CAMPAIGNING in the Newport West by-election is in full swing today - but Labour have brought out the big guns, with Jeremy Corbyn hitting the streets urging voters to back their candidate Ruth Jones.
The Labour leader was joined by shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, first minister Mark Drakeford, and Labour figures from Gwent and further afield in the last push before voters go to the polls on Thursday, April 4.
Mr Corbyn rallied supporters at the Newport Centre before hitting the streets on Dolphin Street, where he spoke to residents and voters, and was met with a positive reaction.
All pictures: Ben Birchall/PA Wire
Despite requests, the Argus was not given the opportunity to interview Mr Corbyn, and press were barred from the rally at Newport Centre.
A small army of Conservative members and supporters from across the UK also came to the city to rally support for candidate Matthew Evans.
A sunny morning in #NewportWest with #Women2Win supporters and candidates in town to help @matthewevansnpt ahead of this Thursday’s by-election! ☀️ #ToryCanvass @WelshConserv @Conservatives @NewportTories @BrandonLewis @VirginiaCrosbie @Baronessjenkin pic.twitter.com/Ib49huIfGx
— Women2Win (@Women2Win) March 30, 2019
But it was the Renew Party which put on the most spectacular event of the day - with a plane pulling a banner saying 'Vote June Davies - Renew' flying over the city at 4pm. Members and supporters were also out in force across the city backing Ms Davies, with a van featuring a screen displaying messages patrolling the constituency.
My first view of the awesome ad van for @JuneDaviesRenew and @RenewParty - sending out our message of hope for politics, it can be different, it can change - people make the difference! 👊#CountryNotParty pic.twitter.com/SA5sZtVQfp
— Annabel Mullin (@AnnabelMullin) March 30, 2019
Brilliant day for Renew so far. @JuneDaviesRenew @RenewParty #NewportWest #NewportWest pic.twitter.com/a2cZzSWp4U
— James S Clarke (@JSClarkeRenew) March 30, 2019
Jeremy Corbyn wasn't the only party leader visiting Newport - Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds was also out campaigning for candidate Ryan Jones, while Plaid's Adam Price was joined by other top party figures, including his predecessor Leanne Wood, South Wales East AM Delyth Jewell and Mid and West Wales AM Helen Mary Jones, drumming up support for candidate Jonathan Clark.
Spending a few hours in #NewportWest this morning, campaigning for our amazing candidate Ryan Jones. Ryan is standing up to #DemandBetter for Newport and would be a breathe of fresh air for the constituency. On polling day vote for a real local champion! #Ryan4Newport pic.twitter.com/FDWtWvxbgl
— Jane Dodds 🏴🇪🇺🔶 (@DoddsJane) March 30, 2019
What an outstanding effort from @Plaid_Cymru members today. We have teams out all over the city on this beautiful, sunny day.
— Jonathan T Clark (@JonathanTClark) March 30, 2019
We can win a New Wales, starting here in Newport by voting Plaid Cymru on April 4. pic.twitter.com/8XgSiDJrNa
Ukip's Neil Hamilton was also out and about, and was joined by a furry friend.
Out campaigning in #NewportWest today. Thank you to all our hardworking activists! #MakeBrexitHappen pic.twitter.com/UyJjJB5Orb
— Neil Hamilton AC/AM (@NeilUKIP) March 30, 2019
Good boy. #NewportWest #VoteUKIP pic.twitter.com/DnughTsW2F
— Neil Hamilton AC/AM (@NeilUKIP) March 30, 2019
The Green Party is also holding a 'weekend of action' as part of efforts to get deputy leader Amelia Womack elected next week.
In Newport for @GreenParty Action Day to help get @Amelia_Womack elected in Newport West. #VoteGreen2019 pic.twitter.com/B5LtiYY9wl
— Anthony Slaughter (@as_penarth) March 30, 2019
Full list of candidates in the Newport West by-election:
- Jonathan Clark, Plaid Cymru
- June Davies, Renew
- Matthew Evans, Conservative
- Neil Hamilton, Ukip
- Ruth Jones, Labour
- Ryan Jones, Liberal Democrats
- Ian McLean, Social Democratic Party
- Hugh Nicklin, For Britain
- Richard Suchorzewski, Abolish the Welsh Assembly Party
- Phillip Taylor, Democrats and Veterans Party
- Amelia Womack, Green
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