New Welsh Conservatives leader Darren Millar MS announces shadow cabinet

Darren Millar MS has named his shadow cabinet, with names like Sam Rowlands MS and James Evans MS among those appointed to top roles. Credit: PA

The new leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd has appointed his shadow cabinet.

Darren Millar, MS for Clwyd West, took over from Andrew RT Davies as leader of the group after the former leader resigned after a split within the Senedd group emerged over his leadership.

There is no shadow cabinet job for Mr Davies but he is being nominated to chair the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs committee.

Another former leader, Paul Davies, takes on Mr Millar’s previous role as chief whip and shadow constitutional affairs secretary.

Sam Rowlands receives a promotion to policy director and shadow finance secretary, opposing Mark Drakeford in the Senedd chamber.

There is a promotion, too, to shadow health and social care secretary for James Evans.Sam Kurtz takes on economy, energy and Welsh language, while Natsha Asghar becomes shadow education secretary.

The transport and rural affairs brief goes to Peter Fox, who had been shadow finance secretary, while Joel James takes the shadow brief for children, young people, mental health and wellbeing.

Laura Anne Jones makes a comeback to the front benches as shadow local government, housing and armed forces secretary.

She had stepped down from her previous role while a police investigation into her expenses took place. She was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Janet Finch-Saunders continues as shadow climate change secretary.

Altaf Hussain takes on a new role as shadow equalities and social justice secretary while Gareth Davies becomes shadow secretary for culture, sport and north Wales.

Mark Isherwood and Russell George do not have shadow cabinet roles. Mr Isherwood is chair of the Public Accounts and Administration Committee.

Mr George remains as chair of the Health and Social Care committee. He had been deputy chief whip.

Tom Giffard is co-chair of the Wales Covid-19 Inquiry Committee.

Mr Millar MS said: “I am proud to unveil my new shadow cabinet team. It has a wealth of talent and experience to bring to bear as we develop our programme to fix Wales.

“We will be working day and night as we develop solutions to the everyday problems faced by the people of Wales.

“This government in waiting will be firing on all cylinders until we replace the failing Labour administration in May 2026.”

The new Welsh Conservatives' shadow cabinet:

  • Darren Millar MS - Leader of the opposition and candidate for the next First Minister of Wales.

  • Paul Davies MS - Chief whip and shadow cabinet secretary for the constitution and external affairs.

  • Sam Rowlands MS - Policy director and shadow cabinet secretary for finance.

  • James Evans MS - Shadow cabinet secretary for health and social care.

  • Samuel Kurtz MS - Shadow cabinet secretary for the economy, energy and Welsh language.

  • Natasha Asghar MS - Shadow cabinet secretary for education.

  • Peter Fox MS - Cabinet secretary for infrastructure, transport and rural affairs.

  • Joel James MS - Shadow cabinet secretary for children, young people, mental health and wellbeing.

  • Laura Anne Jones MS - Shadow cabinet secretary for local government, housing and the Armed Forces.

  • Janet Finch-Saunders MS - Shadow cabinet secretary for climate change and environment.

  • Gareth Davies MS - Shadow cabinet secretary for culture, tourism, sport and north Wales.

  • Dr Altaf Hussain MS - Shadow cabinet secretary for equalities and social justice.

  • Russell George MS - Chair of the health and social care committee.

  • Andrew RT Davies- Nominee for chair of the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee.

  • Mark Isherwood MS - Chair of the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee.

  • Tom Giffard MS - Co-Chair of the Wales COVID-19 Inquiry Committee.

  • David TC Davies MS - Chief of staff of the Welsh Conservatives.

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