Battle for Ynys Mon: A Three-Way Race Shapes Up in One of Wales’ Most Contentious Seats

Anglesey: This island district is a key battleground in the upcoming general election

Anglesey has historically seen a tight three-way contest. Sky’s correspondent in Wales, Dan Whitehead, has been discussing the election with local residents.

Correspondent for West England and Wales @danwnews

Sunday, June 30, 2024, 1:

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At the Gwelfor Community Centre in Holyhead, the excitement builds for bingo night. Participants, armed with their markers, are ready to claim victory.

Yet, another contest is unfolding in this arena.

Anglesey, also known as the Ynys Mon constituency, ranks among Wales' most fiercely competitive electoral districts.

The Conservative Party is eager to maintain control following their slim victory in 2019, yet they face stiff competition from both Plaid Cymru and Labour, making it a tight three-way race where any could come out on top.

This year, the election scene has notably expanded, with eight parties competing, a significant increase from the four that participated previously.

In this secluded Welsh region, every politician faces the challenge of persuading skeptical voters.

"Bingo caller Margaret Pratchett makes it clear, saying, 'Even though we're quite isolated, it doesn't imply we're completely out of mind.'"

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I question her opinion on whether Westminster politicians are concerned with North Wales.

"Absolutely not. They are completely out of touch with our local needs. What we require are jobs, medical professionals, and caregivers, among other essential services."

Decline in trade

Holyhead is an active commercial harbor.

This route serves as a primary cargo corridor between Britain and Ireland, and it is five times nearer to Dublin than to London.

Since the completion of Brexit, trade has continued to be 14% below previous levels, affecting even the smallest enterprises.

At the Boathouse Bed and Breakfast, proprietors Claudia and Chris are experiencing a drop in the number of guests. From dock employees to vacationers, they find themselves putting in extra effort to occupy their accommodations.

Explore further: Can Labour maintain control in Wales after a century of dominance? The last televised debate between Sunak and Starmer ended in a tie. Here's how you can track the election results live on Sky News.

Claudia notes, "It appears that trade has generally declined, which is evident from the reduced number of individuals and freight movements at the port."

The pair plans to support Plaid Cymru, though Claudia expresses dissatisfaction with the options available: "It's essentially a strategic vote. When faced with selecting from poor choices, you opt for the least undesirable one."

Diverse viewpoints

At Breakwater Country Park, around thirty mothers are engaged in activities like painting, singing, and reading with their young children and infants.

Opinions vary on the choice of candidate.

"One mother shared with me her electoral choice, stating, 'I'm leaning towards Plaid Cymru as they truly consider what's best for Wales, in my opinion. I feel that the Conservatives haven't really accomplished much for Wales recently.'"

Another – pleased with the Prime Minister's work.

"She expressed her agreement with Rishi Sunak's statements, endorsing his views fully. She believes that the Conservatives have performed well during their tenure and deserves an opportunity to carry on," she commented.

While a few have made up their minds, most remain undecided.

Mother of two, Ffion Edwards, reports that she has been contacted by all the major political parties.

"Indeed. Representatives from the Labour Party, the Conservative Party, and Plaid Cymru have all been approaching us, seeking our backing," she informs me.

"I definitely plan to vote, but I'm currently uncertain about which party to choose. The decision feels a bit daunting, and it's challenging to predict the outcomes and their impacts both locally and nationally."

"Hopelessness"

In this election, as in many others, the focus frequently shifts to employment and economic issues.

Proposals for constructing a new nuclear power plant on Anglesey’s northern shoreline are expected to generate thousands of employment opportunities, although it will take many years before it starts supplying electricity to areas across the Menai Strait.

Located on the southern end of the island near the river's edge, Shaun Krijnen has been cultivating oysters in Anglesey for many years.

They are delivered to top-notch eateries in London, yet he remains dissatisfied with the political landscape of the capital.

"He remarked, 'Since turning 18, I haven't missed a single election. Now at 53, I can't recall ever feeling as disillusioned about an election as I do right now.'"

"Anglesey has historically alternated between Labour and Conservative control, though it could also be considered a stronghold for Plaid Cymru. As for myself, I'm still undecided. I might only choose when I'm actually looking at the names on the ballot."

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Surveys suggest that the overall outcome of the general election might already be predictable, but in key areas such as Ynys Mon, the competition remains wide open.

Here are all the individuals running for election in Ynys Mon:

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