“We are often told there is no place for emotion or empathy in politics. I refute this claim entirely. To build a society devoid of compassion is humanity made moribund.”
U: Where are you standing and what does that place mean to you – and how are the new constituencies presenting a challenge?
CH: I am standing in Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf, having lived in both Plasnewydd and Adamsdown. I grew up in Ceredigion, and have lived in cities across the world for work, but always knew Wales was where I wanted to settle. Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf represents all the best bits of Wales for me – creativity, community, cultural richness, with nature on our doorstep and a population of kind, welcoming people. In representing Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf, I stand for an energetic, forward-thinking place that stands up for all people.
The new constituencies have taken some getting used to in terms of understanding how they differ from Westminster and Council constituencies. It is important that the next government makes the time and effort to help communicate our political landscape to all voters – everyone deserves to know, understand, and ask questions about our democratic systems.
U: How have you been involved in politics – party or otherwise – and any specific achievements you’re proud of?
CH: I have only recently started actively getting involved in politics, despite being a Green party member for some years. Growing up, I never saw a place for myself in politics – I wasn’t privately educated, hadn’t studied it at university, and really just saw politicians as living in a separate world from us. But after years spent volunteering, protesting, working, and living in multiple diverse communities consistently let down by those in power, I realised that I couldn’t sit still complaining. I couldn’t not get involved.
U: Where did you go to school? Any life lessons that you feel are important in politics
CH: Many places! For secondary school I went to Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn. Our motto was “Gorau oll y gorau ellir” (“The best of all is your very best”). It reflects the kind of society I want to see nurtured – where everyone is appreciated. Not judged in comparison to others, but encouraged to always try their best.
I’m still comparatively new to politics, but one thing I’m already learning is that our political system is not built for everyday people. Not for us to understand, not for us to access, not for us to partake in. I’m currently on the Young Green’s Amelia Womack Scheme, a programme where my mentor Tessa Marshall supports me in learning more about what it means to be a good candidate. She’s such an inspiration, and schemes like this are a good starting point in addressing centuries of access inequity.
U: What about your life outside of politics, any major experiences or jobs that have shaped you? Any insights or expertise that serve you well?
CH: My father died when I was four years old, and I started working at a very young age. Growing up as a Free School Meals student with my superhero mum, I quickly came to understand the value of hard work. With a drive to beat the odds and snobs, I won a place, then graduated top of my degree cohort from the University of Cambridge.
Following graduation, I worked for an education charity in a Muslim-majority school then moved to Tokyo as an English teacher, gaining a uniquely global sense of how systems can fail ordinary people. I have volunteered with Amnesty International, a mental health phone line, and educational mentoring schemes. Suffice to say, I have perhaps more life experience than one might expect of my 27 years!
Throughout my life, I have always been driven by core values of curiosity and justice. The world is a expansive and beautiful place full of interesting people – but wherever you go, you will find people whose lives are being made harder by the greed, unkindness, and ignorance of others. We are often told there is no place for emotion or empathy in politics. I refute this claim entirely. To build a society devoid of compassion is humanity made moribund.
U: What’s most important about politics in your opinion, and if you get in what will your priority be?
CH: Standing up for our communities – the voters who elect us, pay our salaries, and who we are meant to serve. This is politics’ purpose and should be every MS’s priority.
U: As a Green candidate what, broadly, is your view on Welsh independence? For example, how should it be approached, how does it relate to other priorities?
CH: I’ll always advocate for people having a voice in the decisions that directly affect them. We know that independence isn’t an immediate priority in the next four years for any party, but we will actively campaign for more devolved powers and a fairer deal for the people of Wales.
U: And when you’re not politicking where might we find you and what might you be up to?
CH: Apart from my day job? Spending time with my loved ones is my favourite way to relax. I’m very lucky to know so many kind, supportive people, and Cardiff is such a great place to be social! I’m also a writer and performance poet, so you’ll often catch me at spoken word nights throughout the city. Right now, I’m working on a poetry anthology inspired by women of Welsh folklore. It’s so important to have a creative passion – and Cardiff’s rich theatre, music, and literature scene inspires me every day!