The countdown to next month’s Senedd elections reaches an end when voters go to the polls on Thursday (May 6).

Unlike previous years when vote counters burned the midnight oil, the votes will be counted on Friday, May 7, and instead of simultaneous counting, the teams in Powys will concentrate on one constituency before moving to the other.

We're spoken to the candidates who will be vying for the right to represent Montgomeryshire in the next Senedd.

Alison Alexander, Liberal Democrats

County Times: Alison Alexander.

  • What do you consider to be the biggest issue facing Powys?

The biggest issue facing Powys is the biggest issue facing every individual on the planet: the climate emergency.

The good news is that what’s good for the planet is good for people. Insulating homes reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, creates jobs, eliminates fuel poverty and removes the ill health associated with cold, damp housing.

Sustainable agriculture enhances the environment and produces well-nourished people. Revolutionising transport creates jobs in hi-tech industry and removes the toxic effects of poor air quality. We need to act now.

  • If you could make one change on your first day as an elected member, what would it be?

The delay in diagnosis of health conditions that has occurred during the pandemic. There needs to be a continuing public health campaign to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis of illnesses like cancer.

  • What is the single most beneficial thing you or your party has done for Powys in the last decade?

The creation of the first ever Made in Wales Curriculum, overseen by Welsh Liberal Democrat Education Minister Kirsty Williams, will transform our children’s experience of education.

Teachers will be empowered to use their tremendous understanding of children to tailor learning for individual pupils. This will be a curriculum that enables every child to recognise and build on their strengths and become confident, empathetic adults.

Kait Duerden, Welsh Labour

County Times: Kait Duerden

  • What do you consider to be the biggest issue facing Powys?

The most immediate issue is Covid recovery. Businesses, families, schools and communities need support and Welsh Labour will continue supporting businesses with a rates holiday, help kids catch up at school, and invest in NHS recovery.

We must shape the future we want in Montgomeryshire. Support local businesses who supported us during Covid. Ensure our farmers and producers are first in line for local contracts in schools, NHS and other businesses. Commit to creating a Zero Carbon Montgomeryshire for those who come after us.

  • If you could make one change on your first day as an elected member, what would it be?

I’d devolve the Benefits System to Wales. I’d end the scourge of Liberal Democrat/Conservative disability assessments and Universal Credit, which pay recipients destitution level benefits, blight the lives of our children and destroy people’s health. Universal Credit does not save money. It pushes expenditure onto the NHS, other services and charities that pick up the pieces of the lives it shatters.

  • What is the single most beneficial thing you or your party has done for Powys in the last decade?

Welsh Labour has invested in Montgomeryshire for a sustainable future.

Whether it’s providing financial support for Montgomeryshire businesses during Covid or funding new social housing, new 21st century Schools, business parks like Offa’s Dyke, the new health Hub in Newtown and expansion of community hospital services, the Newtown By-pass or the new Dyfi Bridge.

Russell George, Conservative

County Times: Russell George

  • What do you consider to be the biggest issue facing Powys?

The biggest issue that faces Powys is the lack of funding for our county. Rural councils have continually received poorer funding settlements from successive Welsh Labour led Governments compared to councils in South Wales. We need to fairly fund Powys, so our local schools can be properly funded and services, on which we all rely, can be improved. I believe that a review of the way in which funding is calculated for rural areas is well overdue. A Welsh Conservative Government would deliver fair funding for Powys.

  • If you could make one change on your first day as an elected member, what would it be?

I have worked with and supported our health board to develop plans for a new community hospital and health centre to serve mid Wales. The current Welsh Government has not approved the plans. I would approve the plans and make sure a new hospital is delivered so we have a cutting-edge, state of the art, health and care facility in Montgomeryshire.

  • What is the single most beneficial thing you or your party has done for Powys in the last decade?

I believe better connectivity and improved infrastructure, as well as a Mid Wales Growth Deal, are key to transforming our local economy and creating higher paid jobs for our area.

I lobbied hard for a Newtown Bypass, an hourly train service, a new Dyfi Bridge, and for the Pant- Llanymynech bypass. I was delighted when my proposal for a Mid Wales Growth Deal was approved.

This deal now means we can deliver road and rail improvements, the digital connectivity we deserve, and I will work with our MP Craig Williams to ensure we fully restore the Montgomery canal through the deal.

Oliver Lewis, Reform

County Times: Oliver Lewis

  • What do you consider to be the biggest issue facing Powys?

The ridiculous, sprawling size of Powys. Decisions are taken too far from residents, certainly too far from those in Montgomeryshire where most of the population of Powys lives. Creating a new Montgomeryshire County Council, and a separate Council for Brecon and Radnor, will address this democratic deficit.

The conversion of Neuadd Maldwyn for accommodation should be stopped, and our new County Council headquartered there again.

  • If you could make one change on your first day as an elected member, what would it be?

A new NHS General Hospital for Newtown, with Maternity and A&E facilities.

  • What is the single most beneficial thing you or your party has done for Powys in the last decade?

As the Brexit Party, winning the 2019 European Elections by a landslide to ensure the democratic decision to leave the EU was respected.

Gwyn Evans, Gwlad

Despite its relatively low profile, Gwlad believes it offers something different for Wales in 2021 and beyond.

While not wanting to get drawn into the binary left wing, right wing debate, Gwlad has styled itself as a pro-independence centre-right party. Fighting its first Senedd election, the party is fielding candidates in 14 constituencies.

It wants Wales to have three capital cities, with the Senedd moved to Llandudno Junction and the offices of the first minister relocated to Aberystwyth.

Elwyn Vaughan, Plaid

County Times: Elwyn Vaughan

  • What is the biggest issue facing Powys?

Our health service is key. We’ve heard the call for a new hospital in Newtown for years. I want one that includes 24 hour A&E and the ability to do operations as in Llandrindod. With our ambulances far too often waiting outside Telford or Hereford hospitals leaving us with no cover during the night I want Llanidloes and Llanfyllin ambulance stations to be 24 hours, ensuring better coverage for Montgomeryshire at little extra cost.

  • If you could make one change on your first day, what would it be?

92% of water pollution comes from sources that won’t be tackled by the NVZ regulations. Much of it, as a recent NRW report highlighted, comes from water companies and sewage plants. It’s imperative that these regulations reflect the reality on the ground, and not target one sector whilst ignoring the bigger picture.

  • What is the single most beneficial thing you or your party has done for Powys in the last decade?

It is being a councillor on Powys Council and constantly challenging, questioning and scrutinising decisions. From opposing the buying of a Audi A6 for its chairman, opposing the waste facility at Abermule, and challenging our Conservative MP during the Agri Bill. But also the opportunity to ensure support for a climate change motion.