NEWLY-elected Labour AM for Islwyn Rhianon Passmore has sworn to reverse the perception of politics as “a dirty word” in her new role.

Ms Passmore has been involved in politics and campaigning for decades, including taking part in the poll tax protests in 1989 and 1990 and had her arm broken by an American soldier during a rally on Greenham Common in Berkshire when she was just 12 years old.

The mother of four and former music teacher, who was born and raised in Iswlyn and went to Newbridge Comprehensive School, was elected to the seat last month with a majority of 5,106 after her predecessor Gwyn Price stepped down after just one term.

Ms Passmore, who served three terms on Caerphilly County Borough Council before stepping down following her election to the Senedd, said she was keen to improve the perception of politics and politicians among voters by showing they can make a positive difference.

“It’s almost become a dirty word to say politics,” she said. “I am here to make things better.

“If I was a headteacher I could be earning twice as much – I gave up my career for this.”

She added she was particularly keen to drive forward effective policy to make real, positive changes in the constituency.

“Policy interests me because it’s a vehicle for change,” she said.

“It’s about being proactive and putting things forward.”

Ms Passmore, a former finalist in the Welsh Woman of the Year competition, said one of her key priorities was to re-open the Cwmcarn Forest Drive, which has been closed since November 2014 while 150,000 trees are felled to stop the spread of disease.

The pro-EU AM said she wanted the site to become an “international hub” for tourism and employment in the area.

“It’s about regenerating the valley communities,” she said. “We need to organise it in tandem with the Cardiff City Region project to make sure link it to transport networks.”

She added: “I am also very interested in the creative industry around arts and music.

“Music is the one driver that young people are very, very interested in and want to know more about.”

Ms Passmore recently opened her constituency office at 208 High Street, Blackwood, and can be contacted on 01495 225 162 or via Rhianon.Passmore@assembly.wales.