Political changes both locally and nationally
This week, we have seen political changes both locally and nationally. Nationally, my own Party have selected a new Leader and Prime Minister in Boris Johnson. Locally, we have also been going through a process to select the Prospective Welsh Conservative Member of Parliament for Montgomeryshire following my friend and colleague, Glyn Davies', announcement that does not intend to seek re-election in 2022 or whenever the next General Election takes place.
It has been a great honour and privilege working alongside Glyn as Montgomeryshire's Member of Parliament over the best part of a decade. Among his many achievements as an MP, he has fought to ensure that robust A&E services remain at Shrewsbury and I'm particularly pleased to have worked with him on a range of healthcare issues and the other challenges which are unique to a relatively rural area like Montgomeryshire. Glyn has also played a major role in promoting and protecting Wales’ interests through his work as a Parliamentary Private Secretary to two Secretaries of State for Wales.
Glyn has clearly been more heavily involved in all matters surrounding Brexit, and if I don't get a chance to speak to Glyn for a few days, I can be sure of receiving an update on all matters Brexit via his Facebook page and the regular updates which Glyn provides.
Delivering on the referendum result and leaving the European Union in just three months' time will be the main immediate challenge for Boris Johnson as our next Prime Minister and one of the reasons why, after my preferred candidate (Michael Gove) was eliminated from the race, I backed him as I feel that he has the necessary dynamism and outlook to get this process over the line so that the whole country can move on and deal with the many other issues which are largely being overshadowed by the Brexit process which has rumbled on for far too long.
He has a strong record of leadership as the Mayor of London and while we will witness a very different style of leadership from that of recent Prime Ministers such as Theresa May and David Cameron, I also believe that he is best placed to engage with the public (after this divisive Brexit process); set out an optimistic, and modern vision for the UK; and win an election for the Conservative Party to secure the country's future from what I feel is the biggest threat to our country's economic prosperity and security - a UK Government led by Jeremy Corbyn.
I hope that Craig Williams, who has been selected from a strong range of candidates as the Prospective Welsh Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire at a special general meeting of the Montgomeryshire Conservative Association last week, will be elected as our next Conservative MP and follow in Glyn's footsteps in ensuring that Montgomeryshire has a strong voice in Westminster.
Some time ago, I indicated that I would like to stand for the next Welsh Assembly Elections in 2021. With more powers coming to our Welsh Parliament, including tax varying powers, I would like to keep ensuring that Montgomeryshire's voice is heard loud and clear in Cardiff Bay. For as long as he remains in office, I will continue to work closely with Glyn and I’m very much looking forward to including Craig Williams as a member of our Montgomeryshire Conservative team. I have known Craig for many years, and as a local person, who was raised and went to school in Montgomeryshire, who lives here and raises his own children here, Craig firmly understands the needs and concerns of our local area, and I’m looking forward to campaigning with Craig on the issues that matter to the people of Mid Wales.
