MALPAS resident and farmer Barbara Hughes, has revealed she will be challenging for Clywd South in the Welsh Senedd at next year's elections.

Barbara, who was born and bred in the constituency in Corwen and is the former national vice chairman for the Women's Farming Union, says she plans to get straight on with holding the Welsh government to account for failing policies.

Revealing her intentions, Barbara says she intends to seek more Senedd support for rural Welsh communities.

"I intend to stand up for local people, who deserve so much more than they get from the Welsh government. Rural communities, like ours, are the backbone of Wales," she said. "We need more support and I will fight to make sure we get it."

Barbara says securing more backing for local businesses is close to her heart. She runs Ivy House, a 220-acre dairy farm with her husband Derek on the Clwyd South border – as well as successful PYO pumpkin and strawberry ventures.

And as a Welsh speaker, Barbara believes she understands the needs of Welsh rural businesses.

"I understand the needs and challenges of working in business, because I have set up and developed my own from scratch," she added.

A mentor for the Welsh Government Farming Connect programme, Barbara is passionate about improving communication and connectivity.

"I want to see the digital agenda developed further," she adds. "With Covid-19 and more of us working from home, we need to make absolutely sure that rural communities are not disadvantaged by slow broadband speeds."

Increased funding for local schools and the health service are among Barbara's top priorities.

In her spare time, Barbara says she enjoys reading, swimming and equestrian sports and is married with three children and five grandchildren.