THE CANDIDATES for the Monmouth constituency have been announced ahead of the general election on 12th December.

Residents will have a choice of six candidates. They are, in alphabetical order: Ian Chandler, Green Party; David Davies, Conservative Party; Martyn Ford, independent; Hugh Kocan, Plaid Cymru; Yvonne Murphy, Labour Party and Alison Willot, Liberal Democrats.

The polls will open on 12th December from 7am until 10pm. Applications to register to vote must reach the electoral registration officer by 26th November. Applications, amendments or cancellations of postal votes must reach the electoral registration officer at Monmouthshire County Council by 5pm on 26th November. Applications to vote by proxy for this election need to reach the electoral registration officer by 5pm on 4th December.

Candidates have been hitting the streets to sell themselves to the electorate. Most have already been out leafleting and canvassing to bolster their vote and impress potential voters. David Davies and Yvonne Murphy have both held street surgeries to promote their messages. Hugh Kocan has been speaking with Abergavenny residents. An election rally was held by the Monmouth Liberal Democrats last week to get their supporters fired up for the race ahead.

Candidates and parties have also started promoting their key policies. Ian Chandler’s platform has ambitions to transform Britain by investing in renewable energy, insulating homes, improving public transport, creating sustainable jobs and "letting nature flourish".

David Davies is pledging to support Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal which aims to "get Brexit done". He also wants increased spending for schools, the NHS and 20,000 extra police officers.

Martyn Ford has previously stood in the Town Council by-election for Drybridge Ward in November last year.

Hugh Kocan said that Plaid Cymru represents radical and positive change for all who live and work in our community. He pledges speak up for Monmouth and stand up for Wales.

Yvonne Murphy priorities are to address the climate emergency, wipe out poverty in the constituency and across the country, ending austerity and securing more money for the NHS, social care and education.

Alison Willott wants to stop Brexit, put more money into healthcare, give more powers to local authorities to improve public transport, help highstreet business suffering from high business rates.

June Davies from the Renew party has chosen not to stand, to prevent taking votes from parties wishing the UK to remain in the EU.

The Beacon will be covering the candidates and their platforms in more detail in the 4th December edition.