THE Welsh Conservatives have selected their candidate to fight Clwyd South at the next general election.

Simon Baynes is a former businessman, founder of the charity Concertina – Music for the Elderly and author of the recently published book “Lake Vyrnwy – The Story of a Sporting Hotel”.

He stood in Clwyd South in 2017, increasing the Conservative vote by almost 4,000.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Baynes said: “I am extremely pleased to have been selected, and I will be campaigning hard on the issues that matter most to the people of Clwyd South.”

Brexit is Simon’s number one priority. He said: “It is essential that we leave the EU on October 31, with or without a deal. I strongly support the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and his approach to negotiating with the EU.”

Mr Baynes also wants to make sure money made available to the Welsh Labour Government from Westminster is spent where it is needed most.

He said: “That money must be used to fund front- line services, particularly health, education and care for the elderly.”

Mr Baynes also wants to see a reduction in business rates, to ensure the survival of local high streets.

He added that farming and the countryside are also important to him and he will "work hard to support both".

Mr Baynes is currently Chairman of the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust and is keen to protect and promote heritage in Clwyd South. He is also a Trustee of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Mid Wales Opera and Chairman of the Holroyd Community Theatre near Oswestry.