Welsh Conservatives embark on the most wide-ranging change of portfolios since 2016
All of the Conservative Members of the Welsh Parliament remain in the Shadow Cabinet, with the majority having new roles and responsibilities. Explaining the new Shadow Cabinet, the Leader of the Opposition in the Welsh Parliament, Paul Davies MS said:
“Now is the right time to set out the shape of a new Shadow Cabinet to take us into the next Welsh Parliament election. Alongside a brand-new role for Angela Burns, I have sought to give most of my team new opportunities and new challenges, so we make the most of the next ten months. This radical reshuffle showcases the best of a very talented team as we look to the future and a future Welsh Conservative Government.”
The most significant portfolio changes in the Shadow Cabinet are:
Andrew RT Davies MS becomes Shadow Minister for Health, Social Services and Sport, a critical portfolio in this period, and unifying the portfolio to precisely mirror two Welsh Government ministers.
Janet Finch-Saunders MS takes on a new role as Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy, and Rural Affairs, building on her successful holding of the Welsh Government to account on poor flood defences.
David Melding MS retains the culture brief but also now leads on legal matters, being Shadow Counsel General and Shadow Minister for Culture and Communications.
Laura Ann Jones MS joins the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Minister for Equalities, Children and Young People, and has been asked to take on a particular role in engaging with Young People across Wales.
Remaining in their previous posts with additional responsibilities are Mark Isherwood MS, who takes on housing policy as Shadow Minister for Local Government, Housing and Communities whilst also continuing as our Shadow Minister for the Armed Forces and North Wales.
Suzy Davies MS acquires skills policy within her portfolio as Shadow Minister for Education, Skills and the Welsh Language and also continues as the Leader's Diversity Champion.
Remaining in their previous roles with no significant responsibility changes are three other members of the Shadow Cabinet.
Russell George MS continues as Shadow Minister for Economy, Business and Infrastructure, and Mid Wales.
Nick Ramsay MS retains his position as Shadow Minister for Finance.
Darren Millar MS retains his roles as Chief Whip and Shadow Minister for External Relations and International Affairs. His responsibilities also include European Transition, Tourism and Covid-19 Recovery.
Concluding Paul Davies MS said:
“The focus of the Welsh Conservatives will continue to be on the failures of the Welsh Labour-led Government, but there is an additional responsibility on us as a team to produce a radical and compelling policy platform for the next Welsh Parliament elections. Today’s reshuffle of the Shadow Cabinet signifies a gear change for the Welsh Conservatives in the Welsh Parliament and is a key element of building a manifesto for a revolution in devolution, with the promise of genuine change for the people of Wales.”