Ian Gwynne

Candidate for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney

Tell us about yourself

I’m Ian Gwynne a 52-year-old Merthyr father and soon to be grandfather.

Like a lot of people who grew up through the Thatcher era, I have always been politically engaged but never found I had the time to be politically active from having to hold down a day job – although I am very proud of the time I spent starting and running a Rugby League team in Merthyr.

I chose to move from engagement to activism in support of Mark Evans' 2019 General Election campaign. Since then, I have seen how the conversation around the constitutional future of Wales has moved from the background into the mainstream.

If Wales is to achieve its full potential every one of us will need to step up and play their part. So here I am.

What is the most important thing you think the Senedd should do in the next five years?

The future of our young people is at risk. Jobs are being lost as a result of the pandemic, housing in the valleys is at a crisis point and our children are not getting the future they deserve.

It’s not just about recovery it’s about real growth and ensuring young people have a future in Wales. It’s up to us to build that future for them.

What will you do for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney if elected?

I will ensure more affordable and green homes. There’s been next to nothing here for the past four years. I will also commit to bringing new businesses into the empty factories and industrial units dotted around the constituency alongside ensuring jobs for our young people.