Bethan Jenkins AC/AM Blog

I am far from convinced by the idea floated by the Institute for Welsh Affairs of an elected Mayor for ‘The Valleys’. It sounds like an idea from somebody who doesn’t live in South Wales (oh, it is!) It also sounds quite patronizing, and quite frankly if I should be excited about praising the system which elected Boris Johnson as Mayor of London then there is something seriously wrong! As Valleys Mam says in her impassioned blog on this issue, there are schemes to re- energise said communities already in place. Would a Boris-esque hero save ‘The Valleys’ from destruction and doom?

The whole point of devolution is to bring politics closer to the people. I certainly don’t believe that another tier of government in the form of a Mayor is the answer to the question in relation to the development of the South Wales communities that are mentioned in the report.

And while we’re on the subject, where do you actually stop when you talk about ‘The Valleys’? There’s been arguments over many a year now within valleys communities themselves about who are the real valleys communities (Yes, its true) Do we really want to open up that debate again?! ( I think of the old Aberdare, Rhondda hatred for one which stems from the Miners strikes.)

The fact that the report was launched in Cardiff says it all, really. It would also help if the Westminster government stopped their centralisation agenda of closing HMRC offices that provide key jobs for people in the South Wales area, stop closing Job Centre offices and moving all the positions to Cardiff, and stop actively working against the Welsh Assembly Government’s agenda of seeking to devolve key offices to areas such as Merthyr Tydfil.

Let the debate continue.

Notoriously, I haven’t blogged in a while. Perhaps because I’ve been more busy than usual. Recess has portrayed this negative image of politicians holidaying- but only in camper vans or tents over Wales, mind. We don’t do flying any more, at least those of use who a( hate flying ( that’s me for the record. Since my car crash I am awful on a plane. or b) are trying to show off about their environmental credentials …or c) like me( again) haven’t actually taken any holiday at all.

I have been dealing mainly with issues that constituents have raised with me in the past few weeks, and taking the opportunity to visit more organisations in my region, like the Port Talbot Tigers football team- a team of people wanting to encourage those from ethnic minorities in the area to take part in a team sport, and to integrate with the wider community.

I’ve also visited People’s First Neath Port Talbot who provide advocacy services for people with learning disabilities, and who are hoping to develop a transition service for those who are aged between 16-18 years of age, as well as visiting Sarn Residents Association to see the work that they are carrying out in the community.

I love what I do for the reason that I can visit so many differing organisations and people, and help them in achieving their goals. So many people have negative images of politicians, but from the community groups I’ve visited, and the constituents who place their faith in me to help them, I feel a huge responsibility to assist them, and not to let them down.

In that sense, I am a servant to them- to help them and to reassure them that we can try and progress their case, their grant application, their appeal process and so on. So when I sit down at night, I can relax in the knowledge that there are people out there who appreciate me, and the help that I give them. That one letter will put a look of relief on their faces, that a mention in plenary will bring the issue closer to their goal, and that one meeting with a Minister will further their agenda. This is what its all about. Its not about petty political point scoring or stupid gossiping. Its about making people realise that they can put their trust in politicians, and that we will fight for them until the end, no matter what.

I’m off to the Eisteddfod tomorrow. I hope I have a productive day!