of solidarity with striking rail workers, nurses, and teaching staff, all of who I have been proud to stand with on the picket line.
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"I have campaigned for properly funded public services paid for by taxing the rich, an extension of workers' rights including a £15 per hour living wage, the renationalisation of our public services and a 'green new deal' to deliver a jobs-led economic recovery."
She then went on to criticise the process saying: "Unacceptable obstacles were placed in the way of this grassroots campaign, undermining the democratic process. The online only process was bulldozed through in just two weeks, with no face-to-face hustings."
She added that it was "not a fair contest", and "I will be taking advice and soundings in the days ahead about my next steps."
It is clear that she has not given up on her aim to stand in the next election saying: "I want to thank each and every member of my campaign team, as well as all Labour Party members in Merthyr Tydfil and Upper Cynon who participated in this contest. To my Cynon Valley constituents I remain your MP and will be until the General Election. I will continue to work alongside you for positive change for our valley. The fight for a Labour Party victory in Merthyr Tydfil and Upper Cynon, and the return of a Labour government at the next General Election remains my priority. Solidarity."
Labour leader of RCT Council Andrew Morgan said he wanted to "extend my congratulations to Gerald Jones MP of his successful nomination" adding, "it is disappointing that the Westminster Tory Government has pursued the boundary changes. Under their pans the existing Cynon Valley constituency will be broken up between the Merthyr Tydfil and Pontypridd constituencies. The process has seen Beth and Gerald, who are both hardworking Labour MPs, being putted against each other.".
He praised Gerald Jones' "strong record of delivering for his constituents" and that he "looks forward to working closely with him in the new extended constituency, which includes the communities in the upper Cynon Valley".
He added: I'd like to give me commiserations to Beth, who has been a passionate and hardworking MP since her election in 2019. Both candidates led great campaigns, engaging with party members & local activists, both emphasising their strong track records as MPs rooted in their communities. The high turn out of party membership voting is testimony to both MPs engaging with members at a local level."
In a statement, successful candidate Gerald Jones said: "I’m incredibly grateful that Labour members have chosen me to be the candidate for Merthyr Tydfil & Upper Cynon. Britain is crying out for a Labour Government and I’ll work flat out to make Keir Starmer our next Prime Minister. I’d also like to pay tribute to Beth for a comradely campaign and to thank her for all her work as Cynon Valley’s MP. Now is the time to unite Merthyr Tydfil & Upper Cynon and win for UK Labour".
You can see the full boundary changes for Wales here.
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