Garry Hunt, who has stood for Labour in every election since 1991 joins first-time candidate Bethan Proctor
Garry Hunt and Bethan Proctor have been selected as Labour’s candidates in Llanishen for the 2022 council elections in May.
The duo are hoping to win back the seats from the Conservatives in what is historically a swing ward. Mr Hunt, 63, has contested every election since 1991, winning four times and losing four times.
This year he partners Bethan Proctor, 31, a Welsh speaker with a background in housing who is contesting her first election.
Mr Hunt, who’s spent over 40 years in the civil service, said: “I think we’ll make a great team. I bring experience and wisdom whereas Bethan brings enthusiasm and new ideas.”
This election will be the first since the Llanishen’s electoral boundary was changed.
The reform saw the area of Thornhill transferred to the neighbouring Lisvane ward. As a result, the number of councillors will drop from four to two.
Asked what difference this will make to the election, Mr Hunt suggested it might be beneficial for Labour.
The veteran former councillor said: “I think there are parts of Thornhill that have gone Tory and are becoming hard to canvass support in.
“However, I never take anything for granted and predicting elections is not an exact science. It seems a shame to split the ward up, but the new ward will be more manageable and bring us closer to the electorate.”
If elected, one of Mr Hunt’s aims is to help unlock Llanishen’s potential.
The area is undergoing several major developments, such as at the site of the former HMRC tax offices, Llanishen reservoir and at various new housing locations.
Mr Hunt said: “Llanishen has been in flux for some time really. If I’m elected, I’d like to focus on developing Llanishen’s potential, like filling the empty units in Llanishen Business Park.
“I also think there is a need to be careful when it comes to big developments in the area, particularly housing developments on land not suitable for property.”
But Mr Hunt, a former Llanishen High School student, also knows the timing of council elections can be crucial to the outcome.
With eight elections under his belt, Mr Hunt says: “These local elections are very subject to what’s going on in national politics. I think if the election was held tomorrow, we would walk it.
“In many ways my council career has reflected the history of the Labour Party. In 1991 I was elected Llanishen’s first Labour councillor and had a massive victory in 1995. But I started losing in the noughties as Labour became loss popular.”
In 2017 Mr Hunt lost by just five votes after three recounts.
Asked why he’s going back to the polls for a ninth time, Mr Hunt said: “I think I’ve still got something to offer to the people of Llanishen.
“Having been a councillor for 18 years, I’ve built up plenty of knowledge on things like planning. I also enjoy the day-to-day life of being a councillor and I think I’m good at it, without wanting to sound arrogant.”
However, if Mr Hunt wins in May this will be his last term in office.
“Winning in May would see me through to my 69th birthday. I will certainly finish then.”
No other candidates have been announced for the ward yet. Llanishen voters will go to the polls on May 5.
