Visit of First Minister, Mark Drakeford to Monmouth

FOR A STRONGER, FAIRER, GREENER MONMOUTH
Catherine Fookes
Labour's parliamentary candidate for Monmouth constituency

About me
I am standing as Labour's candidate at the next general election as I want to reverse the damage the Tories have done.
We all know there are huge challenges ahead - kick-starting the economy, supporting residents through the cost of living crisis and combatting the climate and nature emergencies.
But I am ready for that challenge.
Monmouth needs someone who can make tough decisions to fix the chaos caused by the Tories over the past 12 years, and someone who will stand up in the House of Commons to strongly and proudly represent this beautiful area we call home.
I've lived in Monmouthshire for over 20 years and been active in the community ever since I moved here. For example, I'm a governor at Monmouth Comprehensive where my son is at school.
I'm an elected County Councillor and Cabinet Member so I know how to make hard decisions.
As your MP, I would be your champion. I'm driven and focused and I have a track record of delivering for those that need it most. For example, our first act as a new administration was ensuring that Welsh Government's cost of living funding was provided direct to those on the lowest incomes.
I'm Chief Executive of a charity which fights for fairness and I have turned it around in the five years I have been there. I have doubled the funding and grown the organisation's impact. I know how to influence government and have won important campaigns.
Together, it's time to build a fairer, greener more dynamic Monmouth constituency.
My Pledges

Tackling inequality & investing in public services
I will work hard to fix the damage done to our economy so that businesses can thrive here and we secure jobs. Decades of Tory austerity have starved our public services so I'll fight for more resources from UK government so public services have the funding they need.

Regenerating our towns
For 18 years, from 2004 to 2022, our council has been controlled by the Tories. That is why our high streets are shadows of their former selves - the Tories have done nothing to regenerate them. I will support funding bids and campaign to get our fair share of funding from UK government.

Climate and nature emergencies
If we want to preserve our beautiful area for future generations we need to clean up our rivers, clean up and improve our public transport and promote sustainable agriculture while helping our farmers make ends meet. We also need to retrofit our housing stock and create green jobs.
Endorsements
I am proud to be supported by these residents:
Hugo Perks
"I have seen Catherine in action campaigning over several years and have never seen her flustered or without fresh ideas. Her energy appears endless and perhaps her greatest asset is her people skills."
Pam Robinson
"I worked with Catherine during her 2016 Assembly campaign. I loved her energy, enthusiasm and commitment as well as her readiness to listen and learn. I am delighted that she wants to stand for Westminster and it would be great to have a truly local candidate - especially given her recent experience as councillor and cabinet member with MCC"
Roger & Maggie Harris
"As former Councillors, we've known Catherine for many years and her dedication to public service is second to none. She's got the knowledge, the skills and networks to be a formidable candidate and to become our next MP."