A FORMER Prestatyn councillor has been selected has been selected as Plaid Cymru's Parliamentary Candidate for Clwyd East.

Paul Penlington will stand in the next Westminster election.

The new constituency, which includes the towns and surrounding areas of Llangollen, Ruthin, Mold, Holywell and Prestatyn, will come into being at the next general election.

Mr Penlington, a campaigner on matters in the area and former Plaid Cymru County Councillor for Prestatyn North, beat off stiff opposition for his party’s nomination having highlighted his work supporting residents in the constituency on issues ranging from education, planning, environment and health.

Mr Penlington has worked in the constituency for many years, voluntarily in the charity sector and teaching further education at Coleg Cambria.

He said “I’m not a career politician, I’m a local person standing in my home community and aim to continue advocating for residents to the very best of my ability.

"I have lived locally all my life so it means a lot to have the opportunity to represent Plaid Cymru in my local community.

"Winning the seat will be a challenge but we have a lot to offer constituents, Plaid Cymru are by far the best option to fight for and support our own communities with honesty and a genuine commitment."

Llyr Huws Gruffydd, MS who was present in the final hustings in Mold, said: “Paul has many years’ experience as a county councillor and he will bring a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to the campaign.

MOST READ

"He is exactly the kind of local champion that people in Clwyd East need in these difficult and challenging times. I look forward to supporting his campaign.”

Rhun ap Iorweth, Plaid Cymru Party leader, said: “I’m delighted Paul has been selected as our candidate for the new constituency of Clwyd East. He has a deep understanding of the issues important to the area and brings experience as an elected representative for his community.

"Clwyd East have in Paul a champion who will always fight for fairness and will be guided by real ambition for the constituency and Wales.”