As many of you will already know, I am vehemently opposed to Welsh Labour, Lib Dem’s and Plaid Cymru’s plans to increase the number of Senedd members. At the end of April, Stage 3 of the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) was debated in the chamber, with my Welsh Conservative colleague Darren Millar tabling amendments to ensure candidates’ names remain on the ballot papers and that the people of Wales get the final say on any changes in a referendum. Unfortunately, these were not supported, and the bill is now becoming a reality.
From the very beginning, I have voiced my concerns to these proposals – I feel that the money that would be spent on new politicians is better spent elsewhere, such as on improving our NHS and transport networks. I am also worried that the new law would not improve scrutiny of the ruling government, and that it will fundamentally damage our democracy.
Many voters will be unaware that alongside myself as the Constituency Member for Brecon and Radnorshire, there are four other members representing you at a regional level. Under the proposed changes, you would not vote for a person, but just the political party. The people of Wales should be freely able to choose who they wish to represent them in an open-list system. If we are to get the ‘bread-and-butter’ issues under control, we must make sure that our institutions are fit for purpose and undergo a fair and proportionate electoral process.
On a personal note, I am delighted to have been appointed as the new Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs in the latest reshuffle. I am honoured to have the chance to represent the industry I love. I stand ready to fight everyone’s corner and be that strong voice for rural Wales.
