WELSH Conservatives have selected who they will send to fight for Alyn and Deeside in next year’s Welsh Parliament elections.

Bodelwyddan’s youngest town councillor, Abigail Mainon is an experienced political campaigner – having helped Dr James Davies MP retake the Vale of Clwyd at the general election. She is currently a caseworker for a member of the Senedd.

Abigail, 25, believes her youth will be an asset in helping her connect with younger voters – especially those going to the polls for the first time.

She said: “I am delighted to have been chosen. The people of Alyn and Deeside deserve better than the fayre they’re having dished up to them by a stagnant Welsh Government – a struggling health board, falling education standards and a lack of investment in our local businesses.

“I intend to fight to make sure local people get more of what they deserve.”

Abigail has a keen interest in health – especially mental health.

She said: “I would campaign for long overdue improvements, especially in mental health services which are increasingly important, given the effect COVID-19 and lockdowns are having on people.”

Fighting for adequate support to help businesses recover from the pandemic would also be a priority.

Abigail would campaign to make sure there are enough opportunities for our young people within the local area, in a bid to halt what she describes as the continuing ‘brain drain’ into other areas and across the border.

Another priority would be to ensure value for money from council tax – making sure roads and schools meet expected standards.

She said: “We desperately need investment in the A55 and other local transport links that are vital in making sure our local economy survives and thrives.

“I will endeavour to make sure that the North receives a fair share of funding and that the money makes it to the areas where it is needed most.”

Abigail currently helps to run a local charity that has been helping to provide essential shopping and prescription services to the vulnerable during the pandemic.

She has also helped at a foodbank and volunteered at Childline. Abigail is now training as a counsellor to speak to young people in their time of need.

In her spare time, Abigail enjoys fitness classes, baking and spending time with friends.

The Leader previously reported that the Welsh Conservatives also selected candidates for the two Wrexham constituencies this week.