An independent candidate running for election for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd has complained of being left out of a Hustings event in Knighton.

Cllr Beverley Baynham took to Facebook to say that she has been refused to be part of the Hustings event tomorrow, which is an opportunity for candidates to answer questions from members of the public, held at Knighton Community Centre.

Ms Baynham said in a Facebook post: “As the local candidate I am absolutely astounded that Larry at Knighton Community Centre thinks its acceptable to refuse me a platform because I am not party of a large party. I don't have the backing of a political party with numerous party members delivering leaflets, I don't have the luxury of having all my election material paid for by a party. I am myself and having to rely on hustings and getting round as much as I can. But it appears I am not worthy.”

In a response, Larry at the Knighton Community Centre said: “The Comm wishes to acknowledge the conversations on social media voicing concern that the Independent Candidate in the Senedd elections is not invited to the Hustings tomorrow.

“Planning for the Hustings began in January. The intention of the Comm hosting a Hustings is to offer the Knighton Community the opportunity to meet and ask questions of the political parties who may form a government or be part of a government following the election on May 7th.

“It has taken considerable work to achieve this, by volunteers. Having confirmed the 6 parties will be attending, as late as March - we turned our attention to publicising the event, with help from volunteers.

“We have been clear from the outset that the purpose of this event is to get a large audience from Knighton and the surrounding communities to meet the 6 main parties. Some of our posters, mysteriously, were taken down, so we printed and delivered 1000 flyers around Knighton last weekend.

“On Thursday last Beverley Baynham announced her Independent Candidacy and asked to attend the Hustings. Given the agreement that we had since March with the 6 main parties attending, the Comm was not able to accommodate any additional participants, at 3 working days notice.

“This would have increased the size of the event and, with already limited time for each candidate to speak, plus allowing sufficient time for questions from the Community.

“The Comm has offered to support a separate event for Beverley Baynham, at zero cost to her, supported by the sponsor of the main hustings, which she turned down. She has been invited to address the audience at the end of the event at 21.00. Organising significant events is a complex process. We did this to support local democracy and enable people in and around Knighton to make an informed choice about how they want to vote.

“Democracy is live in Knighton on Wednesday. Please support this event at the Comm.”

Talking to The Brecon and Radnor Express, Ms Baynham said: “I contacted the organisers of the Hustings as asked if I was invited. I received an email on Monday simply saying I was not invited. I questioned it and was told the people in Knighton & surrounding area want to hear from the six main parties who may be elected. I obviously found this extremely disappointing. I didn’t put myself forward for a waste of time I did it to offer residents an alternative option.

“I’ve worked really hard for the last 18 years in local politics and just because I’m not a member of a political party doesn’t mean I should be written off without being given a chance. Monday evening I emailed again asking if I could be allowed to give a short speech at the start of the meeting to introduce myself. That was refused but I was told I would be allowed to do this at the end of the hustings. I obviously accepted.

“I was offered the opportunity to use the “Comm” free of charge for myself which I did decline as I do not believe it would be beneficial, however I do thank them for the offer.

“It’s not just about me, every candidate should be treated the same. I have been invited to other hustings in the constituency but I am the only candidate from the area which made the snubbing all the more difficult to accept.

“The organisers say it has been agreed since January but at that time no one knew James Evans would be no.1 on the Reform list or that Tyler Chamber would be anywhere near no.1 for the Conservatives.”

Members of the public shared their frustration over the decision. One commenter said: “Excluding an independent candidate undermines the very democratic purpose of a hustings. Voters deserve to hear all choices, not just established parties. Late notice is inconvenient, but inclusivity matters more than convenience or prior arrangements in a fair election process.”

Another said: “All candidates should be part of a hustings. This is not acceptable.”

Ms Baynham has been invited to a Hustings event held in Talgarth on Wednesday, 22nd April.