FIRST PERSON: Hedley McCarthy, ex-leader of Blaenau Gwent council

“I WAS born in Ebbw Vale and we lived in Cwm. I’ve got one younger sister. My father was originally a miner but from the time I was a baby he worked at ROF Glascoed. It was a happy childhood. I went to primary school in Cwm and then went to Duffryn secondary modern in Cwm. I enjoyed school but I didn’t necessarily excel. I got a degree but it was years later.

“I left school at 16 and went to work at Ebbw Vale steelworks in 1969. I was there for 30 years, well four days short of 30 years. I think I was the first compulsory redundancy they made. I was secretary of the multi union workers' council and the business with Corus was coming along. First I was branch chairman, then branch secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union or as it is known now, Unite. I became assistant secretary of the multi union workers' council and then secretary.

“There was lots of worry during that time. In the beginning at the steelworks it was a fantastic place with tremendous camaraderie and a good political education from the trade union. But by the time I finished it was dog eat dog. Everybody was fighting for their own survival at the end.

“In 1979, when I was 25, I was the youngest ever councillor to be elected to Islwyn Borough Council where I served for eight years in Labour. Margaret Thatcher was in power so it was difficult. The miner’s strike fell in that period and I felt, as a councillor in a mining ward, that I had a responsibility to them. It was difficult but not as difficult as it is now. The constituents during my Islwyn days were really behind the Labour council and now they blame them, they haven’t got the Labour education we have.

“Although the steel strike, which I went out for was in 1980, I’m more notorious for the miners’ strike in 1984-1985, it was March to March. I was supporting the local miners and I got arrested outside Port Talbot steelworks, which didn’t make me popular with the British steel management but they weren’t popular with me either. I was arrested for obstructing the highway in Margam. I got locked up for the day in a police station in Swansea with about 20 miners, one from Llanelli and others from St John’s in Maesteg. It was quite good fun.

“After that I carried on supporting the strike until the end. As I say, I had a job in the steelworks so that strike wasn’t a worry for me. I just helped the miners who were worse off.

“Margaret Thatcher did cut local government then but not like this lot. With the Thatcher government it was more social problems with poll tax and riots, it was more class war. But this austerity under Cameron is another matter. Slashing council budgets and, as a result, public services.

“Then in 1980, I had three months on strike with the steelworks. It is tough, going without money for three months. My family helped support me during that time.

In 1999, after I left the works, I went straight to Newport where I started a degree at the university there. It was in social labour studies, which brought together a bit of history, economics and politics.

“After my eight years as a councillor in Islwyn, I had had a 12-year gap until 1999, when I was elected to be a Blaenau Gwent councillor in Llanhilleth ward, where I still live now. I’d had some experience in Islwyn as committee chairman. Transport was my thing in those days because Islwyn had its own problems. When I came into Blaenau Gwent as the new intake I already had this new experience. I became vice chairman in housing as soon as I came in. I was the longest serving executive member and was involved since 2001, with the exception of three-and-a-half years under the independents. I was the executive member for the environment and on every executive bar 2008, and 2011.

“During my time as executive member for the environment I set up a ‘green team’, which brought together everyone with an interest in the environment, volunteers as well, and we had everyone pulling in the same direction. I set up the environment awards, we would recognise people for what work they did in the community. The community does do a lot of voluntary work like litter picking and cleaning the rivers.

“In 2012, Labour won the council election with a landslide victory with 33 seats out of 42 and I became leader of the council. Some of the things I’m proud of during my time is the Ebbw valley railway, which we were working hard to extend, as well as the transformation of the works site. Also the introduction of three to 16 education and setting up events in Blaenau Gwent as part of the Holocaust memorial. Also, education had been in special measures but I’m pleased with the significant improvement we have made and we are confident that we will be out this side of Christmas.

“Political highlights include this year when I led a demonstration to Westminster on budget day to protest against austerity and cuts to council services. We have recently opposed the Trade Union Bill. I also set up a refugee action group, which I’m continuing to chair. We are looking at how we can assist the on-going refugee crisis. We weren’t in the first batch but we are looking at how we can co-ordinate anything that helps. I also set up the greater Gwent anti-poverty group with all the Gwent councils, which shares information about best practice and advice around things like the bedroom tax and universal credit.

“Introducing Jeremy Corbyn was another highlight. I do regard myself as a supporter of his, a firm supporter. I introduced him on the day as the next leader of the Labour party, so I’m a bit of a soothsayer. I think it was the first time I’ve got a leader right. I liked to have him come to Blaenau Gwent, he came to all the major towns and cities, I think Tredegar was the smallest place he did visit.

“During my time as leader it’s been the worst period in the history of local government. I must have done something wrong in a previous life. I am proud of lots of things and have made friends. Steve has been my deputy for eight years so the continuity is guaranteed.

“In my spare time I like to travel, I haven’t done enough of it recently. Rome was the last place I went to. I also like to read, I read a lot. And I enjoy music. In 2009, I wrote a book on the steel strike, called 1984 – the Great Steel Strike.”