Powys' Welsh Parliament members have been given new roles in the Welsh Conservative shadow cabinet reshuffle announced today (Thursday, April 18).
Montgomeryshire's Russell George and Brecon and Radnorshire's James Evans have both been moved to different positions ahead of the Senedd election in two years' time.
The reshuffle follows First Minister Vaughan Gething’s new Welsh Government Cabinet which was revealed late last month.
Russell George, who has represented the north Powys constituency since 2011, has been appointed Shadow Minister for Mid Wales and Deputy Whip. The former Shadow Minister for Health will remain as chair of the Senedd Health and Social Care Committee.
Meanwhile, farm-raised James Evans, who won the Brecon and Radnorshire seat in 2021, will oversee Rural Affairs as shadow minister after previously handling the brief for mental health, wellbeing and Mid Wales.
He said: “Having worked in agriculture for most of my life, it’s a great honour to represent the industry that I love as the new Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs.
“Our rural industries across Wales are facing some challenging times, and I stand ready to fight our corner and be that strong voice for our farmers and rural businesses right across Wales.
"I look forward to working constructively with the Welsh Government to improve the lives of everyone living and working in rural Wales."
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Following the shadow cabinet reshuffle Andrew RT Davies MS, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “I’m delighted to announce the new Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet which will lead us into the 2026 Senedd Election.
“I’m pleased to promote young talent elected in 2021, who have proven themselves to be the next generation of Welsh Conservative trailblazers.
“This refreshed team has a laser-like focus on delivering on the people’s priorities, unlike the Labour Welsh Government which is preoccupied with pet projects and distractions of their own making.
“The Shadow Cabinet that I have the privilege to lead stands ready to end 25 years of Labour mismanagement and to get Wales moving.”
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