On 29th June, Russell George, Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, was elected by his fellow Assembly Members as Chair of the National Assembly or Wales’ Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee.
The ballot which was conducted on Wednesday among AMs across all politically parties, saw Mr George gaining 41 votes, with a fellow AM gaining 13 votes.
Mr George, who has also recently been appointed as Welsh Conservative Spokesman for Economy, Infrastructure & Sport, will now lead the National Assembly’s scrutiny of Welsh Government policies on the economy, transport, digital infrastructure and skills.
Following his appointment, Mr George said:
“I’m delighted to have been elected as the committee chair for the National Assembly’s Economy, Infrastructure & Skills Committee.
“Assembly Committees are critical to holding the Welsh Government to account, making laws, and engaging directly with the people of Wales and I’m looking forward to this new challenge as Chair of this influential Committee.
I’m grateful to AMs from other political parties for having confidence in me to act impartially and fairly. I also look forward to building strong relationships and engaging with organisations across Wales that have an interest in seeing the Welsh economy flourish.
“During my time as an Assembly Member, I have taken a keen interest in the policy areas for which the Committee has responsibility, campaigning for universal access to superfast broadband as well as campaigning for long-overdue transport improvements to keep Montgomeryshire’s economy moving, including the Newtown bypass and a new Dyfi Bridge.
“I am now looking forward to constructive engagement with the Welsh Government, whilst also scrutinising Welsh Government policy in crucial areas so that business and industry can be supported.”