LOCAL food campaigner Catherine Fookes has been named as Labour’s candidate for the 2016 Welsh Assembly election.

Catherine, of Monmouth, was backed by members of the Monmouth constituency Labour Party – thwarting a bid by former Monmouth MP Huw Edwards to have a chance at a return to frontline politics.

She pledged to be “a strong voice” for the constituency and to “harness the enthusiasm and energy of the constituency party” which has gained nearly 200 new members since the General Election in May.

Catherine grew up on a farm and has lived in the area for 15 years and is a campaigner in the food industry.

She said: “The Monmouth constituency needs a strong voice in the Assembly and I can give it that voice.

“I will work to ensure excellent education for our children and young people, bring jobs to the area, improve the NHS and fight the cuts that are being imposed by our Tory-led council.

“I will work hard to protect the environment and argue for the things that people feel strongly about.”

Chairman of the constituency Labour Party, Peter Farley, said the selection “fired the starting gun” on the campaign to unseat Nick Ramsay who has been the Conservative AM for the area since 2007.

He added: “I congratulate Catherine on being selected as our candidate.

“I look forward to a robust campaign to ensure that the Monmouth constituency has a Labour AM to speak up for our people and to build on the many achievements of the Labour-led Welsh Government.”