Ceredigion county councillor Gwyn Wigley Evans has declared his intention to run as a candidate for the GWLAD party in the upcoming Senedd elections scheduled for later this year. Representing the Llanrhystud ward and serving as the party leader, Evans aims to provide an alternative to the incumbent Plaid Cymru in the newly established Ceredigion-Penfro constituency.
In his announcement, Evans emphasized the need for a fresh perspective in Welsh politics. “Based on my work as a county councillor in Ceredigion, several have asked me to stand for the Senedd because no other party is advocating what we are,” he stated. He highlighted that GWLAD brings innovative ideas, particularly in areas such as the economy, small businesses, agriculture, retail, and tourism.
Evans criticized Plaid Cymru’s track record in the region, asserting, “Plaid Cymru have a legacy of failure in Ceredigion; you have witnessed it, we live it.” He expressed his belief that Wales deserves better representation, citing a decline in the constituency’s situation over recent years. “With less contribution from the Senedd, there is a dire need for a voice consistently to represent your needs,” he added.
Commitment to Environmental Concerns
A significant part of Evans’s platform includes opposition to wind turbines and the associated infrastructure that he claims would harm the local heritage and landscape. “GWLAD stands against wind turbines and the inevitable pylons, desecrating our heritage, our lives, our homes. It is a NO,” he asserted. He positioned himself as a staunch advocate for preserving the countryside, referencing the memorial wall Cofiwch Dryweryn as a reminder of the importance of local heritage.
While Evans supports sustainable energy initiatives, he clarified that his party does not endorse onshore wind farms. “We support sustainable energy from water and solar on buildings, but not onshore wind farms,” he explained. His commitment to the agricultural sector is also evident, as he pledges to push for practical solutions to ongoing challenges.
Evans intends to prioritize science-based practices to combat bovine TB and is also focused on lobbying against inheritance tax, particularly its impact on farming families. “I take pride in standing up with others to the bullying, and winning,” he stated, reflecting on his advocacy for rural schools that have faced funding challenges.
As the Senedd elections approach, Gwyn Wigley Evans’s candidacy represents a pivotal moment for GWLAD and the constituents of Ceredigion-Penfro, providing voters with a distinct choice in their representation.
