Almost 20 years ago, the first ever election was held for the National Assembly for Wales on 6 May 1999. That day is a pivotal point in the constitutional History of Wales.
Since 1999 devolution has developed from the National Assembly being limited to making secondary legislation in specified areas, to today, where we have a reserved powers model, meaning that legislation can be passed on any matter that is not reserved to Westminster, such as defence and foreign affairs.
Whilst it is the Welsh Government which is responsible for legislating, twenty years has seen its role and that of the National Assembly for Wales – which I am honoured to have been elected to – become distinct. Indeed, for some time now the primary role of elected members like myself has been to scrutinise and hold the Welsh Government to account.
This special anniversary is to be marked with celebratory events across Wales, such as at the National Eisteddfod here in Conwy, and a democracy festival in Cardiff Bay. Undoubtedly, devolution has succeeded in enabling the people of Wales to have a significantly stronger say on matters which affect our everyday lives. However, I do not think that this anniversary is the right moment to be hosting a series of celebratory events.
For 20 years Wales has been led by the Welsh Labour party, and when they have struggled in polls, the Liberal Democrats, Independents, and Plaid Cymru have been there to keep them in power. This continuity has been to the detriment of Wales as we have now fallen behind England in key areas of devolved responsibility.
Under the Welsh Labour Government the spend per pupil in education is £600 less than the Government spends in England – despite £1.20 being sent to Wales for every £1 spent there. Similarly, band D council tax has increased by over 200% despite the UK Government providing a 4% real terms rise in funding. Another form of taxation which is particularly controversial is business rates, as Welsh Labour have decided to offer less generous support than that provided in England – meaning that Welsh businesses are worse-off.
There are many reasons I can give as to why this should not be a time for celebration but rather serious realisation that Wales desperately needs change and an end to decades of Welsh Labour rule.
For me, confirmation of the change we need is the Welsh Government’s failure to manage Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board out of special measures. Indeed, I believe that its hard working staff and patients are being failed by a tired Government ran by a party which desperately needs to move to the opposition benches in the National Assembly. So to achieve this, and ensure that we are making the best of the opportunities devolution has created, the Welsh Conservatives and I will continue to offer alternative and innovative ideas for Wales.