Shropshire Star

Uncontested Powys seats are 'undemocratic'

Parts of Powys have been branded 'democracy deserts' with warnings that voters are being denied a voice.

Published

A total of 17 councillors have been elected unopposed – including one ward where no candidates have put themselves forward.

The Electoral Reform Society has estimated that 23,723 residents in the county will be denied the vote in this year's council elections on May 4. Powys County Council has 73 wards with 56 being contested, while 16 are uncontested with candidates returned unopposed and one not receiving any nominations.

Among the uncontested wards are the towns of Churchstoke, Meifod, Machynlleth and Newtown East. The seat in Newtown East will be filled by Councillor Joy Jones, who has represented the ward since 2012.

She said: "As long as you're doing the job and getting out and doing the work then I don't think it matters if you're in an uncontested seat.

"The fact that mine's uncontested is that other people said because I'd been working so hard they knew I'd be doing the job.

"It's up to the people not up to me. It's up to them and whoever wants to stand.

"It's up to individuals if they want to stand against people. I put my name forward and it's up to anyone who thinks they can do a better job to come forward. It's open to anyone.

"I'm really pleased I've got the opportunity to continue to stand for the people of Newtown.

"I'll continue doing what I've done all the time and represent the people and their thoughts and views and make sure we get the best for the people."

Meanwhile, more than 1,000 voters in the village of Cradoc and its neighbouring communities north of Brecon will be unrepresented when councillors first meet after May 4.

Nominations will then have to be reopened and a fresh attempt made to drum up some interest in representing Yscir ward.

Jess Blair, director of Electoral Reform Society Cymru, claimed the situation was undemocratic.

She said: "Local elections are one of the main opportunities for voters to have our say over services that affect our everyday lives. But with nearly 24,000 people across Powys have no choice at the upcoming elections."

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