Bethany Thomas:  L1796866

Coming from a working-class family, I have been a dedicated carer for my disabled mother, navigating the challenges that come with it. As a gay, jewish and neurodivergent person, I am passionate about advocating for inclusivity and understanding within the Labour Party.

As the Vice President of Cardiff Labour Students and Disability Officer for Cardiff Young Labour, I actively contribute to fostering a diverse and representative political environment. My involvement extends to drafting motions for my university’s AGM, showcasing my ability to create and scrutinise policies. Additionally, I hold the position of a student senator, further emphasising my commitment to effective governance.

If elected, I am determined to contribute meaningfully to the NPF and push Wales’ interests forward. Drawing from my personal experiences, I will be a critical friend, ensuring that policies address the needs of those often overlooked. I am dedicated to championing policies like affordable housing, a new deal for working people, accessible higher education for all, and a strong, publicly funded NHS.

David Smith:  A406305

A clear, robust, and experienced voice is needed to represent Welsh members on this UK-wide Labour policy forum. It also requires a good understanding of Welsh policy making, the ability to understand and reflect upon the diversity of policies across the four UK countries, and an ability to get the best outcome for Wales.

As a long-standing Party member, I played a lead role within my previous CLP, (Newport West), in drafting responses to each of the six NPF policy themes and subsequent amendments. If elected, I would look to have a radical and positive influence on UK-wide Labour Party policy and strengthen our future Senedd manifesto particularly to securing better, adequately funded, Welsh public services.

My experience as a Welsh citizen’s voice within the UK Food Standards Agency,  the UK Co-operative Group’s Main Board, and the UK Healthcare professional standards body, also provides the breadth of experience needed to achieve change.

I would appreciate your vote and, if elected, promise to represent you by listening, encouraging, promoting, and supporting your voice on the NPF. I will report back on the progress made on your behalf.

Dawn McGuinness:  L1681583

I am a committed socialist and lifelong Labour voter. I was inspired to join the party in 2017 by the  message of hope for a better future for the many, that shone through in that manifesto.  I am a member of Unite the Union.  I have been Treasurer for Bangor Aberconwy CLP since 2019 and have represented our CLP as their delegate at both UK and Welsh Conference. I was proud to be selected by our CLP as their candidate for the 2021 Senedd Election.  I have also been a member of the Standing Orders Committee since 2019.

I was elected to the NPF in 2022 and worked hard during the NPF Weekend in Nottingham to ensure that our next manifesto is equally inspiring to the electorate at the next General Election.  We need to ensure that it includes policies which will protect the most vulnerable in our society from the hardships that they current face due to the cost of living crisis, and invest in and rebuild our public services, following years of decimation under Tory austerity. I would appreciate the opportunity to continue this work.

Bel Loveluck-Edwards:  L0123450

I have been a party member for 14 years, holding various positions. I have been a Senedd list and Parliamentary candidate.

I have spent my working life working for various Trade Unions, including Unite and now work for NASUWT union representing Teachers. I am also a County Councillor.

Party democracy is critical to the safeguarding of the dignity and inclusion of our members. Far too many members are still not sure on how the National Policy Forum works or even how it can work for them and their CLP. If I am elected I would ensure that there would be regular reports but would make myself available to CLP’s to share information (whenever possible) and widen member engagement.

The National Policy Forum has been shaping our key pledges that will be the foundation of what we take to the voters.  Now more than ever, we need representatives that reflect our communities, our membership and the core principles of our existence as a democratic and socialist party. As your representative I believe that critical challenge is not about dissent, but about democracy. Your views deserve to be heard.

Zoe Allan:  L1393044

Having been elected to the NPF last time, I can report that at the full NPF meeting us reps are told that the first rule of the full NPF is, “You must NOT talk about the full NPF!”. Within the bounds of confidentiality then, I will say that myself and colleagues championed the socialist successes and the interests of Wales at every opportunity.

Universal Free School Meals for primary school children, scrapping Right To Buy to stop the depletion of council house stock and never having allowed the academisation of schools were just three of the bold Welsh Labour policies we raised as having helped our electoral success.

The need for a fair deal for Wales and an internationalist approach which promotes peace were also flagged up. Working with like-minded reps from across Britain, we made a positive impact and would be honoured to do the same again.

With the likelihood of a Labour government in Westminster getting closer by the day, it’s more important than ever to push for radical, yet common sense policies which both the membership and electorate want to see in action.