Pembrokeshire County Council’s Conservative group, led by Councillor Di Clements, has announced the shadow spokesperson roles for its group members.
Cllr Clements – the County Councillor representing Martletwy – said: “We have a fantastic bunch of enthusiastic and hardworking councillors in the group. With budgets squeezed further we need to ensure our residents get value for money and their hard earned income goes on things they need, not what the cabinet want:”
“We have already done some good work since the May 2022 election at holding this administration to account, but we must do better for the sake of Pembrokeshire residents and the county,” Cllr Clements added.
Councillor Aled Thomas, who was born and raised on farm just outside of Johnston which he represents will be taking on the portfolio for Finance, Agriculture and the Environment.
“I’m thoroughly looking forward to scrutinising the administration on my portfolio,” he said.
“Growing up in a rural setting and working as an Agronomist have meant that agriculture and the environment are in my blood.”
Cllr Thomas, who also day-to-day works for one of the world’s leading financial services companies added: “My experience in the finance sector has also opened my eyes to just how badly Pembrokeshire has been let down financially by the current administration.”
Independent estate agent and County Councillor for St Florence and St Mary Out Liberty, Cllr Rhys Jordan, will be taking on the position of spokesman for Health, Tourism and Transport.
He said: “Pembrokeshire stands as one of Wales' premier destinations to live, work and play. I'm dedicated to fighting for enhancing our transport links, amplifying our tourism potential and utilising our stunning natural scenery to bolster health and wellbeing for residents, workers and visitors in our remarkable county.”
The shadow portfolio for Housing, Businesses and Levelling Up lays with local business owner Councillor Jonathan Grimes.
Cllr Grimes said: “Pembrokeshire is in desperate need of levelling up across the county.
“While this administration is appears to only be focussed on grossly over budget vanity projects in Haverfordwest, our group has a spread of councillors across the county who truly understand the needs of Pembrokeshire’s people.”
In terms of the current administration’s record on house building, Cllr Grimes added that: “this administration should be ashamed of the fact that it has failed to complete the build of a single council house, despite raking in millions of pounds in second-homes tax to do just that.”
Cllr Aaron Carey who represents the Pembroke Monkton and St Mary South ward said: “Planning and Licensing both have a great impact on people’s lives and I'm very happy to scrutinise how this happens in Pembrokeshire.”
While Wiston’s Councillor David Howlett - who has been appointed the role of spokesman for Education and Safeguarding said: “Empowering children during their time in education is the cornerstone of a successful career, and it is an honour to be given the opportunity to fight for this topic at the council on behalf of the group.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Steve Yelland will become the spokesman for Social Care and Homelessness, while Cllr Danny Young will focus on championing Communities and People in his spokesman role.