The Conservatives aim to address the pressing issues facing Wales
Swansea: So, I just got this message from a family member saying, “Please can you help us?!” It hit me hard, especially since I just became the new Shadow Secretary of State for Wales. I was left wondering what’s going on. What could be so bad? My time in Wales was fantastic. I studied politics and international relations at Swansea University, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I even kicked off my radio career there, which was a blast.
I started volunteering at Morriston Hospital Radio and later worked at The Wave for years. Those jobs helped me pay off my student overdraft and led to some great moments in Bracelet Bay with my two kids. Looking back, my twenties were dreamy, and I owe a lot to my time in Wales. But after traveling around and chatting with folks, I was shocked. The positivity I once felt seems to have vanished. It all started to make sense.
The vibrant towns I remember are now shadows of their former selves. Teachers are exhausted, stuck with policies that don’t help. Small businesses are struggling under heavy business rates. And don’t get me started on the looming tourism tax. The NHS is in dire straits, with over 24,000 people waiting for treatment for two years or more. That’s just heartbreaking!
While strolling through beautiful Swansea, I was hit with nostalgia when I saw that The Wave and Swansea Sound had disappeared. It made me realize why my family member was so worried. But this isn’t just about me; it’s about everyone. I’m genuinely concerned for our young people’s futures. The opportunities I had in Wales seem to be fading away.
If we don’t turn this around, it could threaten the very fabric of our beloved United Kingdom. Wales can’t keep falling behind. Speaking out doesn’t mean I’m putting Wales down; I believe in its potential. The blame lies squarely with the Labour-run Welsh Government. They’ve had over 25 years to fix things but have only made them worse, focusing on their own agendas instead.
Let’s not forget, Welsh Labour has controlled every devolved power since 1999. They’ve had plenty of time to tackle the issues but have failed. That’s why the Welsh Conservatives are saying enough is enough. We’re gearing up to present a bold plan for Wales ahead of the next Senedd election.
Our team, led by Kemi Badenoch MP and Darren Millar MS, is committed to creating an ambitious manifesto to fix Wales. We want to unlock its true potential and reverse the damage done over the last two decades. We’re building on the successes of the last Conservative government, which brought in over £1 billion in investment and saved more than 100,000 Welsh jobs through the furlough scheme.
2025 is our year to breathe new life into Welsh Conservatism and aim for Darren to become First Minister at Cardiff Bay. We want to offer a real alternative for the people of Wales. So, let’s join forces and work together to fix Wales, paving the way for prosperity and hope.
