LABOUR'S candidate to succeed Paul Flynn as MP for Newport West officially launched her election campaign on St David's Day.
Ruth Jones visited the Barnabas Arts House in Pill earlier today to officially kick off her campaign, one day after the by-election was called.
Ms Jones was introduced by first minister Mark Drakeford, who hailed her as "an effective and outstanding representative of our party."
"In the lives of people who live here there is a sense of uncertainty, there is a sense of anxiety about their future - and that means that in this by election there is not a single vote to be taken for granted," he said.
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"Every single vote we win, we win by earning it.
"Every single vote we earn, we earn by being out there, knocking those doors, talking to people, convincing them that there is a real alternative to the government that is making such a dramatic mess of the responsibilities they have.
He added: "Any by-election is difficult.
"A by-election fought in today's circumstances is more than doubly difficult and everything you will do, every leaflet you deliver, every door you knock, every phone call you make, every contact you have on behalf of the Labour Party - that is what's going to make the difference in this election.
Mark Drakeford speaking at Ruth Jones' campaign launch. Picture: christinsleyphotography.co.uk
Mark Drakeford speaking at Ruth Jones' campaign launch. Picture: christinsleyphotography.co.uk
"That's what's going to get Ruth there."
Speaking to supporters, Ms Jones vowed to "stand up for jobs, the economy and the people of Newport West."
"The Tories have inflicted a decade of cuts on our public services, slashed the number of police on our streets and driven decent, hardworking people into poverty," she said.
"They continue to disrespect Newport West and Wales.
"Their botched Brexit is a disaster, pleasing no one, ignoring the hopes and fears of leavers and remainers alike.
Ruth Jones speaking at her campaign launch. Picture: christinsleyphotography.co.uk
Ruth Jones speaking at her campaign launch. Picture: christinsleyphotography.co.uk
"Most dangerously, it is jeopardising Newport industries like steel, risking jobs and paralysing local businesses with uncertainty."
She added: "Newport has a proud history of radical politics - ideas that can change the world, and of people working together to do just that.
"From the Chartists onwards, Newport has shown that Labour values, embedded in our communities and everyday lives, can deliver hope in even the most challenging circumstances."
Ruth Jones (centre) with first minister Mark Drakeford and Newport City Council leader Cllr Debbie Wilcox (to her left), shadow Welsh secretary Christina Rees (to her right) and other supporters at her campaign launch. Picture: christinsleyphotography.co.uk
Ruth Jones speaking at her campaign launch. Picture: christinsleyphotography.co.uk
The by-election will be held on Thursday, April 4.
Other candidates are Jonathan Clark for Plaid Cymru, June Davies for the Renew Party, Conservative Matthew Evans, Richard Suchorzewski for the Abolish the Welsh Assembly Party, and Amelia Womack of the Green Party. Ukip and the Liberal Democrats have also said they will run in the election.
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