Caerphilly is my home.

Full statement

I’ve lived here for 26 years with my wife, Lynda, raising our three sons—Daniel, Luc, and Josh—and building our publishing company, Gwasg Rily Publications, which produces Welsh-language children’s books.

When cuts threatened the sector, I campaigned for more funding and turned to Hefin David for support. He backed us straight away, and through that campaign we became close friends. With his encouragement, I became active in the party again, serving as campaigns officer and preparing to stand alongside him for the new constituency next year.

I grew up in a Labour family, inspired by my dad, a councillor and group leader, and my mum, a teacher and Red Cross volunteer. I joined the Party at 15, studied History at King’s College London, where I met Lynda, and later gained a Physics degree with the Open University.

My career has taken me from business banking to qualifying as a chartered accountant with KPMG, specialising in economic development. Since then, I’ve supported small businesses across Wales and worked with major organisations including Wales & West Utilities.

Raising three children with additional learning needs has been the defining experience of my life. Fighting for the right support for Daniel, Luc, and Josh showed me how vital strong public services are, and why education and inclusion must always be a priority.

I care deeply about improving cancer screening, dementia care, and literacy, as well as strengthening communities through economic development. Outside of work and politics, I enjoy running, puzzles, history podcasts, watching rugby and football, and walking the dogs in our beautiful countryside.