The political scene in Wales – General Election Special #3

As part of Oliver Down’s general election special, this third edition of seven takes us to Wales. Plaid Cymru, the Lib Dem’s and the Green’s have formulated the Unite to Remain coalition which is likely to affect many seats where only one of the three will stand in many constituencies. Every single seat in the Capital, Cardiff is held by Labour as well as voting overwhelmingly for Remain so there seats are unlikely to change hands on the 12th of December. But where are the likely fierce battlegrounds likely to be. 

The constituency of the Vale of Clwyd could be one of these. It is currently Labour-held, and as well as having a wafer-thin majority of 2,379 it has had an MP who has repeatedly voted to thwart Brexit in an area that voted convincingly to leave. Reports have emerged in the local media that Labour leavers look set to vote Conservative in order to advance Brexit. The Conservatives came narrowly second in 2017 and any will be backing them to go one better this time around and take the seat. 

A second key battleground in Wales could be the seat of Newport West. This is currently a Labour-held seat with a majority of only 1,951 following a by-election earlier this year. However, history is stacked against this seat changing hands with the late Labour MP Paul Flynn holding this seat from its creation in 1983 until his death earlier this year. A full selection of candidates are sitting in this seat so this seat could be a real cracker. However, there is a quiet feeling that if Labour does poorly this seat will most certainly be in play. 

A further battleground is likely to be the seat of Bridgend which will is also currently Labour held. However, Bridgend voted by 54.6% to leave the European Union and the incumbent MP is a remainer. However, the last time a Conservative won in Bridgend was back in 1983 so again history is against them. However, could the Brexit party gain traction in this constituency where the Conservatives cannot due to a generational dislike of the Conservative party. Oliver Down suspects the Labour party will hold onto this one.

Oliver Down

Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!

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