Welsh Conservatives’ “true opposition” shadow team announced

Welsh Conservatives have unveiled their new shadow spokespeople team, branded by Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies as the “true opposition” to Labour in Wales.

The shadow line-up will work together to scrutinise Welsh Government policy and propose strong and pioneering one nation solutions to Wales’ most pressing issues.

Following the appointments, Andrew RT Davies said the policy teams would best ensure the “wide-ranging, extensive talents” within the Group informs future policy development and scrutiny.

Angela Burns AM takes on the health portfolio, with Darren Millar AM speaking for the Group on education. Meanwhile, Russell George will speak for the Group on matters pertaining to the economy and transport.

Paul Davies AM, who continues to serve as Group Chief Whip and Business Manager, will also speak on rural affairs, whilst Mark Isherwood AM takes on the communities portfolio, and will also speak to Europe and the North Wales Growth Deal.

Welsh Conservative Leader, Andrew RT Davies AM, said:

“I’m proud to lead a Group that offers such a wide-ranging, extensive talents to the people of Wales, and my new Shadow team is aimed at utilising this experience, expertise and passion to offer real solutions to the problems facing people across Wales.

“By working together in broader portfolio areas, my team stand ready to offer robust scrutiny to this minority Labour administration; and will act as Wales’ true opposition, amid Labour and Plaid Cymru’s recent behind-closed-doors deal.”

Suzy Davies AM will speak exclusively on social services, champion the needs of Wales’ older population, as well as taking on responsibility for matters pertaining to the Welsh language, and Swansea Bay City Deal. 

Having served the Fourth Assembly term as Deputy Presiding Officer, David Melding returns to a spokesperson’s role and will lead on the nation’s sustainable future, including on the environment, planning, housing and the Wales Bill. 

Meanwhile, Nick Ramsay AM undertakes the role of finance spokesperson, and will play a central role in scrutinising Welsh Government budgets and working with the Treasury on transitional arrangements, further to the devolution of income tax. 

Mohammad Asghar AM adopts a new role concerning skills and Janet Finch-Saunders will continue her work on the local government portfolio.

Andrew RT Davies added:

“Wales too often lags behind other UK nations on key issues. This has to end – and the Welsh Government must finally start to deliver for the people it represents.

“Welsh Conservatives will offer constructive, robust scrutiny of their actions; and leave no stone unturned in the battle to ensure an upturn in fortunes for the people of Wales.

“It is an enormous privilege to lead this new-look Welsh Conservative team. The appointment of our new Campaigns and Policy directors will ensure that we deliver strong and pioneering one nation solutions to Wales’ most pressing issues.”

Welsh Conservative spokespeople team