Rory Daniels has been selected to stand as the candidate for the Welsh Liberal Democrats to contest the Llanelli seat at the forthcoming election.the
Rory is 19-years-old, and a Political Economy student at King’s College London. His roles include Vice President of the UN World Food Programme Society, and a campus tour guide. In his spare time, Rory also volunteers as a tour guide for the RNLI in Mumbles.
Speaking to Llanelli Online today, Tuesday (May 2) Rory told us that youth concerns are at the heart of his campaign. He said:
Wherever possible, I have looked to put young people on the agenda.
Some of Rory’s past projects have included helping to organise a college Political Awareness Day attended by over 400 students, and serving as a college Governor, representing students on the Corporation Board. His latest project builds upon a Youth Participation Report he’s produced, with his goal being to reform the way the Liberal Democrats engage with youth members.
When asked whether his young age might work against him Rory said:
I see my age as an asset, not a burden. I believe that for too long, the views and concerns of young people have been side-lined, and it’s about time that changed.
The Lib Dem candidate says he is a passionate European and that like many people his age he is committed to fighting for Britain’s, and Wales’ place in the European Union.
Speaking about the issue of being in or out of the EU relating to Llanelli he said:
The opportunities it offers for young people, and has offered Llanelli, make it invaluable for our future prosperity. ‘72% of 18-24 year olds voted to stay in the European Union. In this election, I intend to be their voice.
Having lived in Wales for most of his life, Rory’s certainly no stranger to Welsh issues. He firmly believes that Wales needs a strong voice fighting its corner in Theresa May’s Brexit negotiations, to send the message that the United Kingdom contains more than just England.
Rory told us that through working on a voluntary basis for Mark Williams in the Houses of Parliament, he has had great experience in addressing the concerns of Welsh families and businesses. He says he will be campaigning on the issues that mean the most to him – housing benefits for 18-21 year olds, a strong commitment to mental health, and an active role for Britain and Wales in the European Union.
Rory holds the roles of By Election Coordinator and London Regional Chair for the London Regional Executive within the party. On a federal level, he also holds the role of Welsh Representative on the Federal People’s Development Committee, as well as its Membership Sub-Committee.
Concluding his interview with Llanelli Online Rory said:
A vote for the Welsh Liberal Democrats is a vote for a much-needed opposition to the Tories, and a vote for me is a vote for a new kind of politician’. There are over 10,000 people under 30 years of age in Llanelli. This election, they have the chance to vote for somebody who truly represents them.
