Lesley Griffiths – Welsh Labour – Wrexham
All views on this page are from the candidate unedited.
Party
Website: https://www.welshlabour.wales/
Manifesto: https://movingforward.wales/#manifesto
Candidate
We first asked them to tell us a little about who they are, any political history, about their political leanings and what skills you have to be a top level politician in Wales?
Representing our wonderful town at the Senedd is an honour. Wrexham has so much to offer and I am in a proud to play a part in helping promote all the positive aspects of our town. Everyone has been affected by Covid-19 and being able to help support people, who often have nowhere else to turn, is a huge privilege.
Raised in north east Wales, I have lived and worked in Wrexham all my adult life.
Prior to my election to the Welsh Parliament, I spent 20 years working at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital. I also worked as Constituency Assistant to former Wrexham MP Ian Lucas.
I was first elected to Senedd Cymru in May 2007 and I have been a member of the Welsh Labour Government since 2009, holding a number of different portfolios in that time.
My political interests include health, economic development, housing and children’s issues.
Outside of politics, my interests include music, walking and supporting Wrexham Football Club – I was formerly an elected director of the Wrexham Supporters Trust. I have also served as a school governor and have two daughters.
For 14 years I have stood up for Wrexham and its people. We are living in unprecedented times and if re-elected on 6 May, I will continue to do all I can to make sure Wrexham bounces back stronger than ever.
Q&A
1 – Aside from Covid and Covid recovery, what do you feel is the top issue for this constituency in the forthcoming parliament term, and briefly explain how you would like to see your desired outcome achieved?
It is extremely difficult to look beyond the pandemic at this current time and certainly on the doorstep it is the top issue for the majority of constituents. Coronavirus is unlike anything I have experienced during my time as Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd. It has dominated the agenda and affected every single person, resulting in hundreds of constituents contacting me for advice and support.
Although we are not out of the woods yet, the general picture is thankfully improving, and I believe helping our town recover from the pandemic will be the key factor this term. I have supported our town throughout this incredibly challenging period and I will continue to do all I can to help our people, public services, businesses, organisations and charities get back on track.
2 – What is your plan for helping residents and businesses in your constituency in the coming years to recover from the pandemic?
Supporting people who have been affected by Covid will be vital and Welsh Labour’s Young Persons Guarantee and pledge to create another 125,000 all-age apprenticeships will play a crucial role.
Continuing to support businesses and people’s livelihoods will also be important, as well as helping Wrexham town centre recover. It is pleasing there are certain projects that I have championed, already in the pipeline that will have a major impact.
The recently announced Wrexham Gateway project will have a transformative effect on the town. If you also factor in the establishment of a national football museum, the creation of a North Wales Metro, plus the support from the new owners at the Racecourse, there are positive signs and an opportunity to achieve something truly special for the town.
3 – The pandemic has highlighted to many for the first time the powers that the Senedd have under devolution. How has the pandemic changed your views of devolution?
I have always been a great supporter of devolution and campaigned for the creation of the National Assembly for Wales (now Senedd Cymru) back in 1997. I believe the pandemic has raised the profile of the Senedd and it has highlighted just how powerful the institution is. The Welsh Labour Government has demonstrated it can be trusted to do the right thing for the people of Wales. Having spoken to hundreds of constituents during this troubling time, a significant majority have been happy with the Welsh Government’s cautious handling of the pandemic and this message continues to be given to me on the doorstep.
4 – What would you have done differently on the Welsh covid response?
It is difficult to answer this question fully at the current time while we are still living with the virus. As a member of the Welsh Labour Government, I have helped coordinate the national response. Along with my ministerial colleagues over the past 14 months we have been making daily decisions, many of them literally life or death decisions. The priority has always been to protect people’s health, save lives and ensure NHS Wales was not overwhelmed.
Every Government in the world has been acting on the latest scientific evidence and advice from expert medical advisors, however, the sheer scale and fluidity of the pandemic means we have all learned as the pandemic has progressed.
5 – Would you support legislation to hold an independence referendum for Wales? How would you vote in such a referendum and why?
I am opposed to independence. I would, however, support legislation to hold a referendum on the subject if the majority of people in Wales were in favour. Talking regularly with constituents, I do not believe the majority are currently interested in constitutional matters, particularly at this time of national crisis.
I do, however, recognise there are issues facing the United Kingdom. Nationalists in Scotland are consistently performing well in the polls and it appears Brexit will, unfortunately, have a lasting impact on Northern Ireland’s relationship with the rest of the UK. I support Welsh Labour’s proposal to establish an independent, standing commission to consider the constitutional future of Wales.
6 – What actions would you take, or support, as a MS to encourage Welsh language use growth? Or, if you are against this, why?
I am very supportive of the Welsh language and have been part of a Welsh Labour Government that is aiming for 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050. We will introduce a Cymraeg 2050 Welsh Language Education Bill to strengthen and increase our Welsh language school provision across Wales, and ensure delivery of the Welsh Education Strategic Plan, expanding the role of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
7 – What does “climate emergency” mean to you, and why?
This is an issue close to my heart having been the Minister responsible for Wales’ environmental policies for the last five years. I am immensely proud Wales became the first nation in the world to declare a climate emergency. I have been fortunate to attend and speak at United Nations COP conferences where I have highlighted how Wales is leading the way. Many nations and regions are keen to learn from Wales.
Through setting recycling targets, spending over £1 billion since 2000, to improve waste collection, and banning single use plastics, the Welsh Labour Government has helped make Wales one of the world’s top recycling nations.
Wales has a record to be proud of but we cannot stand still. Welsh Labour has committed to delivering more ground-breaking policies, such as banning single use plastics and creating a National Forest to extend from the North of Wales to the South.
We are living in a climate and nature emergency now. The severe and extreme weather events we have witnessed, particularly over the last year. It is vital everyone plays their part in tackling climate change. No Government can do this on its own and in Wales we have taken a “Team Wales” approach encouraging businesses, individuals and communities to play a role in the biggest challenge facing the human race.
8 – There can be a perception that politicians are too “South Wales focused” and can see a north south divide. Do you think this is the case, and realistically if elected which of your North Wales specific goals do you think you can deliver?
I recognise this is a strong perception in Wrexham. Traditionally our region is more closely linked with the North West of England than the South of Wales and possibly people still feel that disconnect.
I have no doubt whatsoever we receive our fair share of funding here in North Wales. During this Senedd term, 3 members of the Welsh Labour Government have been from North East Wales so our town and region is very much represented. My colleague, Ken Skates, is the Minister for North Wales.
Maybe good news doesn’t always hit the headlines but in the town centre alone during these past few years, the Welsh Labour Government has created a Development Bank of Wales and an Enterprise Hub. They could have been anywhere in Wales but they’re in Wrexham. It contributed to the creation of Ty Pawb and helped facilitate Techniquest Glyndwr’s move to the town centre. The major refurbishment of Coleg Cambria’s Yale campus has been partly funding by Welsh Government, as was the redevelopment of its Bersham Road site and many other schools in Wrexham.
Looking forward, Welsh Labour plans to establish a national football museum in the town (again, this could have been anywhere in Wales but it will be here) and it recently committed £25m to the flagship Gateway Project. This will transform the area centred around the Mold Road, regenerating Wrexham General Station and, hopefully, the Racecourse Ground. These are projects I have championed and I am determined to see them come to fruition.
Obviously funding to the Welsh Government comes from the UK Government and it, as with every layer of Government, has suffered from a decade of Tory cuts and austerity. Brexit uncertainty and now the pandemic have also taken their toll and the Tories in Westminster must remember they do not just serve England and that they still have a responsibility to the people of Wales.
9 – What are your views on a LGBTQ+ plan for Wales?
Throughout our Party’s history, Labour has stood side by side with those who face stigma and discrimination. I was proud to serve as Equalities Minister previously and will work to support the community to ensure every person can be their true self.
Welsh Labour will work with partners to establish an equalities legal service to provide support on unfair or discriminatory employment practices. We will explore legislation to address pay gaps based on gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, and other forms of discrimination and ensure public bodies and those receiving public funding address pay disparities. We will implement targets around Gender Budgeting so that all decisions by a Welsh Government are seen through a gender lens.
10 – Children and young people have missed almost a full year of regular education – what are your plans to make sure that children who have missed out on academic and social experiences are not left at a disadvantage in the next few years?
This has been an extremely challenging period for children and young people, as well as teachers and staff in our schools. They have all coped extremely well with this upheaval and I hope we are now heading towards some sort of normality.
One of Welsh Labour’s key pledges is to make sure no-one is left behind by funding up to 1,800 additional tutoring staff in our schools for as long as they are needed. Having already invested more than £1.4bn, we plan to invest a further £1.5bn in the next phase of the 21st Century Schools & Colleges programme. Refurbishing and rebuilding school buildings will create better environments for children and students to learn.
We will work with schools to help them meet the mental health challenges many young learners face, including additional counselling provision throughout the next Senedd term.
Welsh Labour will also maintain our commitment to provide free breakfasts for all primary school pupils, recognising how important it is for children to start the day right. There is every chance we will see a rise in demand for Free School Meals as a result of the pandemic and Welsh Labour will review the eligibility criteria and extend the programme as far as resources allow.
11 – Local services such as libraries, leisure centres and community centres have been badly affected in recent years due to lack of funding – how would you support local authorities?
Local authorities deliver valuable local services and there is no doubt local government will need to be supported as we look to recover from the pandemic.
Pre-pandemic, we lived through a decade of Tory austerity. These continued cuts to public services have real life consequences for people. In spite of its own budget being cut, the Welsh Labour Government has always done its best to mitigate the worst effects of Tory austerity. Councils in Wales have not seen the level of cuts their counterparts have seen in England.
Wrexham Council has received increases in funding in recent years and I will always fight to ensure we receive our fair share. I recognise the funding formula is often highlighted and criticised but this is not dictated by Welsh Government – it is agreed by all local authorities in Wales and I believe there has never been any formal complaints or any alternatives put forward.
Decisions surrounding local services such as libraries and leisure centres are rightly taken at a local level. Councillors are elected to make such decisions and, therefore, MSs have little power over the decisions.
12 – How would you resolve issues at the local health board that are emerging from special measures?
Emerging from special measures is a clear indication Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) is moving in the right direction. I meet regularly with the Chief Executive and Chair of the Health Board and there is an understanding there is more work to be done. I have always supported the team at BCUHB and have lobbied on their behalf for capital funding, in order to help them improve services for the local population.
As I have already alluded to, our NHS will need support to get back on track after the pandemic and its important the next Welsh Government funds services to provide the delayed treatments people are waiting for. I believe establishing a North Wales medical centre to train the next generation of health care workers will be a real boost for our region. I believe if you train in North Wales, you are more likely to stay here. Welsh Labour will prioritise investment in mental health services, as well as aim to deliver better access to GP, dental and optometry services.
13 – What are you planning to do to help those who are finding it hard to find work?
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Welsh Labour Government has provided the most generous package of financial support to businesses anywhere in the UK, investing over £2bn and safeguarding an estimated 160,000 jobs. I know many Wrexham firms have benefited from Welsh Government support.
As we start to look beyond the pandemic, Welsh Labour has pledged to support young people who have been affected by both Brexit and the pandemic by developing a new Young Persons Guarantee, giving everyone under 25 the offer of work, education, training, or self-employment. We will also create 125,000 all-age apprenticeships in the next five years, just as we did during this term.
Carrying on as normal is not an option post-pandemic. Welsh Labour plans to build a stronger, greener economy that will help create new job opportunities to allow our nation to thrive. We have world class businesses right on our doorstep here in Wrexham and I will continue to do all I can to support existing companies, as well as attract new high-skilled businesses to the area.
14 – The First Minister has called on people to vote Labour so your party can finish the job – the party has been in power over 20 years, how long does it take to finish this job and do what you’ve pledged?
I’m not sure the job will ever be “done”. The nature of Government means there will always be issues, obstacles and new challenges to overcome. In this instance, however, I believe the First Minister was referring to the pandemic. We’ve lived through the largest public health crisis any of us have ever experienced during this past year and Welsh Labour has been right at the heart of Wales’ response. No other party in Wales comes close to demonstrating it can be trusted to do the right thing for all the people of Wales.
Thanks to the Welsh Labour Government’s cautious approach, we can now see light at the end of the tunnel. Its clear Welsh Labour has the experience, as well as the bold and ambitious policies, to set our country on the path to recovery. Welsh Labour has always delivered on its manifesto promises, which proves we can be trusted, and that is a vital quality, particularly at this unprecedented time.
15 – Plans for a North Wales Metro were announced in 2016 in the Wrexham Bus Station, but five years on work has only just started – what has taken so long and can you guarantee the project will be completed within the next Senedd term?
This was always a long-term project and I am committed to seeing this become a reality. It would be a challenge for anyone to complete a major transport project of this magnitude within 5 years, and we have also had the pandemic to contend with. Huge sums of money have been invested and the plans to regenerate Wrexham General Station as part of the Gateway project demonstrate the Welsh Labour Government is committed to seeing this through.
Passengers can see for themselves that work is taking place in Wrexham but there are complications. Certain elements, such as rail lines and stations, are still under UK Government jurisdiction. If the UK Government will not support us here in North Wales, it should devolve these powers to allow the Welsh Government to get on with the job.
16 – Most parties are mentioning ‘change’. What would you say to those who say Labour has been in power for the duration of the Assembly / Parliament and it is time for a change?
We are in the midst of a global pandemic, like nothing any of us have ever experienced, and the Welsh Labour Government has proved it will do all it can to protect the people of Wales. We are only just setting out on the long road to recovery and we are the only party with the experience, drive and ambition to lead Wales’ revival.
Welsh Labour has been in power because we have never stood still or rested on our laurels. The people of Wrexham and Wales look out for each other, we care for those in difficulty and realise what we can achieve when we work together. Welsh Labour shares these values and I believe these principles resonate with people.
17 – There appeared to be a flurry of announcements on future Welsh Government projects and investment for Wrexham in the week before the election period – why were these only announced so close to the election?
The Welsh Government is responsible for funding health services, education, local government, as well as many other devolved areas, so millions of pounds have been spent in Wrexham over the years. I have also highlighted a number of Wrexham-specific projects that have received Welsh Labour Government backing during this past Senedd term.
Of the more recent announcements, the Wrexham Gateway project was certainly the most eye-catching. A huge amount of work between a number of partners has taken place over many years just to get to this point. The Welsh Labour Government has now committed £25m of public money to the project so it’s absolutely right the necessary due diligence takes place, and this can often take time.
The constitutional structure and UK Treasury rules also play a part. As we approach the end of financial year, any surplus of funding in departmental budgets is often returned to the Treasury. I believe it is better this money is kept in Wales rather than lost to Westminster. As a result, the Welsh Government was able to provide additional funding to local authorities in Wales to specifically help tackle potholes and Flying Start projects throughout the country received extra investment to support disadvantaged children and families. These announcements were nationwide so it was absolutely right Wrexham received its fair share.
18 – If you change political allegiance from what you are currently seeking election for (e.g. resigning from, or joining another party or group) will you trigger a by-election? If not, why not?
I’ve been a Member of the Labour Party for over 40 years. I’d never change my party – just like I’d never change my football team! Several AMs / MSs changed their allegiance during this past Senedd term, chopping and changing from UKIP to Brexit Party to Independent. These actions are completely undemocratic, an insult to voters, and should always result in a by-election being triggered.
19 – At the time of writing where has the top three sources of funding for your campaign come from, and are there any funding sources you feel would be relevant to voters to know about?
All the funding for my campaign has come from Wrexham Constituency Labour Party.
20 – In a few lines to wrap this up, why are you the best candidate compared to your competitors?
I am extremely proud and privileged to have represented our wonderful town at the Senedd since 2007. The coronavirus pandemic has turned our world upside-down but being able to support local residents during this most difficult year has been even more of a privilege.
The pandemic has shown how resilient we are as a town and as a nation. Welsh Labour’s values prioritise fairness and justice and we have the bold and ambitious policies to set our county on the path to recovery.
I have always delivered on my promises, stood up for the town, supported our people and fought for the investment we deserve, despite the many challenges. With your support, I believe I have the experience, drive and determination to help build Wrexham back stronger than before.
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