It’s the kind of view that applauds Labor activists in South Wales, for whom Bridgend County Council is a key target in this week’s local elections. In 2017, the party lost more than 100 councilors across Wales and total control of what were once considered strongholds such as Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Blaenau Gwent. To make matters worse, the Labor Party lost Bridget to the Tories in the 2019 parliamentary elections. This time they are determined to make up for the losses. The leader of the Bridget Labor Group, Hu David, was found knocking on doors in Braccla, a large residence east of the city center, built on a former World War II munitions site. “This estate is where elections are won and lost,” he said. “They are calling between the Labor Party and the Tories.” The last time the Conservatives won three of the four seats on the Bracla council. “But we see people returning to the Labor Party with their crowds.” Threshold issues range from the very local: bins, playgrounds, parking, to the national: the cost of living crisis (a resident came to the door wearing three jumpers because he could not afford to turn on the heating) and Partygate . Bridget Labor leader Hugh David has resigned, with other candidates fighting in Bridget, Wales. Photo: Dimitris Legakis / The Guardian Labor workers are eager to point out the difference between the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the first Minister of Labor of Wales, Mark Drakeford, who was isolated from his family in a shed in the garden at the height of Covid. “The prime minister has lost so much credibility with so many people,” said David. “Mark showed careful, careful leadership.” Tom Giffard, a member of the Tory Senedd for South Wales, has acknowledged that national issues – and the UK leadership – have come to the fore. “Boris Johnson has his fans – what you see is what you get, warts and all that,” he said. “But these are local elections. Boris Johnson is not on the ballot. “My impression is that the good candidates who became active are isolated from what is happening at the national level.” Subscribe to the First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7 p.m. BST All 22 councils in Wales are holding elections on 5 May. Laura McAllister, a professor of public policy at Cardiff University, said the rivalry between Labor and the Conservatives was fierce. “I do not think we will go back to the picture of 2012, when Labor had basically half of the 1,200 councilors in Wales, but one would expect them to win and regain majority control in some areas,” he said. “The Tories are in the middle of a frenzy. It is also worth remembering that the last time the Tories got city councilors since the elimination of Ukip “. Bridget, Wales. Photo: Dimitris Legakis / The Guardian McAllister said Plaid Cymru, the third largest party in the Welsh parliament, would try to consolidate its natural base in areas of the heart such as Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. “But can he make progress in other valley councils like Rhondda Cynon Taf and Caerphilly? In Cardiff, Plaid and the Greens met as part of a joint alliance. “They can make profits in the weird sector there.” The Lib Dems, which have only one Senedd member, will hope to innovate in southern cities such as Cardiff, Newport and Swansea. The picture becomes richer – or more complex in your opinion – in places like Bridgend than the role that independents can play. Wales has a proud tradition of supporting candidates not affiliated with the main parties. Tom Giffard, a Tory Senedd member for South Wales West, believes that good candidates who are active are isolated from what is happening nationally. Photo: Dimitris Legakis / The Guardian Bridget County Independents founder Steven Bletso was delighted that the Welsh Labor Party had threatened the independents in a party promotion film. “This is something that has to stick to the locker room wall – a recognition that we are skeptical.” Bletso despises the kind of party machine that can sweep the Bracla estate and the deals and compromises that are routine when a dominant party rules. “It’s not for us. “We like to talk and vote the way our conscience leads us.” For the first time, young people aged 16 and 17 will vote in local elections in Wales this week. At Cynffig General School in Bridgend County, a polling station will open Tuesday at the caretaker’s home to give students the opportunity to vote during the working day. The students stated that they are interested in issues such as the environment, agriculture, cost of living and equality. Candidate Steven Bletso, founder of the Independents of Bridget County. Photo: Dimitris Legakis / The Guardian Tyler, a 16-year-old Labor activist, cited Partygate and the lack of places for young people as topics of interest to him. Matthew, also a 16-year-old Plaid Cymru supporter, said he was “outraged” by Boris Johnson and believed Wales had been ignored by Westminster. There are still votes to be taken. Another 16-year-old, Caitlin, said she had not thought much about politics until she was given the vote now. “It is good that we will get a vote. I’m worried about the lack of mental health provision, especially after the lockdown. “I have not decided who to vote for – but I will definitely vote.”
