Rhys Williams, who works as Communications, Campaigns and Political Officer for the National Union of Teachers in Wales, has been chosen by Labour to fight the parliamentary seat of Carmarthen East and Dinefwr. His home is in Cwmann in the north of the constituency.

Until 2001, the seat had long been Labour’s, held by MP, Alan Williams. It was won by Plaid Cymru’s Adam Price in 2001. He again won in the General Election of 2005.

Formerly a teacher, Rhys Williams promises to be a high-profile candidate for Labour. He is frequently heard on Radio Wales and Radio Cymru and has previously fought parliamentary seats for Labour in Plaid Cymru strongholds in north Wales.

Married with two grown-up daughters, he said, “I have lived in Cwmann for the last 18 years and have always been active in the community. I believe that we need a Labour MP to bring us all together in a constituency like this. Labour has brought down unemployment and inflation and has given us all hope for the future. We still have big issues to tackle – the environment and global warming are obvious challenges.  Here, in Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, we live in one of the most beautiful parts of Wales. We need to preserve it, promote it, celebrate it and encourage others to enjoy it.”

In 1996 Rhys Williams won a first prize at the National Eisteddfod held in Llandeilo for writing three sketches suitable to be acted by under 25s.

Himself an amateur actor, he has published poems and short stories in English and Welsh.