I am Alyson O’Connell, maiden name Quantick, I have lived in Ebbw Vale all my life.

I am married with four daughters and seven grandchildren. Rob my husband works in a local factory as a forklift driver.

Two of my daughters live in Ebbw Vale, one is a local supermarket assistant, while the other teachers at a local primary school.

I was raised by my grandparents, in Ebbw Vale and attended Willowtown infant and secondary modern schools, and Briery Hill junior school. I am a nurse, working in Nevill Hall Hospital, until 1999, when I became part of the Rapid Response community nursing team covering all areas of Blaenau Gwent and in 2005 I completed a degree course at Uniglam, in community health studies.

During my time working in the community I met many people, people who are just as passionate as I am about the area in which we live and what the future holds for us and our families.

Sadly my career came to an abrupt end recently, after I spoke out to improve patient care within our area, however the experience has only fuelled my determination to improve the community/society in which we live.

It has proven to me that if you speak loud enough and long enough, those at the top eventually listen and changes can be made. I believe that I have a voice that can be projected throughout the borough, which will take your concerns and opinions back to the House of Commons, where I intend to get my voice heard.

It is my intention to give the residents of Blaenau Gwent the opportunity to make informed choices, freedom to voice their opinions and access to information which impacts on all our lives.

I intend to personally hold local information meetings in all areas of the borough, to gain a clear understanding of what is important to you.

As a resident of Blaenau Gwent, I have very little knowledge of any decisions being made on our behalf, decisions which impact on our lives and our future.

My promise to you is that I will be honest and give you direct answers, I will give you the facts, not promises that cannot be kept. Equality throughout is my main objective, give me the chance for us to make the changes that matter to us, together.

We deserve better!