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Powys County Times
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Powys MS given new role after Reform's Royal Welsh Show news
Powys MS James Evans has taken on a new role in the Conservatives' Welsh Government shadow cabinet following another MS's defection to Reform. Nigel Farage used an appearance at the Royal Welsh Show on Tuesday that Laura Anne Jones had crossed the floor to join Reform UK. Now Brecon and Radnorshire MS James Evans has been awarded the Armed Forces brief that she previously occupied. It means he is now the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health, Social Care and the Armed Forces. Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS also announced that Joel James will become the new Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Housing, and Natasha Asghar is is taking on a wider portfolio and becomes the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Children, Young People and Education. The Local Government and Housing portfolios were also part of Ms Jones' brief before she defected to Reform. Ms Ashgar was previously in charge of education for the Shadow Cabinet, and takes on the roles previously occupied by Mr James. Mr Evans has previously denied reports that he was set to defect to Reform, calling the claims "simply not true". Mr Millar said: "I am pleased to announce today's changes to my Shadow Cabinet team. "The Welsh Conservatives are the only credible alternative to the failing Labour Government here in Wales, and we are the only conservative party that will be on the ballot paper in the Senedd elections next May. "After 26 years of devolution under Labour, our country is broken, only the Welsh Conservatives will fix Wales." The full Conservative shadow cabinet in Wales. Leader of the Opposition - Darren Millar MS Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Chief Whip and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution - Paul Davies MS Shadow Cabinet Secretary for, Children, Young People and Education - Natasha Asghar MS Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism, Sport and North Wales - Gareth Davies MS Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health, Social Care and the Armed Forces- James Evans MS Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Environment - Janet Finch-Saunders MS Shadow Counsel General, and Shadow Secretary for Delivery, External Affairs and Welsh Language – Tom Giffard MS Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Equalities and Social Justice - Altaf Hussain MS Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Housing – Joel James MS Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Energy and Rural Affairs - Samuel Kurtz MS
Powys County Times
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Conservative Senedd member Laura Anne Jones defects to Reform
Laura Anne Jones, a long-standing Welsh Conservative Member of the Senedd who represents south east Wales, has dramatically defected to Reform UK. The announcement was made this afternoon at the Royal Welsh Show in Powys, where she appeared alongside Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage MP. Jones, who has represented the South Wales East region since 2020 and previously served in the Senedd from 2003 to 2007, has been a member of the Conservative Party for over three decades. But today, she said she no longer believed the party represented the values of the Welsh people. 'The Conservatives failed us when last in power,' she said. 'Labour, both in Westminster and in Wales, are completely incompetent. There is so much to undo and put right, Reform is now the only party that stands up for hard-working people with traditional, patriotic values.' Her move follows a turbulent year in Welsh politics. In June 2024, Jones was asked to step down from the Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet amid allegations related to expenses. At the time, WhatsApp messages appeared to show her instructing a staff member to 'make more than I did – add in stuff please ok.' She was later cleared by South Wales Police, who found no evidence of fraud. She was reinstated to the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport in December. But today's announcement sees a complete break with the Conservatives. Jones said Reform UK is 'the only party able to stop Labour and Plaid getting into bed together once again.' Her message to voters was : 'I strongly believe I've joined a party that shares my ambition for Wales, for our great country, to make the dragon roar once more. "I can't wait to get started, help steer things in the right direction, fight for my constituents and for my beloved Wales, and take people along with me. With Reform, I truly feel that I am now part of the solution, not the problem. Let's Reform Cymru.' Reacting to the news, Welsh Conservative Leader Darren Millar MS said: "Naturally, I'm disappointed by Laura's decision and Conservative Party members and voters in South East Wales will feel very let down by her announcement. "The Welsh Conservatives will not allow this to distract us from our national mission to boot Labour out and fix Wales. "In the meantime, we wish Laura all the very best in her new high tax and high spend party." Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said: "This is yet another desperate Tory defection who knows the writing is on the wall for their party's prospects next May. "Our national parliament is not a play thing for those who want to set Wales on a road to ruin. "Only a Plaid Cymru government will build a fair, ambitious and prosperous nation." A Welsh Labour spokesperson said: 'Today's defection is further proof that Reform are just the Tories in teal ties. Neither party cares about the people of Wales. 'Laura Anne Jones has seen the polls and, in a desperate attempt to keep her Senedd seat, is leaving the sinking Tory ship. This is someone who backed Liz Truss' reckless economics which crashed the economy, lost her front bench role over expenses claims and her own party said they were embarrassed by her racist slur in a WhatsApp group. 'She claims she's now part of the solution not the problem. Reform have no plan for Wales only Welsh Labour is listening and delivering for the people of Wales.'
ITV News
22-07-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
High-profile Reform defection causes stir, but what does it mean for 2026 Senedd Election?
The defection of Laura Anne Jones has shocked and surprised even some of her closest colleagues. The significance of it has yet to be fully realised but certainly for now it has caused a sensation. In the short term, it gives Nigel Farage's Reform UK a Senedd member, another symbol that it's gaining support at all levels of government and a possible leader in Wales and even, if the polls are correct, a potential candidate for First Minister. But it brings its own problems. Laura Anne Jones is yet to be formally cleared by the Senedd's Standards Commissioner, Douglas Bain, after South Wales Police cleared her of expenses allegations. And her presence adds to those who say that Reform UK is mostly the home of disgruntled, former Conservative politicians, something that might put off those supporters of other political parties who, polls suggest, have been tempted by what they're hearing from Reform UK. For the Welsh Conservatives, it's a blow and one they weren't expecting. One Welsh Conservative source made the jibe, 'She'll have to turn up to cabinet more often now,' while another expressed disappointment that Ms Jones hadn't confided in even her closest colleagues, particularly those who'd offered help and support including 'emotional support' in recent years. Still, there's no doubt that her defection has shaken up a Welsh politics that is already being shaken up. Next year's Senedd election is one that is likely to bring huge change. Laura Anne Jones has just become a much bigger part of that change. Those other parties are contemplating what change means for them. There's the same mix of bafflement and frustration. When I bumped into Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth on the Royal Welsh Showground earlier, he highlighted the fact that he's a leader rooted in Wales but it's the visitor flown in from elsewhere who was getting the attention. Similarly former Welsh Conservative leader, Andrew RT Davies, has been at the Royal Welsh in a personal capacity for the last few days before taking up political tasks today. He rather wryly laughs at the rumours suggesting it would be he who'd defect, repeating his mantra that he was 'born blue.' A Welsh Labour spokesperson said, 'Today's defection is further proof that Reform are just the Tories in teal ties. Neither party cares about the people of Wales. 'Laura Anne Jones has seen the polls and, in a desperate attempt to keep her Senedd seat, is leaving the sinking Tory ship. This is someone who backed Liz Truss' reckless economics which crashed the economy, lost her front bench role over expenses claims and her own party said they were embarrassed by her racist slur in a WhatsApp group. 'She claims she's now part of the solution not the problem. Reform have no plan for Wales only Welsh Labour is listening and delivering for the people of Wales.' In his statement, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said 'This is yet another desperate Tory defection who knows the writing is on the wall for their party's prospects next May. 'Our national parliament is not a plaything for those who want to set Wales on a road to ruin. Only a Plaid Cymru government will build a fair, ambitious and prosperous nation.'Welsh Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick said, 'The Conservatives are clearly dead as a political force in Wales. But let's be clear: Reform has no answers for Wales, just more noise, division, and is seemingly now only a vehicle for failed Conservative politicians. 'The Welsh Liberal Democrats are standing up to Reform and defending the public services our communities rely on, offering the serious leadership Wales desperately needs. 'Our party's DNA is interwoven with Welsh history and identity. Next year, we will be fighting hard to build a fairer, more Liberal future for Wales. For voters who feel the Conservatives have abandoned them and are appalled by Reform, our door is open.'
South Wales Argus
22-07-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Conservative Senedd member Laura Anne Jones defects to Reform
The announcement was made this afternoon at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, where she appeared alongside Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage MP. Jones, who has represented the South Wales East region since 2020 and previously served in the Senedd from 2003 to 2007, has been a member of the Conservative Party for over three decades. But today, she said she no longer believed the party represented the values of the Welsh people. 'The Conservatives failed us when last in power,' she said. 'Labour, both in Westminster and in Wales, are completely incompetent. There is so much to undo and put right, Reform is now the only party that stands up for hard-working people with traditional, patriotic values.' Her move follows a turbulent year in Welsh politics. In June 2024, Jones was asked to step down from the Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet amid allegations related to expenses. At the time, WhatsApp messages appeared to show her instructing a staff member to 'make more than I did – add in stuff please ok.' She was later cleared by South Wales Police, who found no evidence of fraud. She was reinstated to the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport in December. But today's announcement sees a complete break with the Conservatives. Jones said Reform UK is 'the only party able to stop Labour and Plaid getting into bed together once again.' Her message to voters was : 'I strongly believe I've joined a party that shares my ambition for Wales, for our great country, to make the dragon roar once more. "I can't wait to get started, help steer things in the right direction, fight for my constituents and for my beloved Wales, and take people along with me. With Reform, I truly feel that I am now part of the solution, not the problem. Let's Reform Cymru.' Reacting to the news, Welsh Conservative Leader Darren Millar MS said: "Naturally, I'm disappointed by Laura's decision and Conservative Party members and voters in South East Wales will feel very let down by her announcement. "The Welsh Conservatives will not allow this to distract us from our national mission to boot Labour out and fix Wales. "In the meantime, we wish Laura all the very best in her new high tax and high spend party." Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said: "This is yet another desperate Tory defection who knows the writing is on the wall for their party's prospects next May. "Our national parliament is not a play thing for those who want to set Wales on a road to ruin. "Only a Plaid Cymru government will build a fair, ambitious and prosperous nation." A Welsh Labour spokesperson said: 'Today's defection is further proof that Reform are just the Tories in teal ties. Neither party cares about the people of Wales. 'Laura Anne Jones has seen the polls and, in a desperate attempt to keep her Senedd seat, is leaving the sinking Tory ship. This is someone who backed Liz Truss' reckless economics which crashed the economy, lost her front bench role over expenses claims and her own party said they were embarrassed by her racist slur in a WhatsApp group. 'She claims she's now part of the solution not the problem. Reform have no plan for Wales only Welsh Labour is listening and delivering for the people of Wales.' The decision makes Jones the most senior elected Reform politician in Wales, with the party expected to make significant gains in next year's Senedd elections.
Wales Online
07-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Mark Drakeford's tourism tax will be a 'disaster' for Wales
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Darren Millar MS, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, and Sam Rowlands MS, the Welsh Conservative finance spokesman, have written this joint piece against Wales' tourism tax which is going to its final vote in the Senedd on Tuesday, July 8. This week, in the Senedd, members of the Cardiff Bay political establishment will vote together to create a new tax. Only the Welsh Conservatives voted against the dreaded tourism tax, because we know that on every measure it will harm Welsh tourism. We have the ideal case study in the form of Rachel Reeves' tax policy. We know that her jobs tax, coupled with her family farms tax and general hostility to business has shrunk the economy, harmed investor confidence, and increased unemployment (which is up by 50% in Wales since July of last year). Welsh Labour's toxic tourism tax will do the same to Wales. The tourism industry is already having to deal with the harshest business rates in Britain as well as Labour's decision to cut relief for the retail, hospitality and leisure sector. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. The Welsh Conservatives will scrap business rates altogether for small businesses, unlocking our high streets in tourism hotspots and across Wales and don't forget, as with many of Labour's wrongheaded decisions, their so-called 'Visitor Accommodation Levy' Bill could not have progressed without the support of Plaid Cymru, who provided full support throughout for this punitive policy. Who would want to take on the risk of setting up a tourism business here in Wales, with an extra tax on accommodation on its way? £1.30 per person, per night, may not be much for well-paid politicians in Cardiff Bay, but is a considerable cost for price-sensitive visitors looking for an affordable family holiday in Wales. In fact, a family on holiday in a self-catering unit for a week at £300 could be charged nearly £60 in tourism tax, a 20% increase in the cost of their holiday! Be in no doubt, the tourism tax will hit the poorest the hardest. Crucially, unlike what Labour and Plaid like to tell us, this isn't just a 'small' £1.30 charge. That is the minimum levy that will be imposed, because the Bill actually paves the way for councils to add an unlimited uncapped premium per night on top. The Visitor Levy Bill's explanatory memorandum is clear. It states that Labour Ministers have the ability 'to make regulations specifying the maximum amount of the premium which may be added by a principal council.' You can be sure that nationalist-run councils will be itching to pull that lever again and again to deter even more visitors, with no thought for their local economies. On top of all of this, VAT is applied only after this tax is applied, inflating those costs for tourists further still. The sheer size of the hit to the Welsh economy will be enormous. Labour's own figures, cited in their explanatory memorandum, point to an up to £576 million cost over the next decade. Even the most optimistic scenario is a net economic loss of tens of millions of pounds, far from the growth delivery agenda promised by Keir Starmer. The tourism tax will also be a disaster for jobs. The same economic analysis from Cardiff University warns of up to 730 job losses per year. This kind of annual hit to a sector of the economy supporting 1-in-7 jobs would be absolutely devastating for Wales. The Wales Tourism Alliance, The Professional Association of Self Caterers and UK Hospitality, key representatives of the tourism sector, have all voiced their opposition to Labour's Tourism Tax. Their concerns are numerous, but include a lack of obligation being placed on local authorities to allocate the funding to tourism-related initiatives, something that was promised by Labour. Regardless, councils will inevitably use any new cash, even if it is earmarked to improve the local offer, as a replacement for the funding already being used for that purpose. This will mean that the money will simply be siphoned off, rendering the Tourism Tax just another revenue raiser for day-to-day council spending, rather than the extra investment in facilities to attract visitors. For all of these reasons, the Welsh Conservatives are reaffirming our commitment to axing the toxic tourism tax. If a Welsh Conservative Government is elected next year, we will even be able to do so before the tax comes into force and prevent much of the damage that this policy will inflict. And we will go even further, because on top of this new tax, self-catering accommodation businesses are also been forced to pay council tax premiums of up to 200% if they don't meet the Welsh Labour Government's arbitrary 182-day minimum occupancy threshold, regardless of those businesses' legitimate attempts to meet it. That is why the Welsh Conservatives are also committed to reducing that threshold to 105 days, the HMRC definition of a self-catering accommodation business, to save small businesses from having to face that unfair cliff edge. Ahead of the 2026 Senedd election, the Welsh Conservatives will be offering a positive vision to fix Wales, one that supports the tourism sector and helps it to thrive, not one that hinders it. Our party is clear, with a clapped out Labour government, on its way out of office, we have a unique opportunity to change Wales for the better. Creating new taxes and regulations is the Labour way, the Plaid Cymru way and the Lib Dem way. But we Welsh Conservatives are a low tax party that is unashamedly pro-business, pro-jobs and pro-tourism. Eliminating barriers and unlocking growth in the economy is our Welsh Conservative way. It's time to axe the Tourism Tax and it's time to fix Wales.
