Flintshire Liberal Democrats

Michele's Welcome Letter to Delyn Members

Dear Flintshire Liberal Democrat Members, Supporters and Friends,

I should like to take this opportunity to personally introduce myself as the Welsh Liberal Democrats Assembly candidate for Delyn in the forthcoming National Assembly for Wales Elections (5^th May 2011). As you may recall the Flintshire Candidates official adoption meeting took place on the 13^th January 2011, and I was absolutely thrilled when those present embraced me as the local Party's Delyn candidate.

For those unable to make it to the adoption meeting, I would like to tell you a little about me your candidate, and my journey into politics.

I was born in St Asaph in 1967, and I have lived in Oakenholt, a small village on the outskirts of Flint ever since. I attended the Welsh medium school, Ysgol Maes Garmon in Mold, and have since studied at Deeside College, Cardiff University and with the Open University. I have two daughters Jenny my eldest is 24, and works in Forensic Science, and my youngest Bryony is 16 and currently attends my former high school where she will this year take her GCSE's.

I have a broad and varied career path, but have primarily worked in the private sector including Accounts, Finance and Fleet Risk Management. I do however have humble beginnings working as a chalet maid in Pontins Prestatyn at 16, and have also worked in a sewing factory, a sandwich bar as a bartender and cleaner. As a single parent, it has been a real struggle at times juggling work and family life, especially as at one point I had 3 jobs on the go just to keep a roof over mine and my children's heads.

This fast paced lifestyle came to an abrupt standstill in 2006 when I was forced to give up work following a road traffic accident (RTA). During my recovery, I got involved with a local lobby group against a proposed housing development 'Croes Atti' which gave me an insight into the complexities of the planning process. However what shocked me the most was the local administrations apparent disregard for the views and concerns of local residents. This inspired me to stand in the local elections in May 2008, and I was successfully elected as an 'Independent' Town Councillor for Flint Castle Ward.

I had never even sat on a committee before and sought some training to help me with my new role. I enrolled onto a course called 'Engendering Change' with the 'Women Making a Difference' project. This lead to two further training course, 'Women Into Public Life' (run in conjunction with Cardiff University) and a further Welsh Assembly funded project designed to fast track women into public life. Women, particularly those with disabilities, from disadvantaged backgrounds or BME (black, minority, ethnic) are currently underrepresented in the decision making process and it is recognised that more needs to be done to get more 'real' people involved in politics and increase diversity. An element of this training involved me role shadowing people already in public life, and for 6 months I had the privilege of role shadowing Arnold Woolley, Leader of Flintshire County Council, and Kirsty William AM at the Assembly and her constituency office in Brecon. I role shadowed Kirsty during her leadership campaign, and I was delighted when Kirsty become the first ever female leader of a political party in Wales. These experiences inspired me to join the Welsh Liberal Democrats in February 2009, and in November 2009, I became Secretary for the Flintshire Party.

The teachings I received at Cardiff University made realise that many of my own life struggles had been a direct result of inadequate policies, such as the lack of affordable childcare, a child support agency which failed to collect payments and poor public transport which made my working days even longer than they needed to be. Also following the RTA, I experienced the inadequacies of the benefits system, and the lack of support and treatment available on the NHS with long waiting lists that just prolonged my recovery and added to my misery. I know I am not alone, may others out there have and still do suffer needlessly, and these are experiences which have made me more determined to stand as a candidate and be in a position to influence change for the better.

In May 2010 I stood as a Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Welsh Liberal Democrats in Clwyd West. I learnt a great deal during this campaign and was thrilled to increase the Lib Dem vote, experiences which will place me in good stead for the forthcoming elections. There are of course challenges ahead, unfortunately the Lib Dems are performing badly in the polls, and it isn't going to be easy breaking Labours stranglehold on the local area and making residents aware of how badly the Labour-Plaid coalition have failed them. Never one to be put off by a challenge I relish the prospect, and have the resolve to make a real difference in this campaign. If elected I will demonstrate that same determination in fighting for a better deal for the local community.

Many thanks for your continued support.

Kindest regards

Michele

Michele Jones

Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Candidate for Delyn

e-mail: michele4delyn@gmail.com web site: www.flintshirelibdems.org.uk

Tel: 01352 730 847 / 07809 616 461 facebook - Cllr Michele Jones