BAME and union activist tops Labour’s Senedd list for Neath, Swansea East and Brecon

Heading the list is Dr Mahaboob Basha, a Swansea University External Relations Manager and long‑standing union activist. Originally from Tamil Nadu, India, Basha has worked with governments and international organisations including the United Nations. Diagnosed with dyslexia and colour blindness in his twenties, he has become a prominent advocate for equality and representation, chairing Welsh Labour’s BAME membership group. His community work — including delivering thousands of hot meals through Sketty Youth Club — was recognised earlier this year with a British Citizen Award.

Behind him in second place is Alex Sims, who works as office manager for Cardiff MS Jenny Rathbone. Sims has built experience in constituency casework and political organisation, giving him insight into policy delivery and community engagement.

Third on the list is Sarah Thomas, a councillor on Neath Port Talbot Council representing Gwaun‑Cae‑Gurwen and Lower Brynaman. She serves as shadow cabinet member for Finance, Performance & Social Justice, bringing local government experience and a focus on financial accountability and equality.

Further down the list are Elliot Wigfall, a Labour councillor for Ynysybwl and Coed Y Cwm Community Council; Cyriac George, a Care Officer at Swansea Council originally from Kerala, India; Chelsea Edwards, a younger Labour activist involved in community campaigning; and Morgan Pritchard, another emerging figure from the party’s renewal process.

Wider contest

Labour’s announcement comes as other parties have already named their candidates for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd. Plaid Cymru’s team includes sitting MS Sioned Williams, councillor Rebeca Phillips, community activist Andrew Jenkins, and Abercraf councillor Justin Horrell. The Welsh Liberal Democrats have confirmed that party leader Jane Dodds MS will head their list in the constituency.

Polling picture

As reported by Swansea Bay News earlier this month, the latest polling suggests Labour is currently on track to win one seat in Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd. That would mean only the top‑ranked candidate — Dr Mahaboob Basha — is likely to secure election if current trends hold, with Reform UK and Plaid Cymru also expected to perform strongly in the area.

What happens next

These rankings remain provisional and subject to endorsement by Welsh Labour’s Executive Committee before being finalised. Further lists for the remaining constituencies will be published in the coming weeks as parties prepare for the next Senedd election.

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