Click here to Vote Now

 Back

 Previous

Next

Bethan Jenkins
Bethan Jenkins (born 9 December 1981 in Aberdare, Wales) is a Plaid Cymru Member of the National Assembly for Wales representing the South Wales West Region.

Background
Bethan Jenkins grew up in the Welsh town of Merthyr Tydfil where her parents were involved in the anti-apartheid movement of the 1980’s and early 1990’s.

Her brother is the journalist and broadcaster Ciaran Jenkins.

She is a former pupil of Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen, near Pontypridd. Her father is the poet Mike Jenkins, a previous winner of the John Tripp award. As well as being politically active, she enjoys music. Bethan was in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales for three years, and the Welsh lanuage folk/pop band Gilespi. Bethan also enjoys sport, and was a Lifeguard for many years. She now lives in Rhos, Pontardawe.

Aberystwyth Guild of Students
Bethan studied International Politics and International History at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. Through student politics, she was elected to the Aberystwyth Guild of Students executive, first as Women’s Officer, then as Campaigns, Communications and Equal Opportunities Officer. In 2004, she was elected as Guild President.

Cymru X
Whilst working as President of the Aberystwyth Guild of Students, Bethan saw Plaid Cymru suffer defeat in Ceredigion. After leaving Aberystwyth University, Bethan worked in the office of Leanne Wood AM and used her contacts there to set up the organisation Cymru X. Cymru X launched the first ever interactive text referendum on a Parliament for Wales, as well as campaigns against nuclear arms. Glyn Wise from Big Brother fame also took part in a campaign alongside Cymru X to encourage young people to vote prior to the National Assembly election in 2007.

2007 National Assembly of Wales elections
In March 2006, Bethan Jenkins was selected as Plaid Cymru's lead candidate for the South West Wales Regional list and was duly elected in the subsequent elections of May 2007. At the age of 25, she was the youngest Assembly Member elected.

Bethan is Plaid Cymru's Child Poverty Spokesperson at the National Assembly and sits on the Equal Opportunities Committee and the newly formed Petitions Committee.