A LEADING trade unionist in Wales has taken a giant step towards election to the Senedd in next May’s elections after topping her constituency list.

TUC Cymru general secretary Shavanah Taj topped the poll of Welsh Labour members in the new Senedd super constituency of Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf.

Ms Taj thanked everyone who supported her from across the political spectrum and said topping the list in her home city of Cardiff was an incredible honour. 

“At a time of so much hatred and division, this shows hope and solidarity can win,” Ms Taj said.

“As the daughter of a steelworker, I’ll take that same grit and determination into the Senedd to fight for fairness and equality, Labour values rooted in our socialist tradition.”

Her father came to Britain from Pakistan in 1959 and worked in the South Wales steelworks and was a shop steward and health and safety rep.

Ms Taj referenced her faith as a Muslim working-class woman, and said her selection as a trade unionist sends a clear message that Wales welcomes all. 

“My faith and my politics have always taught me the importance of justice, compassion, and collectivism,” Ms Taj said.

Unison Cymru regional secretary Jess Turner said: “Shav will be a strong voice for workers and for Wales’s trade unions in the Senedd.

“She’s spent years standing up for the staff who keep our services running which will be invaluable at a time when public services are under real pressure.”

Unite Wales political officer Pasty Turner said Ms Taj’s working life was embedded in the trade union movement, “which is the experience and knowledge needed when she is elected to the Senedd in May.”

Welsh Labour Grassroots co-chairman Dylan Lewis-Rowlands said she will bring the voice of the working class and trade union movement to the Senedd, at a time when it is needed more than ever. 

“A committed trade unionist, socialist, anti-racist, and anti-fascist campaigner, we hope Shav will stand for what is right, not what is convenient for the leadership,” Mr Lewis-Rowlands said.

GMB Wales senior organiser Tom Hoyles said Ms Taj’s selection highlights the importance of the movement in modern Wales.

“Shav has put herself in a strong position to be elected next May and the only way she’ll be elected though is if trade unionists come together and back her.”