ISLWYN MP Chris Evans has welcomed the selection of Councillor Rhianon Passmore as Labour’s assembly candidate in the constituency.

Cllr Passmore, who represents Risca East on Caerphilly County Borough Council where she is also cabinet member for education, was selected at a joint meeting by members from both Caerphilly and Islwyn constituency Labour parties. She will attempt to keep Gwyn Price’s seat at next year’s elections.

She said: “I am delighted and very honoured to have been selected as the Labour and Co-Operative candidate for Islwyn.

“I wish to thank all our members who came out to support me. Now the hard work to put forward a loud and clear Labour message really begins.”

Mr Evans added: “Rhianon has been active in local politics for many years and has been a fantastic champion not only for the people of Risca, but for Islwyn and Caerphilly as a whole.

“She is an excellent choice and would be a superb representative for Islwyn in the National Assembly.”