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Opinion

I’ve spent forty-three years fighting for Caerffili – this is my biggest fight yet

21 Nov 2019 5 minute read
Lindsay Whittle

Lindsay Whittle

On Thursday 12th December, people across the country are voting in what is bound to be the most definitive, impactful election seen in a long time.

For all of you who know me, you know I’ve fought for my home – Caerffili.  43 years of political fighting to be exact. From local council to the Welsh Assembly, I’ve been there, fighting for the underdog, fighting for my constituency.

This coming election though, I see this December as the largest opportunity my Party, Plaid Cymru, have had in 43 years to win Caerffili –  this is the biggest fight yet, my biggest fight yet.

Serious

Like everyone, I am fed up of the shambles of Brexit, but I respect all views.

Having had a taste of unemployment early in my life though,  I am extremely concerned about the possible effects of Brexit of Wales` trade with Europe.

The likely negative effects on ports, our already under pressure manufacturing industry, and the agricultural sector in Wales are enough to make anyone’s blood run cold.

Suppliers tell us they are stockpiling… that can`t be right surely? Why should we be worrying about our prescription drugs in the 21st century? Why should we be prepared to take such a risk.?

Let me be straight, I have no intention of seeing my community suffer just so the elite and ultra-rich can make a slight profit.

As the Liberal Democrats and Green Party are standing down candidates, that leaves Plaid Cymru as the sole Remain Party in Caerffili.

With the unholy alliance of the Conservatives and Brexit Party, and a fractured, stagnant Labour Party in Wales, Plaid have become the only party offering serious change for Wales – and a serious fight to stay in a reformed EU.

In forty-three years, this is the biggest opportunity I’ve seen in Caerffili for a Plaid MP.  As the Party’s candidate in Caerffili, I’m going to grab that opportunity with both hands.

 

Vision

While Brexit is becoming the sole focus of this election though, let’s not forget the issues that caused it in the first place.  People are disenfranchised with politics, and are sick of seeing their communities left to rot while rich elites stuff their pockets.

What concerns me is what has happened to all of the other important issues of the last three years?  Who is speaking up for the Pensioners, the unemployed, people with disabilities and the homeless? What about the state of health in Caerffili?  The purpose-built Gilfach Surgery is under threat of closure, and A and E services in Ystrad Fawr have been crippled by Labour’s cuts. Why should the elderly, the sick, and those in need have to wait hours for emergency care?  It’s disgraceful and I will put an end to it.

What about those on low income who rely on foodbanks? All of this, and the Labour Party in Caerffili want to raise council tax by nearly 7%!  After six years of their Chief Executive in Caerffili getting £137,000 a year for nothing, it’s a kick in the head for everyone in our community barely getting by. I have been unemployed myself, and have had a taste of what it’s like to struggle to pay the bills.

These are the issues that have fallen by the wayside, the issues that Careffili needs to worry about. We need change, we need to fight hard for our community.

As the MP for Caerffili, I’m not going to shy away from these problems– I’m going to bring them straight to Westminster’s door!

Threat

I’ve been in politics for over 43 years. Ask anyone who’s known me in that time, I’m not someone who backs away from a good challenge.

Being the Leader of the County Council for 8 years, as well as the Assembly Member for South Wales East for five, I have represented thousands of people over the years. From the Caerffili northern by-pass, the Clay Colliery fight, the campaign to save Bargoed Fire Station, the continuing fight against the threat to our green fields, as well as the Miner’s Strike, I fight for the underdog – and always will.

As  a member of the Assembly,  I  was part of the successful fight for longer home carer visits to older people, better rights for foster children, free advocacy services for the vulnerable, old and sick, as well as the campaign to ban smoking in cars carrying children.

I don’t just sit about the office either. I get out, I talk to people, and I do what other politicians in Wales won’t. I’m proud to have been the only Welsh politician to have visited troops in Afghanistan.

Commitment

We need a member of Parliament who will be sitting there for five years speaking up for this community – and all of its issues. I am not afraid of the establishment, and I never will be.

Whether we leave or remain, we still need to focus on the issues that affect our communities the most.  I will be fighting for Caerffili and Wales, as I have done for the last forty-three years.

I am ready for this fight, nobody can question my commitment.

You know I won`t let you down.


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Gareth Westacott
Gareth Westacott
4 years ago

Lindsay has given many years of selfless and untiring service to Wales over the years, and he’ll give many more given the opportunity he deserves and Caerffili needs.

Gareth Westacott
Gareth Westacott
4 years ago

Lindsay has given many years of selfless and unstinting service to Wales, and will give many more if given the opportunity he deserves and Caerffili needs.

Mair
Mair
4 years ago

Pob lwc/ good luck

Chris Hoyle
Chris Hoyle
4 years ago

This is brilliant news. Yes, Lindsay Whittle MP…Caerffili won’t regret electing this man to represent them.Pob lwc

Huw Davies
Huw Davies
4 years ago

Cofio Dr Phil, y seryddwr, yn 1968. Falle y cof cyntaf o ‘lecsiwn’ sy’ ‘da fi.
Bydd Lindsay yn Supernova os wnaiff enill!
I think Prof. Phil Williams, the astronomer, almost winning the seat in the 1968 by election is my earliest memory of an election. Lindsay would go Supernova if he wins.

Rich
Rich
4 years ago

The people of Caerphilly voted , above the national average, to leave the EU.
While you say respect their views , you are quite happy to ignore them.
Why is your alliance so holy and the Conservatives / Brexit part , who actually have no alliance, so unholy?
I have no doubt you are a good bloke who would serve Caerphilly well but this ” I know better than the people” attitude just doesnt wash. I word Lindsey ” democracy” . What your peddling isn’t that.

Richard Jenkins
Richard Jenkins
4 years ago
Reply to  Rich

I hear this constant sound bite often. It’s all the Brexit argument has left. We won! You lost! Give us what we voted for! Thankfully our Parliamentary Democracy doesn’t work like that! Democracy, means we can change our minds when we see we have been duped! Our democracy allows an opportunity for that. The defrauded, gerrymandered misinformed referendum, a binary vote on a non binary topic, was initiated by a failing, flailing Tory leader as a last gasp effort to save his splitting party lurching to the right. As MPs have a duty to do what they think is best… Read more »

Roger Thomas
Roger Thomas
4 years ago

Richard. Doesn’t say that in my dictionary !!!. Out means Out.

Rich
Rich
4 years ago

“Sound bite” !! LMAO, you pompous little man!! The referendum was held . The MAJORITY voted to LEAVE yet you tell us ” democracy doesn’t work like that” I strongly suggest you buy a dictionary and look up that word “democracy” Why is it you seem to want to want to reverse the vote of the majority of the people of Wales citing “economic madness” while praising the virtues of Plaid Cymru who campaign for Welsh Independence ? I read a very comprehensive study by the University of Wales on the cost of Welsh Independence to the Welsh people. I… Read more »

Rich
Rich
4 years ago
Reply to  Rich

Also your great Plaid Cymru were opposed to the building of the m4 relief road were they not?
So lets get this straight Mr Jenkins . Plaid opposes the m4 relief road (economic madness) , propose Welsh independence ( economic madness) yet want to overturn a referendum citing “economic madness”.
Madness !!!!!!

Rich
Rich
4 years ago

” One word” sorry typo

Lyn
Lyn
4 years ago

I really do believe that we should absolutely make sure that we change the Caerphilly Council leadership from Labour. It’s an absolute shambles, we must not forgot the way they have handled the dismissal of the former leader and the cost the Caerphilly people have and will have to incur, also the suspension/ step down of the replacement . I for one have had enough of them , we need change and we mustn’t be afraid to change the council . Take a read of their budget proposals for 2020/21 and the services and price hikes they are targeting, bearing… Read more »

Roger Thomas
Roger Thomas
4 years ago
Reply to  Lyn

If you believe in democracy you should vote Brexit. Let’s get the changes we need.

Kiki Howell
Kiki Howell
4 years ago

Will you be cutting wages for Councillors to bring it in line with welsh living in light of recent revelations. I don’t want any party in who thinks 135k is a reasonable wage here in Wales when public spending is being cut high streets turned into ghost towns no public toilets parks being neglected etc. Bargoed especially falls into this category. Will you neglect us too. We have your largest but most neglected park. This year 7 hedgehogs were killed by council grounds men with no prosecution. Hedgehogs are protected. What will you do to protect wildlife towns and people,… Read more »

Roger Thomas
Roger Thomas
4 years ago

Sorry Lindsey. Caerphilly voted out of the EU. You have dedicated you working life for Caerphilly but there is no excuse for turning you back on your electorate . Democracy must prevail and therefore it is the Brexit Party who supports the people. I wish you well, but you and Wayne Davies must be stopped.

jr humphrys
jr humphrys
4 years ago
Reply to  Roger Thomas

Brexit is for rich Tories who want to flee the European Tax Avoidance initiative.

John Wells
John Wells
4 years ago

If you were for your constituents you would respect the vote taken for out of the EU – instead of promoting your own agenda. The scaremongering of lack of medication coming into the country has no foundation. Prior to the EEC/EU we had no such problems, neither will we once we leave as the Pharmaceutical companies will not give up their profits easily – they will always find a way to trade. Put the begging bowl away and represent your constituents as they require – -not as you require.

jr humphrys
jr humphrys
4 years ago
Reply to  John Wells

Prior to the EU, you had plenty of problems. You were on your backsides.
Heath had to get on his knees, because De Gaulle didn’t want you.

Howard Jones
Howard Jones
4 years ago

You already have let not only caerphilly down but the people of Wales who voted against mass immigration , pack your bags we want rid of you.

Debbie Bardo
Debbie Bardo
4 years ago

You may have fought in many elections, yes granted you succeeded to be AM once for Plaid Cymru, but you and Plaid have not faced reality over the last ten years. Lately one Plaid MP lives in London, born in London quoted that she would like to see Wales as a safe haven for refugees, surely the most important issue is that you support Welsh people first, not migrants. Also Caerffili voted astoundly to leave during the referendum with a majority vote of 55.10% Caerffili being one of 17 councils in Wales that voted Leave. Yet here you are Lindsay… Read more »

Walter Hunt
Walter Hunt
4 years ago

The referendum result was indeed that the UK leaves the EU. That was 2016. In 2019 wouldn’t the best candidate be the one with the greatest skepticism about the willingness of a government, any government, in London to deliver on the promised benefits for the people of Wales and Caerphilly and who will fight hardest to ensure that the people of Caerffili and Cymru are protected from such downsides as there may be?

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