September has been an exciting month, kicking off with a sprint triathlon in Saundersfoot alongside my election agent Josh Beynon. The atmosphere was fantastic, with a real buzz around the town and lots of people on the course shouting words of encouragement. Our sprint start hopefully did a good job in warming everyone up for the Ironman Wales later that weekend.
On the Doorstep and on the Wards
When not sprinting across Saundersfoot in lycra, we have been busy this month knocking on doors across the county. There have been engaging conversations with voters – such as on the new 20mph measures which the Conservatives have been trying to make much political capital out of with the supposed “war on motorists”. Our reception has been very positive though, as people are looking to Labour to provide that fresh start for Pembrokeshire.
Another concern that we frequently talk about on the doorstep is local healthcare. I was pleased to attend South Pembrokeshire Hospital with Eluned Morgan MS last week, where I saw the excellent work being done by staff at the hospital. I will continue to support all that our Welsh Health minister is doing, and will be making the case for both the building of the new hospital and the maintenance of patient care at Withybush.
In the Community
I have also met with some inspiring organisations and heard more about their initiatives in Pembrokeshire. At PLANED I learnt about the fantastic work being done to empower communities across Pembrokeshire; community land trusts, community share offers, micro enterprises and community vending machines all play a massive role in beginning the change we want to see. At Greenacres Animal Rescue, I made some new furry friends, while also talking XL bullies, responsible pet ownership, the impact of COVID, microchipping and greyhound racing. At Pembrokeshire Citizens Advice, I met caseworkers who are on the front-line in helping people through the cost-of-living crisis. And finally, I even managed to make it out on a morning litter pick with the team at McDonalds, Cllr Beynon and the PCSO patrol.
Hello, Goodbye
At the end of the month I was pleased to attended the farewell meetings of both Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, and Preseli Pembrokeshire. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the political journeys of both CLPs from their formation back in 1997. I hope that with your help we can usher in the new era of Mid & South Pembrokeshire with a Labour gain next year.
Why I'm Standing
The one question that I have been asked by both party members and voters is – why are you standing?
Turning 18 in June 2010, as the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition ushered in the age of austerity, meant that my adult life has been punctuated by deliberate Tory economic policy which has decimated our public services and hollowed out our communities.
As a barrister practising in healthcare law, I saw the pressure facing healthcare professionals from an underfunded and poorly run NHS. As a trade union organiser, I saw exploitative working practices from companies that too often refused to pay their cleaners properly. And as a member of the public, I have seen that those in power, whether politicians or heads of multinational corporations, are simply not listening to ordinary people – and particularly those people in rural and coastal communities such as Pembrokeshire.
It is these injustices that have motivated me to stand, because I believe that a Labour government will help improve people’s lives for the better and that’s why now more than ever we need to come together and mobilise, if we want to win this seat back from the Tories. I would love to see you at...
The inaugural Annual General Meeting of Mid & South Pembrokeshire on 21st of October at 10:30am in the Neyland Community Hub
The Indian feast with Emily Thornberry, Nick Ainger and Jackie Lawrence, on the 28th of October at the Cottage Inn in Llangwm. RSVP to noridol@btinternet.com.
You can keep up to date and help share what I’m up to throughout the month by following me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As always, thank you for your support!
Best wishes,
Henry Tufnell Parliamentary Candidate for Mid & South Pembrokeshire
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