As we traverse the length and breadth of Wales to meet some of our Senedd candidates we now turn to Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr to meet Community Independent Beth Winter.
“Real power and politics lies all around us in our communities, and what we need to do is harness this and grow a grassroots, community-led socialist movement for change. The seeds have long been sown.”
U: Where are you standing and what does that place mean to you, and how are the new constituencies presenting a challenge?
BW: I’m standing as an Independent candidate in the Pontypridd, Cynon and Merthyr (PCM) constituency. My heart and soul lie in these valleys. It’s my home – I grew up here, I still live here with my family. These valleys have a strong history to be proud of – being at the forefront of working class struggle – and I firmly believe that the future is ours to win. There are challenges though including the size of the new constituency and the voting system which are unfair and risk disenfranchising even more people. Even more reason to have socialists like myself in the Senedd to provide a strong voice for our valleys.
U: How have you been involved in politics – party or otherwise – and any achievements you’re proud of?
BW: Politics is in my blood and I’ve been active throughout my life – from the anti-apartheid and peace movements as a child to opposing tuition fees as a student, supporting lots of grassroots local campaigns as an adult against austerity cuts and internationally being a long-standing supporter of Palestine. It was only in 2016 that I joined the Labour Party and subsequently had the privilege of being elected as the MP for my home, Cynon Valley, on a socialist manifesto. Achievements? I have always championed our valleys, stood alongside people and encouraged collaborative working to benefit all, and have never compromised my socialist principles.
U: Where did you go to school? Any life lessons that you feel are important in politics?
BW: I went to primary school in Aberdare and secondary school in Rhydyfelin, both Welsh medium schools. I have been so lucky growing up in the valleys and in a political family because it has instilled in me strong values and principles – respect, tolerance, being inclusive, non-judgemental, a willingness to listen and learn, always being honest and truthful, being able to walk in other people’s shoes – which have underpinned all that I do in and outside of politics.
U: What about your life outside of politics, any major experiences or jobs that have shaped you? Insights or expertise that serve you well?
BW: I have been extremely lucky to have been in a position to pursue my interests – studying housing, poverty and inequality to PhD level and being able to try to turn what I learnt into action by having a career in community work, housing and trade unionism and always being politically active. And this has taught me that real power and politics lies all around us in our communities, and that what we need to do is harness this and grow a grassroots, community-led socialist movement for change. The seeds have long been sown.
U: What’s most important about politics in your opinion, and if you get in what will your priority be?
BW: The current political system is broken – people have lost trust and are disillusioned. We must turn politics on its head, be outward facing and bring power to where it belongs and where the answers lie – our communities. I will be a strong voice for our valleys in the Senedd and will robustly challenge any continuation of tinkering with the system. I will advocate for systemic change with 3 priorities: opposing cuts, promoting community wealth building and I’ll share the MS salary with the valleys to help build from the bottom up.
U: As an independent candidate what is broadly your view on the question of Welsh independence, how it should be approached, how it relates to other priorities etc?
BW: I will always advocate for the redistribution of wealth and power to the nations, regions and communities. As for Welsh independence if there was a referendum tomorrow then I would quite probably vote for it but not as and end in itself. It must be part of our path to achieving socialism. Ultimately though it is for the people of Cymru to decide…
U: And when you’re not politicking where might we find you and what might you be up to?
BW: Spending time with my family – we are a very close family and our three children keep us busy! I have accepted that I am probably a workaholic and find it hard to switch off though, but when I do, I love going to music festivals, reading (Paul Holden’s The Fraud at the moment!), spending time with friends and lots of walking with our dog around our beautiful valleys. It really is the best place to live!