Powys Senedd Member to work with any party to deliver for his constituents

Last week, I had the honour of taking my oath to His Majesty King Charles in the Senedd as the lead Member of the Senedd for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd.

I want to begin by saying thank you. I am truly humbled by the support shown to me during the election campaign.

Winning the popular vote was a huge endorsement of the work the team put in during the campaign, and I’m grateful to everyone who put their faith in me. Whether you voted for me or not, I will work hard for everyone across our communities.

The election result was clear: the people of Wales wanted change.

Reform UK is now the official opposition in the Senedd with 34 Members, and we will provide strong scrutiny of the new Plaid Cymru minority government.

Because Plaid does not have a majority, it will need support from other parties to pass legislation and get its budget through later this year.

This week, the new First Minister set out his priorities, including waiting lists, schools, jobs, business, child poverty, and the cost of living. But warm words on their own are not enough for communities like ours.

I was disappointed not to hear a clear focus on farming or rural affairs, especially after the traditional ‘Rural Affairs’ title disappeared from the new Cabinet.

I asked the First Minister directly about two issues raised repeatedly by my constituents, the threat of pylons and turbines across Mid-Wales, and patients facing delays for treatment in England.

His answer on cross-border care was welcome in parts, but on energy developments it was vague. There was no commitment to stop the industrialisation of mid-Wales.

I will work with anyone, from any party, to deliver for my constituents, but I will also hold this new Welsh Government firmly to account. Only time will tell if their promises will be delivered.

Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd lead Senedd Member, James Evans