Former Welsh Conservative MPs May Seek Senedd Seats, Suggests Westminster Spokesperson

The new Conservative spokesperson for Wales in Westminster has indicated that several former Welsh Conservative Members of Parliament may contest the Senedd elections in 18 months. In 2019, the party secured 14 Welsh Conservative MP positions, yet it did not obtain any seats in Wales during July’s election. Political parties will require a significantly larger number of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, given that the assembly is set to increase its membership from 60 to 96 and will adopt a new, more proportional, electoral system. Mims Davies, the recently appointed shadow Welsh secretary, conveyed to the BBC that the Welsh Parliament might offer a path back to prominent political roles for certain former Welsh Conservative MPs. Davies represents East Grinstead and Uckfield, a constituency located in the south east of England. She stated to Radio Wales Breakfast, “I want to see some of my colleagues back.” She continued, “Fay Jones [ex-Brecon and Radnorshire MP] and Virginia Crosbie of course did a fantastic job in Ynys Môn, and we see the 2026 Senedd elections as the opportunity for making a difference.” Presenter Carl Roberts questioned Davies regarding her belief about whether some Welsh MPs who were not re-elected in the general election could secure seats in the Senedd. She responded: “I think that just because you have been a Westminster MP it doesn’t mean that necessarily you give up on politics [if you lose your seat in the Commons].” Davies further mentioned that local government bodies, and specifically the Senedd in Wales, serve as “your base” for a politician. The Welsh Parliament, she commented, has “been there for 25 years – it’s costing a huge amount of money”. She additionally stated that with its forthcoming expansion, “it’s going to cost even more money and there’s going to be even more politicians”. She concluded, “If there are going to be more politicians I want them to be Conservative ones.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding their policy on external linking is available.