Campaigns step-up as election looms

The Welshpool area has once again become a focus battleground for votes as the Welsh Government elections creep ever closer.

The Senedd vote will take place on May 6, with everyone over the age of 16 allowed to vote for the first time.

And Welshpool has become a vital patch with no clear leader emerging from the candidates so far as local opinion seems divided.

Prominent local resident and former Conservative leader, William Hague, was pictured with the party’s incumbent for the Montgomeryshire seat, Russell George.

The pair were spotted talking to local businesses, many of whom reopened Monday following months of Covid-enforced closure. 

Plaid Cymru are campaigning hard in the area this week, with candidate Elwyn Vaughan (right) joined on the doorsteps by current Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llewelyn, who is also campaigning for re-election on the same day. 

Tomorrow, the party is expected to reveal its vision for transforming social care.

Meanwhile, Alison Alexander, a Llanfyllin councillor, has been leading the Liberal Democrats local charge by launching a petition to stop the closure of primary schools in Churchstoke, Castle Caereinion, Llanfechain & Llangedwyn, Penybontfawr, Llansilin, Llandysilio, Llanymynech, Arddleen and Crewgreen.

Labour were the last major party to announce their local candidate, but Kate Duerden has been galvanising the support of the party’s 500-strong local membership to ramp up her campaign.   

The local business mentor (right) says Montgomeryshire has had a “big contribution” to the party’s manifesto.

The other candidates standing next month are Gwyn Evans (Gwlad - The Welsh Independence Party) and Oliver Lewis (Reform UK).

Montgomeryshire has been represented by the Conservatives since 2011 when Mr George was elected. At the last election in 2016, Mr George’s majority was 14.1%.