Conservative MS won’t stand again in Labour target seat

The Welsh Conservative Senedd Member for the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire constituency Angela Burns has announced that she will not seek reselection for next year’s election.

She won the seat from Labour’s Christine Gwyther, a former Secretary for Agricultural and Rural Economy, at the 2007 Senedd election by only 89 votes.

Since then she has won the seat at two elections by expanding margins, with a majority of 3,373 in 2016. The seat is, however, second of Labour’s target list at the next election.

In 2016 she became the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Well-Being. She was Shadow Education Minister between 2010 and 2016.

In a statement to the press, she said: “It is an enormous privilege to represent the people of Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire as your Assembly Member/Member of the Welsh Parliament.

“I have always appreciated the faith that many of you placed in me since I was first elected in 2007, a faith which has been reflected in the increased majority I achieved at the two subsequent elections.

“Whilst I realise that not every constituent voted for me, my team and I have endeavoured to work for all constituents fairly and to equitably represent your interests at the Welsh Parliament.

“Over the years I have met many people, all with vastly different stories some of which have brought me to tears or laughter, I’ve shared their frustration, their hopes and at times their despair.

“I have also met many individuals who are simply amazing or inspiring and that extraordinary kaleidoscope of experiences will live with me forever.

“I have been honoured to serve in a number of Shadow Cabinet roles and have particularly enjoyed my role as Shadow Minister of Health, holding the Welsh Government to account during this awful pandemic.”

‘Grateful’

“However after three terms as your representative, and with the elections to the Welsh Parliament due next year, I have reached the decision not to seek reselection as the Welsh Conservative candidate for the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire constituency,” she continued.

“I can assure you this decision does not reflect any diminishing of my efforts over the remainder of the Parliamentary term.

“I was elected to serve a full term and my team and I are absolutely committed to working on your behalf up until dissolution. But all good things must come to an end and it’s now time for a fresh challenge and new experiences.

“I would not have been able to do my job without the unswerving support of my family who have been immensely loving and encouraging throughout.

“I also want to pay tribute to my hardworking staff in both Tenby and Cardiff, to the members of the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Conservative Association and to my Conservative colleagues within the Welsh Parliament.

“I have valued your support over the years and I will be doing all that I can in the coming months deliver a Welsh Conservative Government following the 2021 election.

“These past years would not have been possible without the faith and trust of so many voters, friends and colleagues and to you all I remain gratefully indebted.”