PAUL Davies MS has issued his first newsletter since the election, beginning by saying how “deeply honoured” he is to have been elected to represent the people of Ceredigion Penfro.

“I have never taken any election for granted and I fully appreciate the responsibility that comes with holding public office.” He described the new constituency, with nearly 150,000 registered voters, as a significant change from Preseli Pembrokeshire, but a challenge to which he looks forward.

He added: “Of course, it was a bittersweet election result, as my friend and colleague Samuel Kurtz was not re-elected alongside me. Sam is an outstanding ambassador for West Wales and was a formidable and respected representative, earning admiration from across the political chamber.

“I believe that one of the greatest privileges of representing Ceredigion Penfro is the opportunity to meet so many hardworking people who care deeply about where we live. Our communities are resilient, ambitious and full of pride, but too often they have been overlooked by government at both Senedd and local authority level. That has to change.

“As we begin this new Senedd term, it’s important to remember that no party has a majority, so it’s going to be a very interesting few years in Cardiff Bay. The people have voted for a shake-up. There are a lot of new faces with new ideas, and time will tell how that shapes the Senedd over this term.”

The Welsh Conservative Senedd Member went on to describe how he had raised “one of the biggest concerns facing people across Ceredigion Penfro”, the future of vital services at Withybush and Bronglais hospitals. He asked the new First Minister when the Welsh Government will finally step in to provide the support and intervention needed to safeguard these hospitals for the future.

He continued his newsletter by listing some of the key issues discussed with Vince and Fiona Malone on his visit to Tenby Post Office and Stores.

“We discussed the growing problem of retail crime, including shoplifting, abusive behaviour towards shop staff, and the impact organised crime groups are having on our high streets and communities.”

They also spoke about rising business costs and the challenges they continue to create for independent retailers, and the upcoming Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) regulations due to be introduced in October 2027.

Mr Davies has written to the Leader of Ceredigion County Council regarding car parking charges across the county, saying the council “should be doing everything possible to attract people to our towns and high streets in order to support local businesses.”

He championed the Pembrokeshire YFC Rally as a showcase for talent and community spirit: “The County Rally brought together clubs from across the county for a full day of competitions, entertainment, teamwork, and celebration of rural youth achievement.”

He praised Pembrokeshire’s Young Farmer’s Club for its important role in supporting young people across the county, and Social Care Wales, with whom he looks forward to working to “support the development of sustainable, accessible social care provision across Wales.”