From Caia Park and teaching aerobics to the steps of the Senedd

Carrie Harper, a councillor from Wrexham's Caia Park estate, has been elected to the Senedd in 2026. Initially elected as a councillor in 2008, she has contested several elections, including Westminster seats and the Senedd by-election in Alyn and Deeside. Harper's journey into politics began with community campaigning, particularly on issues of inequality and affordable housing. She was drawn into politics aged 25, while working as a fitness instructor and raising two young children. Harper's interest in politics was sparked by the lack of affordable housing in her community and the injustice she saw in people not being able to afford homes. She eventually joined Plaid Cymru after discovering Welsh history and identity, which she felt had been missing from her education. Harper's election to the Senedd is a significant milestone in her political career, and she hopes to continue fighting for the rights of her community.