Like many people in the Blaenau Gwent constituency, I was born into a mining and steelmaking family. I went to Tredegar comprehensive school and lived on a local council estate. I joined the Labour Party at 17 because I wanted to fight poverty and injustice, and secure quality public services. I have been doing so ever since and am proud of my achievements. Like Nye Bevan, Michael Foot and Neil Kinnock, I'm a supporter of the Tribune Group. I decided to work full time for the Labour Party because I knew that only Labour could deliver a fairer society, a strong economy and unlock people’s creativity. I worked for the NSPCC to protect our children and if selected and elected I’ll continue this important work in Parliament. I am an experienced candidate with a proven record of teamwork, delivery and strong campaigning skills. My priorities would be: Health
We must invest and work with staff and patients to restore our supporters’ faith in the NHS.
The Assembly Government should prioritise the introduction of the fair pay system, Agenda for Change, so that morale of our local NHS staff is given a boost. Pensions
We must give dignity to our pensioners in their retirement, I’ll stand up for them.
The Government has recently launched a consultation on Stroke services. An estimated 200 people a year have a stroke in this constituency - it is the third leading cause of death across the UK. I support the Stroke Association's campaign calls for improved emergency and rehabilitation care and support for stroke survivors and carers. Crime
I’ve helped deliver solutions on crime. Local people are fed up with crime and violence on their streets. I will work with the voluntary sector and police to reduce crime.
We need a range of services for our young people to keep them on the straight and narrow signposting them to quality, local employment, education, drugs prevention and family mediation services. The economy
I will work in Westminster and Whitehall, with industry and investors, with trade unions and with other elected representatives to bring jobs to the economy.
Unemployment at 8% and economic inactivity rates are higher than the average for Wales, whilst local wages are lower. We need to maximise job opportunities in our area, and improve prospects for young people. Children and young people
Children are our future and campaigning for the NSPCC, I’ve worked hard to protect them. With teachers and governors I’ll push for investment in our nurseries and schools.
When I was the Executive member for Education on Camden Council I spearheaded the roll out of Sure Start. We should give the same impetus to early years education across south Wales. I get things done. I’ll be your constituency champion and fight for you. I value the work of members and together we’ll all be a team. The constituency will be my home, I’ll hold regular surgeries and have an office for the Party. I’ve got a strong record as a campaigner and will be well received by local voters. With my national experience as a campaigner I’ll hit the ground running and I know how to pull the levers of power for the constituency in Parliament. Nick Smith | 
