Pro-independence candidate claims he’s standing against Tory ‘cousin’ in election

A pro-independence candidate has claimed that he’s standing against his younger Tory “cousin” at the upcoming Senedd election.

Clem Thomas of Gwlad, who is contesting Cardiff Central, says he’s been “incensed” by the stance of Conservative opponent Calum Davies, who supports abolishing the Senedd.

However, Davies told Nation.Cymru he’s “never heard” of him and added that he hopes “he and his non-party enjoy losing deposits.”

Thomas, a former Plaid Councillor in Dafen, Llanelli, also criticised the Conservative Party for its treatment of outgoing Senedd member Suzy Davies, who is Calum Davies’ mother.

She lost her place on the South West Wales regional list in an internal party election.

Clem Thomas said: “I was incensed by the way the Tories treated his mother, Suzy Davies, because I have always admired her as a politician, even though I’ve never supported them as a party

“But I was even more incensed when I heard that Calum was standing for the Tories, promising to abolish the Senedd if elected”.

A spokesperson for Gwlad said: “We are aware that it may cause some family tensions, but this sudden anti-Senedd rhetoric from the Tories is concerning, and it has to be opposed every chance we have’.

“We have always argued there’s a substantial pro-Wales, small’ c’ conservative vote out there, and maybe it’s now time for more and more of these to come over to Gwlad”.