Six months after the general election, losing candidates in Swansea West have gone back to their regular lives. The election last summer saw the emergence of a new Labour Government and the election of 335 MPs. For the unsuccessful candidates, it meant returning to their day jobs after an intense period of canvassing and public campaigning. The first-past-the-post system offers no consolation for those who come in second place. Let’s catch up with some of the candidates from Swansea West who ran against the Labour winner Torsten Bell and see what they are up to now.
Gareth Bromhall of the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition garnered 337 votes, making up 0.9% of the total share, an increase of 0.9% compared to the 2019 general election. Mr. Bromhall, a call-handler for the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust and a trade union representative, highlighted his involvement in activism as a crucial factor in the election. He emphasized the importance of discussing contentious issues and the positive impact of engaging directly with voters on their doorsteps. Mr. Bromhall expressed the TUSC’s mission to support trade unionists, socialists, and community campaigners against “pro-austerity establishment politicians.”
Patrick Benham-Croswe of Reform UK secured 6,246 votes, translating to a 17.5% vote share, up by 10.7%. With a background in the army and business, Mr. Benham-Croswell shared his experience of the campaign, expressing optimism about the party’s performance. He highlighted the strong support received during canvassing, particularly from former Labour voters. Looking forward, he expressed interest in standing as a Senedd candidate and noted the party’s growing support post-election.
Peter Jones of the Green Party received 2,305 votes, representing a 6.5% vote share, up by 5.7%. Mr. Jones, a former Labour councillor, emphasised the importance of familiarising himself with the electorate and the positive responses received during canvassing. He is actively involved in local environmental initiatives and considers future involvement in local and national elections. He reflected on the party’s performance in Swansea West and outlined his continued commitment to environmental causes.
Michael O’Carroll of the Liberal Democrats earned 4,367 votes, equating to a 12.2% vote share, up by 5.8%. Mr. O’Carroll, who works for the party while pursuing a part-time PhD, shared his experience of standing in multiple elections for the Swansea West seat. He expressed enthusiasm for the party’s growth in Swansea and his aspirations for challenging the Labour Government in the future, highlighting potential participation in the upcoming Senedd elections.
Tara-Jane Sutcliffe of the Conservative Party received 3,536 votes, representing a 9.9% vote share, a decrease of 18.8%. Following the election, Ms. Sutcliffe engaged in independent election observation and continued her involvement in biodiversity and climate resilience initiatives. She remains politically active and looks forward to the next Senedd elections, reflecting on the learning and rewarding experiences of her first campaign.
Gwyn Williams of Plaid Cymru garnered 4,105 votes, making up 11.5% of the total share, an increase of 5.6%. Dr. Williams, a consultant ophthalmologist, reflected on the challenge of running against established parties and highlighted the need for continued engagement in the political process. He encouraged others to participate in elections, emphasising the importance of challenging the status quo and advocating for change.
Despite their electoral outcomes, these candidates remain committed to their political ideals and engagement with their communities. Their experiences shed light on the diverse perspectives and motivations that drive individuals to participate in democratic processes. As they reflect on the past election and look towards future possibilities, their stories offer insights into the challenges and rewards of political candidacy.