THE Wales Green Party has announced its lead candidate in the European Parliament elections will be a Penarth resident.

Anthony Slaughter, the current leader of the party in Wales, has been involved in politics for more than a decade, both in and around Cardiff and across Wales.

Mr Slaughter previously served two terms as the Welsh Green’s deputy leader and represented them in parliamentary, Welsh Assembly and local authority elections.

The EU Parliament elections run from May 23 to 26.

Mr Slaughter, who has lived in Penarth for the last 15 years, working as a garden designer, said: “I am proud and excited to have this opportunity to represent Wales Green Party in the European elections in May.

“We have always been committed to remaining in the EU and consistently supported a People’s Vote on any Brexit deal. We stand unequivocally for freedom of movement – Penarth, with its reliance on tourism, would otherwise be affected directly.

“A vote for the Greens in this election is also a vote for the only party that truly recognises the priority for bold action on the accelerating climate emergency and the need for transformation of our profoundly unequal society.

“The Greens are the only group prioritising the need to face environmental challenges and crises. We need cooperation on an international level to address this issue.

“Penarth is also well placed to take advantage of our initiatives - Green power like a tidal lagoon would be a huge boon to the area.”

Mr Slaughter also said he is proud of his long-running engagement with community environmental group Gwyrddio Penarth Greening.

His involvement includes establishing a community orchard, a local food festival and promoting sustainable public transport.

On a national level Mr Slaughter has been involved with a range of activist groups and campaigns including Extinction Rebellion, the People’s Assembly, and 20’s Plenty for Wales.