Gerald Jones MP Selected as Welsh Labour Candidate for Merthyr Tydfil and Upper Cynon

Merthyr Tydfil’s Member of Parliament, Gerald Jones, has been selected as the Welsh Labour candidate for the new Merthyr Tydfil and Upper Cynon Constituency at the next general election expected in 2024. 

Mr Jones, currently the MP for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, defeated the current Cynon Valley MP Beth Winter by 231 votes to 215.

The new larger constituency will cover Aberaman, Cwmbach, Aberdare, Rhigos, Hirwaun and Merthyr Tydfil.

Reacting to the news, Gerald Jones MP said on Twitter:

“I’m incredibly grateful that Labour members have chosen me to be the candidate for Merthyr Tydfil & Upper Cynon. Britain is crying out for a Labour Government and I’ll work flat out to make Keir Starmer our next Prime Minister. 

I’d also like to pay tribute to Beth for a comradely campaign and to thank her for all her work as Cynon Valley’s MP. Now is the time to unite Merthyr Tydfil & Upper Cynon and win for Labour.”

Beth Winter MP said in a statement on Twitter:

“I’m disappointed by this very close result and the unjust manner in which it came about, which leaves major questions outstanding.

In this contest, I sought reselection as Labour’s candidate on a platform of solidarity with striking rail workers, nurses, and teaching staff, all of who I have been proud to stand with on the picket line.

I have campaigned for properly funded public services paid for by taxing the rich, an extension of workers’ rights including a £15 per hour living wage, the renationalisation of our public services and a ‘green new deal’ to deliver a jobs-led economic recovery.

However, unacceptable obstacles were placed in the way of this grassroots campaign, undermining the democratic process.

The online only process was bulldozed through in just two weeks, with no face-to-face hustings.

This was not a fair contest, and I will be taking advice and soundings in the days ahead about my next steps.

In the meantime, I want to thank each and every member of my campaign team, as well as all Labour Party members in Merthyr Tydfil and Upper Cynon who participated in this contest.

To my Cynon Valley constituents I remain your MP and will be until the General Election. I will continue to work alongside you for positive change for our valley.

The fight for a Labour Party victory in Merthyr Tydfil and Upper Cynon, and the return of a Labour government at the next General Election remains my priority. Solidarity.

The boundaries changes would also see the Pontypridd Constituency extended to include Aberaman South, Penrhiwceiber and Mountain Ash West, the Rhondda Constituency extended to include Llanharan, Brynna and Tonyrefail East