It is an enormous privilege to represent the people of Carmarthen West & 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
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 & South Pembrokeshire constituency.
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 & 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.
Commenting on Angela’s decision, Paul Davies MS – the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Welsh Parliament – said:
“With our bordering constituencies, Angela and I have been both colleagues and friends for many years, and I know that this news will be an enormous loss to the Welsh Conservatives, to her Welsh Parliamentary colleagues of all parties, and mostly for her constituents.
“She has made a highly significant contribution to Welsh political life, and especially so with her brief as Shadow Health Minister particularly during this pandemic, and she will carry on making very valuable contributions for the rest of her time as a Member.”
