Welsh Conservative Angela Burns MS says she will not seek reselection at next elections

Welsh Conservative candidate for the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire constituency Angela Burns has announced she will not seek reselection at next year's elections.

In a statement, Ms Burns said "all good things must come to an end" and that it was time for a new challenge. She confirmed that she will serve the remainder of her Parliamentary term.

Ms Burns was elected in May 2007 and has served three terms. She has taken on a number of shadow cabinet roles, most recently in health amidst the pandemic.

She said: "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."

The Welsh Conservatives said it was an "enormous loss" to Welsh politics, while health minister Vaughan Gething spoke of his political opponent's "commitment and contribution".

Ms Burns was a successful businesswoman before being approached by the Welsh Conservatives to stand for election.

Of her decision to become involved with politics, she said: "The more I thought about it, the more logical the choice became. I have always been interested in politics and am typical of those of us who get fired up by the nonsense we see and hear. I guess it was just my time to stand and be counted."

During her career, Ms Burns has been heavily involved in local issues such as the proposed downgrading of Glangwili and Withybush district hospitals.

She is also passionate about raising awareness of sepsis, a life-threatening illness caused by the body's overactive response to an infection

Ms Burns nearly died from sepsis herself after contracting it following a routine operation, and has been left with ongoing health problems as a result.

She founded the Cross-Party Group on sepsis in a bid to educate more people about the "devastating" infection.

Ms Burns has previously served as shadow minister for the environment, transport and finance briefs, as well as health.

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.”