MONMOUTHSHIRE’S Conservatives have pledged to deliver politics that “works for everyone” at the launch of their local government manifesto.

The party will be fielding 42 candidates at the county council elections on May 4.

Speaking at the launch held at Bulwark Community Centre in Chepstow, serving council leader and Portskewett candidate Peter Fox ensured that “nobody would be left behind”.

“We hear that our party doesn’t care about social justice and that’s wrong, we are absolutely committed to working for all parts of our communities,” he said.

“That includes securing futures for our most vulnerable, both children and adults, who just want to get on with their lives.

“We want to continue to retain our local services and create opportunities to drive up the economy.”

He added: “We have a strong plan which works for everyone, and a plan that we can all be proud of.”

Pledges put forward by the Conservatives in their manifesto include delivering value for money, protecting and investing in local services and investing in the local economy to create new skilled jobs.

Other pledges include improving school standards, to continue building new schools across the county and to “harness the potential” for Monmouthshire following the proposed halving of the Severn Bridge tolls next year.

Mr Fox also described the party’s new set of candidates as “talented”, referring to 19-year-old St Christopher’s candidate Joshua Chohan and The Elms candidate Lisa Dymock.

Miss Dymock will be contesting the Labour-held seat in Undy after joining the Conservative Party two years ago.

“I joined because of my personal values and family life, and was keen to be a part of something that mirrors my views as a young woman,” she said.

“When I looked at the local party, I saw that they were working together with a common purpose, they were driving our county forward.

“Their values fitted my own, and I felt that that by standing in this election I could take an active part in the work of the council, whilst making sure my views of the residents, where I live in Undy, are heard.”

Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay was joined by the constituency’s MP, David Davies, to support the launch.

Mr Davies said: “Peter has done a superb job as council leader and we want to make sure that he carries on that good work into a full Conservative-controlled local council. This includes supporting local businesses, modernising schools and keeping taxes to low levels.”