MITCH THEAKER
FOR PONTYPRIDD,
CYNON AND MERTHYR
DEAR
WELSH LABOUR
MEMBER
I am asking for your support.
Soon, by email or post, you’ll be sent a vote to decide who will represent Welsh Labour in the next Senedd elections for the new Pontypridd, Cynon and Merthyr constituency.
Born in the Rhondda, raised in Pontyclun and living in Merthyr, I’m standing to serve the place that shaped me; rooted in Labour and union values, ready to fight, and proud of a track record of delivering for the people our party was created for.
MY GRANDFATHER'S PROMISE.
I never got to meet my Grandfather. He was a miner in the Welsh Valleys, a strong union man and a fierce advocate for his community. Even though we never met, I grew up on the promise he made when he stood for election; “I will work my fingers to the bone and my voice to a croak for the people I represent.” It is the same promise I make to you now.
His values run deep, passed down through my mother, who has spent her life running a counselling charity for children and young people across RCT and Merthyr.
My parents taught me what it meant to serve; to listen when others won’t, and to show up when it matters. Those values of fairness, solidarity, and service have guided me from my first Labour door-knocking sessions at 12, through every campaign I’ve fought, through my time as a Councillor, Cabinet Member, Special Adviser and Diplomat.
Born in the Rhondda, raised in Pontyclun and living in Merthyr, I want to serve the communities that made me.
EXPERIENCE AND DELIVERY.
I’m asking for your vote, so it’s only right I tell you a little about who I am and what I’ve stood for.
COUNCILLOR & CABINET MEMBER
I first got involved in politics at 12, door-knocking in Pontypridd where I also attended my first Labour Party meeting. Years later, I followed my sister to Swansea University to study politics. At 21 I was elected as a Councillor for the City and County of Swansea, winning a seat few thought possible and helping take back control of the Council from the Lib Dems.
I was later appointed Cabinet Member for Opportunities for Children and Young People, where I focused on tackling poverty and supporting those in the most difficult circumstances. Here, I helped secure the Living Wage for 3,000 staff, founded a food bank, and led a successful campaign against payday lenders alongside a group of young mums. I introduced the UNCRC into council policy and worked to prevent the criminalisation of young people in the justice system.
INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT
I supported hundreds of students from across the world to study in the UK and the US. During this time, I met many remarkable people who had fled conflict and persecution, experiences that deepened my commitment to social justice. I was also proud to help deliver UNESCO training in Kenya and Zimbabwe, supporting teachers working on equality & education.
LOCAL & NATIONAL CAMPAIGNS
From saving a local library and tackling payday lenders to running a national leadership campaign and helping lead the People’s Vote campaign in Wales; I’ve fought countless campaigns rooted in hope and opportunity.
I was proud to help write the last Senedd manifesto and joined Welsh Labour to help secure one of our best election results. A veteran of the Labour doorstep, I know how to run strong and hope-filled local and national campaigns. I’ll bring the same to this position.
SPECIAL ADVISER TO FIRST MINISTER, MARK DRAKEFORD
I was proud to serve as Special Adviser to First Minister Mark Drakeford during some of Wales’ most challenging times. From floods across South Wales to Covid-19, and the war in Ukraine, I worked to protect people when they needed government most.
We delivered record emergency payments and kept food banks stocked during Covid. We led the creation of the Social Partnership Bill alongside trade union colleagues and introduced a basic income pilot. We established Welcome Centres during the war in Ukraine, providing a safe haven to those forced to flee.
We introduced Wales’ first Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan and LGBTQ+ Action Plan, established the Disability Rights Taskforce, and strengthened efforts to tackle VAWDASV.
DIPLOMATIC POSTING TO INDIA
As a Welsh Government diplomat, I led efforts to build strong relationships overseas, drive trade and investment, and create new jobs back home in Wales. I supported recruitment efforts that saw over 300 doctors and nurses for our Welsh NHS, hosted leaders and dignitaries, and supported Wales during critical moments with Tata Steel.
RAISED TO FIGHT,
READY TO DELIVER.
Throughout my life I have been a proud advocate for social justice, a firm belief everyone deserves a fair shot, that people must be treated with dignity, and that no one should be held back by poverty, prejudice or inequality.
It’s why I’ve fought for strong public services, for equality, for good well-paid jobs. It’s why I’ve fought to empower people and have their backs.
PRIORITIES
I know the issues that matter most to our communities. We face real challenges, and I am ready to deliver. I’d be proud to serve alongside Vikki Howells MS, our local Councillors and our local MPs, building on the strong record of our Welsh Labour team and retiring MSs, a team approach to serve the place that raised me.
STRENGTHEN NHS & SOCIAL CARE
From Prince Charles in Merthyr, to Ysbyty Cwm Cynon and the Royal Glam, we all know how important it is to have high-quality, compassionate and timely healthcare. Just as important is accessible, dignified and first-rate social care. I know the challenges faced by service users and caregivers alike and will be a strong voice in ensuring local, high-quality provision with parity and good conditions.
GOOD JOBS AND SKILLS
We need a clear Valleys Growth Plan securing well-paid, good quality jobs, access to a great skills network and the best possible education system. I’ve worked with universities and with big business as a diplomat, learning first-hand what they need to invest in Wales. I will work to help create new, quality, future-focused jobs and champion infrastructure investment like the South Wales Metro and valleys electrification.
THE COST OF LIVING
No one should have to choose between heating their home or putting food on the table. I’ve been fierce in fighting for the living wage for staff, access to fair credit and financial support for the most vulnerable. The situation isn’t easing and neither can we. I’ll fight for robust support, good jobs and the best possible safety nets when people need it the most.
SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EQUALITY
Regardless of gender, disability, identity, faith or background, everyone must be free to live safe, happy lives free from discrimination and fear. I’ve led efforts to tackle domestic abuse, to champion LGBTQ+ rights and the rights of disabled people. As a Special Adviser, I supported the efforts to welcome Ukrainian refugees to Wales.
BACKING LOCAL COMMUNITIES
My track record shows, I believe in listening and empowering local communities, bringing people together to secure lasting change. Together we have saved local services, fought pay-day loan companies and founded a food bank. I will work with our great local representatives, unions and community leaders to fight for the change that matters most.
COUNTERING REFORM & PLAID
Labour is the party of Wales; we are rooted in its people, communities and values. We must never give ground on this. I’ve worked to counter divisive politics and recommit to ensuring we represent Welsh values, needs and aspirations. Our greatness comes from having each other’s backs, never tearing each other down.
Born in the Rhondda,
Raised in Pontyclun and
Living in Merthyr.
My family are from the Rhondda and Aberdare. My partner’s family are from Merthyr. I went to Welsh school in Llantrisant, Llanhari and then the Pant. I started campaigning in Pontypridd when I was 12 years old after going to my first Labour Party meeting with my family friend David Stone. I want to serve the communities that shaped me, to give back and fight for our Labour values.
MY TRACK RECORD OF
DELIVERING FOR LABOUR
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Helped secure a living wage for 3,000 staff
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Founded a food bank at the age of 23
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Supported the recruitment of over 300 doctors and nurses to the Welsh NHS
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Supported Wales’ Response to the war in Ukraine
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Led on women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, the Anti-Racist Wales Plan and the rights of disabled people for the Welsh Government
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Ran a successful anti-payday loan campaign
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Supported the Government’s response to the floods across the valleys and advocated for the £10m financial support
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Led trade and investment efforts as a Welsh diplomat, creating jobs and opportunities in Wales
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Supported the expansion of Emergency Payments for the most in need to record levels
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Supported efforts to protect the most vulnerable during Covid as a Special Adviser for Social Justice
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Helped implement the UK’s first Basic Income Pilot
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Supported the development of the Social Partnership Legislation Solidifying Welsh Government’s partnership with Unions.
Union Activism and
the Co-operative Party.
I am a proud union activist. Since university, I’ve been a member of GMB and the Co-operative Party, and together we have secured real change.
As Special Adviser, I was proud to lead on Wales’ landmark Social Partnership Bill, as a Councillor, I helped secure a living wage for over 3000 staff, and as an activist, on the picket line or in policy, I have campaigned alongside our unions time and time again.
