THE Liberal Democrats have named their candidate for Cardiff South and Penarth in the upcoming Senedd elections. 

Alex Wilson will represent the Liberal Democrats at the elections in May. 

He said: "I have recently heard it suggested that a Lib Dem vote is a wasted vote. Obviously I don’t agree.

"As the left go further left and the right further right, it’s sometimes hard to hear over the shouting. I want to cut through partisan politics and represent the views of local people. 

"We are seeing an increased lack of openness and accountability at both government and council level, so it’s no wonder people are frustrated. 

"Our successful petition to ‘Save The Kymin’ was just one example of helping the community be heard and we will continue fighting on community issues like the plan to build over 500 homes on contaminated land at Cosmeston Farm."

Mr Wilson also runs Red Herring Theatre group, something which he hopes has ‘added’ to the ‘wonderfully creative’ community in Penarth. 

"Putting together a show in the Pier Pavilion and then having the people of Penarth come together to see it is what inspired me to want to do more in the community, he said.

"The arts, like many sectors, has suffered during the pandemic and so have the many people who rely on groups such as ours for social interaction. 

"It was therefore wonderful to record a socially-distanced radio pantomime last Christmas with Penarth Sounds, and we are now planning an outdoor show this summer at Carew Castle in Pembrokeshire. 

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"I am also in discussion with a number of local groups with the intention of putting together a Penarth Community Arts Festival in 2022.”

Mr Wilson moved from Pontcanna to Penarth six years ago, and says he is “very proud to live here. 

“The more I listen to people, the more I am amazed by the wonderful ideas and vision for our future out there,” he added. 

“The problem is, nobody in power seems to be listening. It’s frustrating. Particularly when we aren’t consulted and we have ill-conceived, alienating and divisive schemes parachuted into communities leaving people perplexed by the cost and lack of joined-up-thinking. 

“Let’s put recovery first. The people living in the communities know how to do this. Let’s listen to them and leverage against the resources available to Senedd members, focus the spending on things that matter to us and lead us to that better future we can all imagine.”

What is being put at the ‘heart’ of the party’s agenda, he says, is climate change. 

“Our planet is in crisis. From the flooding recently seen across our communities to pollution and climate change - it is affecting us all, and we need to act now. 

“We would introduce an emergency package of measures to kick-start a green economic recovery, cut household bills, and stop climate breakdown.” 

Mr Wilson says that standing for the Lib Dems in his community has provided a great opportunity for him to “engage with people and listen.”

“I’m really enjoying the challenge and although it can be bruising sometimes, I’m determined to continue my involved with an eye on standing in next year’s council elections.”