Press Release: OBV star to become 1st Black female Welsh politician

Mari is taking part in an award winning scheme OBV scheme supported by the National Assembly for Wales. Nine shadows and nine assembly member from the four main political parties in the National Assembly are taking part in the scheme to demystify the working of the democratic process and inspire others to become politically involved.

Mari is a former BBC producer and a committed equality activist. At her selection she pledged to engage young people in the political process and build a new movement of change in the county. She said she would reach out to all voters in the area and build a campaign based on change to make the lives of local people fairer.

OBV's Simon Woolley stated: We are absolutely delighted about Mari's selection. She is a credit to the party, OBV and most of all Wales. I'm convinced that with her drive and commitment she will inspire other women, particularly Black women, that they can be positive agents for change in Wales and beyond. Mrs Rees said: "When I speak to local people they tell me they want to build for the future. We need the jobs of the future here in Pembrokeshire. We need more, well-paid, highly skilled work that will support local people if they want to stay on and build a future for themselves in Pembrokeshire.

"Local people want and will demand a better future for young people, with affordable housing as an urgent priority. People want excellent local public services and I will work with our Labour Assembly Government to fight Pembrokeshire's corner.

ENDS.

Notes to the editor: 1. Operation Black Vote is a non-party political campaign. 2. The term 'Black' is a political term. It refers to African, Asian, Caribbean and other ethnic minorities.