Third Shadow Cabinet of Andrew RT Davies

Last updated
Andrew RT Davies Shadow Cabinet
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Shadow Cabinet of Wales
January 2021– May 2021
Andrew RT Davies 2016.jpg
Date formed24 January 2021
Date dissolved29 March 2021
People and organisations
Monarch Elizabeth II
Leader of the Opposition Andrew RT Davies
Member party
  •   Welsh Conservatives
Status in legislature Official Opposition
11 / 60(18%)
History
Legislature term 5th Senedd
Predecessor Shadow Cabinet of Paul Davies
Successor Fourth Shadow Cabinet of Andrew RT Davies

Andrew RT Davies became the Leader of the Opposition in Wales on the 24 January 2021 after the resignation of Paul Davies as leader the following day. On 29 March 2021, Nick Ramsay left the Welsh Conservative group, meaning it was no longer the largest party not in government in the Senedd, and therefore no longer the official opposition.

Contents

Background

Paul Davies was seen drinking with other politicians on the Senedd estate on 8 and 9 December 2020 that could have proven contrary to Welsh Government COVID alcohol ban that was brought in four days before. He apologised for his actions on the 19 January 2021 and the Conservative Group in the Senedd gave there unanimous support in a meeting on the 22 January for Paul Davies to stay as leader. The BBC reported that Paul Davies was considering stepping down in that meeting, and a report by the Senedd Commission said that it could be a possible breach of COVID rules. [1] There was much uproar by grassroots supporters and senior members of the Welsh Conservatives of his actions [2] and on 23 January Paul Davies stepped down with immediate effect. [3]

There was a short discussion between Conservative Members of the Senedd the following day where they gave their unanimous support for Andrew R. T. Davies to become leader. [4] He created a cabinet out of members left in the frontbench (Darren Miller, Nick Ramsey and Paul Davies had stepped down) on the same day. David Melding re-joined the cabinet after stepping down in September 2020 following disagreements with the parties Internal Market stance. [5]

On 29 March 2021, Nick Ramsay left the Welsh Conservative group in the Senedd, to run as an independent for his Monmouth seat, having been deselected by his local party. [6] This meant the Conservatives matched Plaid Cymru with 10 MSs, meaning there was no second largest party, and therefore no official opposition. Andrew RT Davies would form the next Shadow Cabinet after the 2021 Senedd Election, his fourth. [7]

Members

Conservative Shadow Cabinet (as of 24 January 2021)
PortfolioNameConstituencyTerm
Leader of the Opposition

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives

Andrew RT Davies 2016.jpg Andrew RT Davies MS South Wales Central Jan 2021 – March 2021
Shadow Minister for Health and Social Services Angela Burns AM (28066511502).jpg Angela Burns MS Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Jan 2021 – March 2021
Shadow Minister for Finance, North Wales and Chief Whip Mark Isherwood AM (28092336901).jpg Mark Isherwood MS North Wales Jan 2021 – March 2021
Shadow Minister for Economy, Transport and Mid Wales Russell George AM (27889501870).jpg Russell George MS Montgomeryshire Jan 2021 – March 2021
Shadow Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Janet Finch Saunders AM (28066509832) (2).jpg Janet Finch-Saunders MS Aberconwy Jan 2021 – March 2021
Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing, Culture and Sport David Melding 2016.jpg David Melding MS South Wales Central Jan 2021 – March 2021
Shadow Minister for Education, Skills and the Welsh Language Suzy Davies.jpg Suzy Davies MS South Wales West Jan 2021 – March 2021
Shadow Minister for Housing and Local Government, Equalities, Children and Young People Laura Anne Jones MS.jpg Laura Anne Jones MS South Wales East Jan 2021 – March 2021

See also

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References

  1. "Covid: Senedd drinking a 'possible breach' of Wales alcohol ban". BBC News. 2021-01-22. Retrieved 2021-01-31.
  2. "Senedd alcohol row: PM 'expects above and beyond' on Covid". BBC News. 2021-01-20. Retrieved 2021-01-31.
  3. "Tory Senedd leader Paul Davies quits over alcohol row". BBC News. 2021-01-23. Retrieved 2021-01-31.
  4. "Andrew RT Davies returns as Welsh Conservatives leader". BBC News. 2021-01-24. Retrieved 2021-01-31.
  5. "Newly appointed Welsh Tory leader Andrew RT Davies announces Shadow Cabinet". ITV News. 2021-01-24. Retrieved 2021-01-31.
  6. "Wales election: Nick Ramsay leaves Welsh Tories to stand as independent". BBC News. 2021-03-29. Retrieved 2024-07-13.
  7. Owen, Cathy (2021-05-27). "Tory MSs who drank in Senedd during alcohol ban get top roles". Wales Online. Retrieved 2024-07-13.