Senedd21: Sam Bennett | Liberal Democrats | Swansea East

SAM BENNETT
LIBERAL DEMOCRATS CANDIDATE – SWANSEA EAST

1. Tell us about yourself:

I’m Sam and work for Swansea University marketing our Medical School to potental students. I live locally in Swansea and previously studied European Politics at Aberystwyth University. I have been a Liberal Democrat since my student days having worked for Kirsty Williams MS and Roger Williams MP.

I am particularly passionate about being able to speak to ordinary members of the public about the challenges they face, listen to them and in doing so help them identify solutions, I think a good politician doesn’t just prescribe a solution but works with communities to find something that works for them and their lives.

Outside politics I enjoy swimming and we have an amazing set of beaches in and around Swansea to take advantage of, long walks and we are similarly well provided for and for my particularly geeky moments I do enjoy a computer game or two.

2. What is the most important thing you think the Senedd should do in the next five years?

The Welsh Government and Senedd need to have a razor sharp focus on support for small business, they need to foster an attitude of allowing small businesses to thrive, giving them financial support where necessary but also look at the aftermath of COVID and say this has accelerated and highlighted the issues we already face and promote independent business as the future catalysts for growth and the attractions which will allow our city to thrive as the place to be. 

3. What will you do for your constituency/region if elected?

I recently met with small businesses in the service sector, they are struggling and tell me that they need support for longer than the Government is currently offering.

I want to be the champion for housing in Swansea, whether that is pushing the Welsh Government to support flat owners and residents with the horrendous cladding scandal leaving many people out of pocket, support for development of affordable housing, which enhance our environment and come with green space or champion green investment to make our homes warm and affordable to run. Homes and housing need to be at the centre of everything we do in the next Senedd and make them the centre of lifting people out of poverty and helping people make ends meet.