Tory anti-Senedd candidates sign ‘strong Wales’ pledge

All Welsh Conservative candidates selected for May’s Senedd election have signed a pledge to campaign for “a strong Wales” and “a Welsh Government and a UK Government working together in the interests of the people of Wales” – even though two of the nominees want to scrap the Senedd.

Councillors Joel James and Calum Davies were selected in second and third place in South Wales Central and all set out their opposition to the Senedd in their candidate CV’s.

Calum Davies, the son of South Wales West regional Senedd Member Suzy Davies, said in his CV: “The simple truth is devolution is failing and must be abolished”.

He added that “now is the time to strike to ensure an end to the devolution experiment”.

Joel James, councillor for the Llantwit Fardre ward in Rhondda Cynon Taf, said in his application: “I will challenge the cosy Cardiff Bay consensus that has underachieved for Wales for so long, I will continue to push Welsh Labour out of south Wales, and I will campaign to end devolution in Wales.”

Chris Thorne, who said that he would “vote to abolish the institution,” was originally selected in fourth place on the list but has now been replaced by Adrian Robson, the Leader of the Cardiff council Conservative group.

‘Underachieved’

The Welsh Conservative pledge, signed by all selected candidates states:

• I support a strong Wales being in a strong United Kingdom.
• Being a part of the United Kingdom is the best way to advance Wales’ interests both at home and abroad. Supporting Welsh businesses to trade, protecting and enhancing Welsh culture, and securing the best possible public services that Welsh people and their families rely on.
• As a Welsh Conservative I will continue to campaign for a strong Wales in a strong United Kingdom. With a Welsh Government and a UK Government working together in the interests of the people of Wales.

Announcing the candidates’ commitment to the pledge, Tory Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies said: “We make no apologies for championing the Union and we will rebuild our country by working together and delivering a strong voice for Wales, in a strong United Kingdom.”

“Whilst other mainstream political parties want to flirt with division and fan the flames of separation, Welsh Conservatives are steadfast in the belief that the UK is the best way to advance Wales’ interests both at home and abroad.”

“And as we move out of the pandemic and seek to build our country back better than before, we need governments at both ends of the M4 working together in unison.”