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Wanted: a welcome in the vales
The valleys of South Wales are traditionally seen as
staunchly strong Labour territory. But Sunil Peck talks to a LibDem who
wants to break not only the political mould, but also new ground for
Welsh political hopefuls
Damian Chick is “excited” at the prospect of becoming the first
disabled person to be elected to the National Assembly for Wales. He’s
standing as the LibDem candidate in the Vale of Glamorgan.
In the last election to the assembly in 2007, the LibDems polled 11 percent and finished behind Labour, the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru.
So given his party’s low opinion poll ratings, it’s not surprising that Chick concedes that he’s got a big challenge ahead of him.
“It’s going to be hard to engage with people but I’ve said that I don’t want to be seen as stuffy or bigoted. I want to be seen as a person who will improve things for my constituents.”
The 28-year-old has cerebral palsy and has full-time care.
Although he lives independently now, Chick spent three years living in care homes after being the victim of domestic violence.
Before he became a party activist in the Vale of Glamorgan in 2009, Chick campaigned to make trains and buses more accessible to wheelchair-users and also campaigned to improve wheelchair services in South Wales. As well as pledging to champion disability rights in the assembly if elected, Chick will also promote local enterprise and tourism in Glamorgan.
“All the literature I put out will be in accessible formats. I will not only campaign for my constituents, but I will work with major disability organisations to make sure that they have a voice in the public arena.”
A recipient of Disability Living Allowance, Chick says he can understand why disabled people throughout the UK are so concerned about cuts to the welfare system.
“I do understand. But I would encourage disabled people to come and
speak to people like me who understand what disability is about but
also why these reforms have to happen. All parties want to make sure
that the people who really need disability benefits are getting them.”
Chick is keen for more disabled people to get involved in politics so
the system better reflects the diversity of Wales and beyond.
“The political culture is changing and parties are showing a commitment to increasing the number of disabled politicians. I encourage disabled people to take an active role in politics because politics matters to everyone.”
Chick has not yet made up his mind about what he will do if he does not get elected to the National Assembly for Wales in May.
“I want to carry on with the political momentum which I’ve been building.
I may stay on the political treadmill and see if I can keep championing the voices of disabled people or I may go and work with a third sector organisation.”