Two Gwynedd councillors have thrown their hats in the ring to become Dwyfor Meirionnydd’s next Senedd member in a week that has also seen Labour reveal its candidate for the seat.

Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas will not seek re-election for the constituency he’s held since 1999.

Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives have already revealed their prospective candidates - Mabon ap Gwynfor and Charlie Evans.

Joining them will be Garndolbenmaen councillor Stephen Churchman for the Liberal Democrats and Blaenau Ffestiniog-based county councillor, Glyn Daniels for Llais Gwynedd.

And earlier this week, Welsh Labour announced it had selected 20-year-old Cian Ireland of Llanaelhaearn to contest the seat.

Mr Ireland said: “I’m excited to have been selected by Labour to stand in the constituency I grew up, went to school, and work in.

“As a disabled person, I’m also proud to represent a community that has been disproportionately impacted by this pandemic.

“Despite only getting involved in politics on my 18th birthday, I have a wealth of experience.

“As a young candidate I believe it’s crucial that as many 16 and 17-year-olds register to vote for the first time as possible, and I’ll be advocating for the implementation of rural socialism, bringing control and ownership into the hands of communities as the way forward in addressing pressing issues, such as the local housing crisis and low wages.”

Cllr Daniels, chair of Ffestiniog Town Council will be aiming to capture the seat for Llais Gwynedd, having worked as a quarryman in the town for 25 years.

He said: “As a native of Meirionnydd and with family links in Dwyfor I understand the needs of our local community. Dwyfor Meirionnydd is one of the most deprived areas in Wales and we need investment not never-ending cutbacks.

“Too long we have listened to career politicians trying to make a name for themselves promising everything if elected, and all they come up with is their picture in the local paper instead of action.”

“I will do my utmost to support small business in the area and press on the Welsh Government to help young people buy their own homes in their own communities.”

Cllr Stephen Churchman of Garndolbenmaen, has represented Dolbenmaen since 2004. The former railway track design engineer has contested the Dwyfor Meirionnydd seat in all elections since it was created in 2007.

Noting his priorities as securing investment in infrastructure, superfast broadband connectivity and the health service, he said: “I believe rural parts of Wales have been forgotten and whilst many towns enjoy the benefits of connectivity, rural areas languish far behind and our transport system is fit for the nineteenth century, rather than the twenty-first.

“The Senedd needs reminding that Wales exists beyond Labour’s fiefdom of the M4 and A55 corridors.”

The Senedd election is set to take place on 6 May.