LABOUR leader Sir Keir Starmer toured a firm that supplies equipment and products to defence and aerospace companies as part of a whistle-stop Senedd election campaign visit.

Mr Starmer, who was supporting Labour’s Vale of Clwyd Senedd candidate Jason Mclellan, enjoyed a walk around Qioptiq - Excelitas Technologies on Glascoed Road, St Asaph, and heard about the work being carried out and developments in technology at the facility.

Taking a closer look during a visit to the Qioptiq in Bodelwyddan. Pictures: Welsh Labour

Taking a closer look during a visit to the Qioptiq in Bodelwyddan. Pictures: Welsh Labour

The company specialises in the design, development, manufacture and support of complex optronic modules, systems and products for defence and aerospace applications and markets.

Mr Starmer, who has been Leader of the Labour Party since 2020, was in North Wales alongside Welsh Deputy Leader Carolyn Harris.

He is also due to visit Wrexham and Delyn.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer paid a visit to the Qioptiq in Bodelwyddan. Pictures: Welsh Labour

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer paid a visit to the Qioptiq in Bodelwyddan. Pictures: Welsh Labour

The Vale of Clwyd has been represented by Labour’s Ann Jones since 1999.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer paid a visit to the Qioptiq in Bodelwyddan. Pictures: Welsh Labour

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer paid a visit to the Qioptiq in Bodelwyddan. Pictures: Welsh Labour

Earlier this year Mrs Jones, who was the Senedd’s Deputy Presiding Officer, said she would not be seeking re-election in this year’s election.

Candidates standing as candidates for the Vale of Clwyd at the Senedd election include Jason McLellan - Labour; Peter Dain - Reform UK, Gareth Davies - Conservatives; Lisa Davies - Liberal Democrats; Glenn Swingler - Plaid Cymru; and David Thomas - Independent.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited North Wales last week.

Welsh Conservatives’ Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies is also visiting North Wales.