IN 2017, Independent candidates had a good election in Blaenau Gwent with 28 members elected to 42 seats – and were able to take over control of the council.

They formed the Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council administration, and have ruled the roost in Blaenau Gwent for the last five years

However over the five-year period, splits emerged.

Phil Edwards and three other councillors left Blaenau Gwent’s ruling administration in November 2020 to form a new group.

To differentiate between the groups they call themselves the “minority” Independent group.

South Wales Argus: Cllr Phil Edwards - Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council.

Phil Edwards

Mr Edwards was asked what his priorities for Blaenau Gwent would be if elected.

Mr Edwards said: “We don’t have a manifesto – we campaign on issues affecting our locality.

“Increasing employment would be a priority, I’m all for the glass factory coming here provided there is no undue emissions and that it’s 100 per cent safe for the residents of the area.

“Social Services need looking at, the carers and voluntary carers need assistance and I believe it should be reviewed.

“Recycling collection has been a bugbear.

“There’s been cutbacks on the council litter pickers and fly-tipping crew that has to be revisited – they originally put on an extra vehicle and then took them off – it needs to be more of a priority.”

“We also want to ensure that the council is open and transparent.”

The Green Party has one candidate standing in Blaenau Gwent.

The Green Party says: “Our Green New Deal for a just and sustainable future will not only protect our environment but also provide jobs and strengthen public services, supporting those who were left behind by Labour and Conservatives as old Welsh industries declined.

“Quality of life and the wellbeing of current and future generations are at the heart of our beliefs.”

Who are the Independent and Green Party candidates standing in Blaenau Gwent?

Abertillery and Six Bells –  elect three councillors from:

  • Martin John Cook
  • Nigel Daniels
  • Julie Holt
  • Josh Rawcliffe

Beaufort – elect three councillors from: 

  • Stewart Healy
  • Greg Paulsen
  • Godfrey Thomas

Blaina – elect two councillors from: 

  • Des Hillman
  • John Patrick Morgan

Brynmawr – elect three councillors from: 

  • David Cook
  • Lyn Elias
  • John Hill
  • Wayne Hodgins

Cwm – elect two councillors from:

  • Gareth Davies
  • George Humphreys
  • Ann Price - Green Party

Cwmtillery – elect two councillors from: 

  • Andrew Boulton
  • Malcolm Day
  • Joanna Wilkins

Ebbw Vale North – elect two councillors from:

  • Dai Davies
  • Suzanne Jones
  • Bob Summers

Ebbw Vale South – elect two councillors from: 

  • Carl Bainton
  • Jonathan David Millard
  • Keith Clark Pritchard

Llanhilleth – elect two councillors from:

  • Gill Clark
  • Lee Parsons

Nantyglo – elect two councillors from: 

  • Keri Rowson

Rassau & Garnlydan – elect two councillors from: 

  • Gareth Davies
  • Phil Edwards

Sirhowy – elect three councillors from:

  • Steve Gough
  • Brian Thomas

Tredegar –  elect three councillors from:

  • Mandy Moore

To view all the candidates standing in Blaenau Gwent click here.

  • This is part of a series of articles profiling parties standing in Gwent's council areas in next month's elections.