Conservatives first to announce Alyn and Deeside by-election

The Welsh Conservatives have selected their candidate in the upcoming Alyn and Deeside by-election.

Sarah Atherton is a former district nurse and social worker who lives in Gresford, near Wrexham.

The by election was called following the death of Welsh Labour minister, Carl Sargeant.

Sarah, who sits of Gresford Community Council, said: ‘First of all I would like to pay tribute to Carl Sargeant, who worked hard on behalf of the people of Alyn and Deeside and was well respected by them.’

If elected, Sarah says jobs, housing and health would be among her top priorities.

On health, Sarah said: ‘Welsh Labour seem unable to sort out the problems we face in our area. Despite two years of being in special measures, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is now under independent financial review. The people of Alyn and Deeside deserve better.’

‘I also want to see real action on housing. Whilst the building of more than a thousand new homes in the Northern Gateway and the decision to allocate land for housing in the Deeside Enterprise Zone is a good start – there are still more than 1600 people waiting for social housing in Flintshire – and that has to change.’

Sarah applauds the UK Government’s backing of the North Wales Growth Deal which she says could transform the region; creating thousands of jobs, transforming transport infrastructure and improving digital links.

She said: ‘This is a great opportunity for politicians and businesses to come together and transform the region by unlocking the potential that undoubtedly exists.’

The by election will be held in February 6^th.