A SIXTH candidate has been named in the Newport West by-election.

June Davies will stand for the Renew Party, which was formed in 2017 and describes itself as “a vehicle for ordinary people supporting radical political reform”.

Ms Davies is an economics teacher and mother-of-three, with a professional background in the energy sector and breweries.

She said: “This is my first time standing for election.

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Newport West by-election to be held on April 4 following death of Paul Flynn

Newport West MP Paul Flynn gained a reputation as a man who never minced his words

Newport West MP Paul Flynn has died aged 84

“I was inspired to run after 2016’s EU referendum brought the immense challenges faced by Wales and the rest of the UK to light.

“I intend to run a positive campaign that makes the most of local talent and embraces our history as democratic innovators.

“The future of Newport West depends on securing opportunity for young people, so I will tackle the job in Westminster with my priorities firm - investment in education, engagement with the business community to nurture skills across a range of industries and collaboration with the devolved government to improve the post-16 education system.”

Renew also supports a second referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union.

Ms Davies added: “We need to urgently protect workers from the negative impacts of leaving the European Union and this means honest discussions involving everyone, potentially through a People’s Assembly for Wales.

Ms Davies on her campaign to run for Newport West

“At Renew we believe we should remain in the EU and be a strong voice for reforming politics at all levels. The best deal in our partnership with the EU is still available - it’s the arrangement that we already have as members.

“On the local level, I will ensure that we work collaboratively and responsibly to tackle housing shortages, poor transportation and job insecurity in south Wales.

“I am a proud supporter of Wales’ devolved powers and a first-language Welsh speaker, so I will be Newport’s advocate for greater collaboration between London and the devolved government.

“I will ensure that Westminster respects and understands Welsh needs in line with the seven goals of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act.”

South Wales Argus: Labour Newport West candidate Paul Flynn.

Former Newport West MP Paul Flynn

Five other candidates have been announced for the by-election, which was triggered today following the death of Paul Flynn earlier this month:

  • Jonathan Clark, Plaid Cymru
  • Matthew Evans, Conservative
  • Ruth Jones, Labour
  • Richard Suchorzewski, Abolish the Welsh Assembly Party
  • Amelia Womack, Green

The by-election will be held on Thursday, April 4.