Newport West by-election: the candidates standing to replace Paul Flynn in today’s vote Constituents in Newport West will take to the polls on Thursday for a by-election to replace the veteran Labour MP

Constituents in Newport West have taken to the polls for a by-election to replace veteran Labour MP Paul Flynn.



The politician, described as a “giant” of the Labour movement, died aged 84 earlier in the year. He had represented the constituency since 1987.

The vote in the in the leave-backing constituency will be an interesting indication of the extent to which Labour’s Brexit U-turn to supporting another referendum will impact its support in the party’s heartlands.

But both the Labour and Conservative candidates have said they do not want the campaign and vote to be overshadowed by the chaos of Brexit.

Newport West is part of an area that voted 53.7 per cent to Leave – slightly above the national average.

Labour holds a majority of more than 5,000 in Newport West and the party’s candidate Ruth Jones is predicted by many to win the ballot.

Labour: Ruth Jones

Labour’s candidate Ruth Jones was born and brought up in Newport West and has worked as an NHS physiotherapist for 30 years.

She became a full-time trade union official in 2016 and said she “speak[s] up for people who have been treated poorly at work”.

“I know what it takes to ensure people get a fair deal and can rely on the vital services that are so important to families across Newport. This will be my priority as your Member of Parliament for Newport West,” her website bio states.

“Paul Flynn MP’s service as a powerful voice for our city leaves a legacy I would be proud to build on. If elected, I will stand up for you, your family and for Newport West.”

She has said she does not want the by-election to be dominated by Brexit as “the people of Newport West will be looking to replace their much-loved MP”.

But she has also said she would support preparing for a second public Brexit vote if Parliament is not able to agree on a deal.

She has been outspoken on issues of crime, police cuts and the controversial M4 relief road, which she has supported.

Conservative: Matthew Evans

The Tory candidate is the former Mayor and leader of Newport City council Matthew Evans.

He led the council between 2008 and 2012 and is now leader of the opposition and a councillor.

He was also raised in Newport, where much of his family is from, and said he is “very passionate” about the city.

Upon the announcement of his nomination, he said his priority as MP would be “to represent all of the people of Newport West – regardless of their political persuasion”.

He has said that he will focus on jobs, support for local businesses and young people, as well as promoting the city and it’s potential. The Leave voter is also keen to avoid the topic of Brexit but told the BBC he would have given Theresa May’s deal “serious consideration” if he had been an MP.

Plaid Cymru: Jonathan Clark

Plaid Cymru’s candidate, Jonathan Clark, has lived in Newport most of his life and currently works in NHS recruitment.

He has said his main focus will be social justice, affordable housing, and the economy, as well as tackling problems on the M4.

Mr Clarke said: “The expensive, damaging, and delusional proposed Black Route won’t solve Newport and South Gwent’s traffic problems or help the local journeys we make.”

He is keen to present an alternative to the main Westminster parties which, he said, are “plagued by splits” and have “failed” to represent the people of Newport.

Ukip: Neil Hamilton

Ukip’s candidate, Neil Hamilton, is a Ukip member of the National Assembly of Wales and the party’s leader in Wales before he was ousted in 2018.

Before that, he was the Conservative MP for the English seat of Tatton from 1983 to 1997.

He is a controversial character and has been criticised multiple times in the past for making allegedly sexist remarks and for his links to the cash-for-questions affair, a political scandal in the Nineties.

He said he is standing for the seat “because I want Brexit to be delivered”.

“My feeling is neither the Labour candidate or the Tory candidate will want to talk about Brexit,” he said. “The important issue here is for Britain to become a self-governing democracy once again.”

Liberal Democrat: Ryan Jones

The Liberal Democrats have nominated Ryan Jones, currently the director of a construction company.

He is pro-Remain and in favour of the relief road. He also has a focus on investment in infrastructure in the area, citing public transport as a major issue.

Green: Amelia Womack

The Greens have nominated Amelia Womack, the party’s deputy leader.

She was born and brought up in Newport and, if elected, would be only the second Green in the Commons.

Ms Womack supports another Brexit referendum and is also opposed to the M4 relief road.

Other candidates: Abolish the Welsh Assembly Party: Richard Suchorzewski Social Democratic Party: Ian McLean Renew: June Davies For Britain: Hugh Nicklin Democrats and Veterans: Phillip Taylor

This article was corrected at 10.30am on 4 April to clarify Neil Hamilton’s status as a serving Assembly Member.

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