Eluned Parrott to lead South Wales Central regional list
Eluned Parrott AM has been chosen by Welsh Liberal Democrat members to lead the party’s South Wales Central regional list for the Assembly elections.
The order of this list is:
1. Eluned Parrott
2. John Dixon
3. Karen Roberts
4. Cadan ap Tomos
Eluned was elected as the Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for South Wales Central in 2011, and since her election she has served as her party’s Shadow Minister for the Economy, Business, Transport and Europe. In her first year as an Assembly Member she won the ITV Wales Politician of the Year ‘One to Watch’ award.
She is recognised for her work on a number of issues as an Assembly Member, and was widely praised for speaking candidly about her own experience with mental health issues while fighting to improve experiences of those with mental ill health in Wales.
Eluned, a graduate of Cardiff University, has lived and worked in the region for over 20 years. She has worked in marketing for major Cardiff employers such as Techniquest and Cardiff University.
Eluned Parrott AM said:
“I am delighted that members have put their trust in me to lead this strong regional line up.
“The Welsh Liberal Democrats have a good record of delivery for our region. In budget negotiations we have delivered £60m extra for our region’s schools, discounted bus travel for 2,600 of the region’s young people, thousands of new apprenticeships, and so much more that wouldn’t be happening without the Welsh Liberal Democrats.
“Time and time again I speak to people who are fed up of having the same Labour Government over the last 17 years failing to get the basics right on our public services.
“The Welsh Liberal Democrats have listened to people’s concerns; our manifesto priorities will be your priorities: more nurses on hospital wards, smaller class sizes for our children, and an Opportunity Economy which helps businesses grow and supports people to own their own home. The Welsh Liberal Democrats will deliver a Wales that works for you.”
John Dixon works for RNIB Cymru as their Partnership and Development Manager, delivering services for blind and partially sighted people across Wales. He was the Executive Member for Health, Social Care and Wellbeing for Cardiff Council from 2004-2011, responsible for the largest social services department in Wales, and successfully leading children's services out of special measures following a damning Joint Review of the Labour Council's previous management and performance. He is married to a pharmacist working at University Hospital Llandough, and is a keen supporter of Cardiff Blues.
Originally from Clydach Vale, now living in Llwynypia, Karen Roberts is chair of the Cwmclydach Development Trust. She was an active member of the Save Royal Glamorgan Services campaign which sought to prevent the closing of consultant led maternity and special care baby services and the downgrading of the A&E department. More recently she has been leading the fight against the Council's plans to reorganise schools in the Rhondda, creating 3 to 16 and 3 to 18 year schools.
Cadan ap Tomos is the Welsh Liberal Democrats' youngest ever candidate for Cardiff West, and was the youngest 2015 General Election candidate in Wales of any party. He grew up in Ceredigion before going on to study at the University of York. Having moved to Cardiff he now works in the Welsh Assembly, helping the Welsh Liberal Democrats hold the Welsh Labour Government to account.
