In the last of our visits to meet Senedd candidates before Election day we return to the Valleys to greet Alun Cox.
“I was born and brought up in a household with strong links to the steel industry in Newport in the 80’s so seeing how Port Talbot has been betrayed is particularly telling for me.”
U: Where are you standing and what does that place mean to you, and how are the new constituencies presenting a challenge?
AC: I am standing in Afan Ogwr Rhondda. I have lived in Porth in the Rhondda for some 28 years. It is a massive constituency covering both Rhondda valleys, Llynfi and Garw valleys and down to the coast in Port Talbot. It’s probably true that many are not too sure what really links Maesteg, Maerdy, and Margam, or Port Talbot, Porth and Pontrhydyfen, but the truth is the issues are the same: cost of living, waiting lists, housing, and so on. I was born and brought up in a household with strong links to the steel industry in Newport in the 80’s so seeing how Port Talbot has been betrayed is particularly telling for me.
U: How have you been involved in politics – party or otherwise – and any achievements you’re proud of?
AC: I joined Plaid Cymru as a 15-year-old in 1979 after the failed referendum on devolution in that year, so have seen the growth of serious national identity from its possible lowest point, to the growth in support for Independence that we now see. I guess I am proud to have been part of two breakthrough campaigns as campaign manager for Leanne Wood in her successful bids to be leader of Plaid Cymru and then to win the Rhondda for Plaid Cymru in 2016.
U: Where did you go to school? Any life lessons that you feel are important in politics?
AC: I went to school in Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen, travelling from Cwmbran to Pontypridd daily. The school motto was “deuparth ffordd eu gwybod” – “Knowing the way is two-thirds [of the battle / journey]”. To be honest I haven’t thought much about this motto, but it now seems apt given that politicians of the left need to have a clear idea of the direction we need to take.
U: What about your life outside of politics, any major experiences or jobs that have shaped you? Insights or expertise that serve you well?
AC: I currently work in Higher Education, supporting the development and funding of Research and Innovation. I know that this sector is in crisis with an unsustainable funding model leading to job losses and cuts in provision in nearly every Institution here. As an Active Trade Unionist, I have seen how management in these large bureaucratic organisations struggle to have any clear view about how particularly low paid workers are crucial to the delivery of our services. I would be happy to challenge these institutions about their plans that too often protect the highest paid at the expense of others.
U: What’s most important about politics in your opinion, and if you get in what will your priority be?
AC: Politics and politicians must find ways to reconnect with voters. Too many of the people that I have talked to in the last few months have given up on anybody making any meaningful change in their lives. It is no surprise then that far-right politicians have filled (and fueled) that void. So, the priority must not just be delivering as best we can for our communities but also in combating the crypto-funded misinformation that is all too prevalent.
U: As a Plaid candidate what is broadly your view on Welsh independence, how it should be approached, how it relates to other priorities etc?
AC: Not surprisingly of course I believe that Wales could and would thrive as an independent country. As a socialist I also believe that Independence offers us an opportunity to change the way our society is run. Plaid Cymru has been clear that we won’t use any support given at this election to argue that we can use those votes to present a mandate for independence. However, we may face the prospect of a Reform Government in the UK in the future. In that situation the case for protecting our nation from the ravages of a Faragist government must be put clearly.
U: And when you’re not politicking where might we find you and what might you be up to?
AC: You might find me in the kitchen. I love cooking and particularly baking. I used to make a monthly cake chosen by my daughter or wife and may have to think about re-introducing the ritual. I’m particularly fond of making a chocolate Guinness cake! If not in the kitchen I can be seen out with our dog, who’s appetite for new walks and generally trying to find any dropped treats is legendary.