Ex-Martial Arts Champion To Fight By-Election for Plaid Cymru

A former martial arts world champion has been selected by Plaid Cymru to fight the Ruabon by-election.

Pol Wong, who has run a martial arts gym in the centre of the village for the past 15 years, will be standing after the sudden death of the popular Plaid Cymru councillor Barrie Price last month.

Mr Wong said: “It’s a very great honour to be chosen to follow in the footsteps of Barrie Price. He was a very hard-working and conscientious councillor for Ruabon and is sorely missed.

“He was also a very rare politician in that very few people had a bad word to say about him, as we have seen in the many tributes paid to him since his passing.

“I will do my utmost to carry on his good work and ensure that people in Ruabon have a strong voice in the Guildhall and someone who will represent their interests at all times.”

Plaid Cymru’s group leader on Wrexham Council Marc Jones said: “This has been a very difficult time both for Barrie’s friends and, more importantly, his family.

“The best tribute we can pay to Barrie is to continue his good work as a Plaid councillor and do what’s best for the people of Ruabon and Wales.

“That’s why we are delighted to have selected a candidate who is well known locally and who has campaigned on a range of issues over the past few years.

“Pol has taught hundreds of local children over the years and many now bring their children to his gym. He was also active in the last-ditch attempts to stop Merseyside’s waste being dumped in the Hafod quarry and has campaigned against plans to over-develop North-East Wales for the benefit of Cheshire commuters.”

Mr Wong added: “I’ve always been very proud to be Welsh and always been involved in voluntary work in the community. Along with my close connection with Ruabon and my genuine respect for and friendship with Barrie, it’s a natural step to take to stand as a councillor.”

The by-election was called by Labour and will be held on November 17th.