First Minister and Welsh Labour Leader, Mark Drakeford AM, and Parliamentary candidate for Newport West, Ruth Jones
First Minister and Welsh Labour Leader, Mark Drakeford AM, and Parliamentary candidate for Newport West, Ruth Jones

Ruth Jones, Labour’s candidate to succeed Paul Flynn as MP for Newport West officially launched her election campaign on St David’s Day.

Ms Jones visited the Barnabas Arts House in Pill earlier today to officially kick off her campaign, one day after the by-election was called.

Introduced by first minister Mark Drakeford, Ms Jones was hailed as “an effective and outstanding representative of our party.”

“In the lives of people who live here there is a sense of uncertainty, there is a sense of anxiety about their future – and that means that in this by-election there is not a single vote to be taken for granted,” he said.

“Every single vote we win, we win by earning it.

“Every single vote we earn, we earn by being out there, knocking those doors, talking to people, convincing them that there is a real alternative to the government that is making such a dramatic mess of the responsibilities they have.

He added: “Any by-election is difficult.

Speaking to supporters, Ms Jones vowed to “stand up for jobs, the economy and the people of Newport West.”

“The Tories have inflicted a decade of cuts on our public services, slashed the number of police on our streets and driven decent, hardworking people into poverty,” she said.

They continue to disrespect Newport West and Wales.

“Their botched Brexit is a disaster, pleasing no one, ignoring the hopes and fears of leavers and remainers alike.

“Most dangerously, it is jeopardising Newport industries like steel, risking jobs and paralysing local businesses with uncertainty.”

She added: “Newport has a proud history of radical politics – ideas that can change the world, and of people working together to do just that.

“From the Chartists onwards, Newport has shown that Labour values, embedded in our communities and everyday lives, can deliver hope in even the most challenging circumstances.”

“A by-election fought in today’s circumstances is more than doubly difficult and everything you will do, every leaflet you deliver, every door you knock, every phone call you make, every contact you have on behalf of the Labour Party – that is what’s going to make the difference in this election.

“That’s what’s going to get Ruth there.”

Jessica Morden MP, Ruth Jones, Carolyn Harris MP, and local Welsh Labour member Funminiyi Obilanade
Jessica Morden MP, Ruth Jones, Carolyn Harris MP, and local Welsh Labour member Funminiyi Obilanade
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