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Shock changes in Tory reshuffle Shock changes in Tory reshuffle
(about 2 hours later)
Two leading Welsh Conservative assembly members have left the shadow cabinet in a surprise reshuffle.Two leading Welsh Conservative assembly members have left the shadow cabinet in a surprise reshuffle.
Cardiff North AM Jonathan Morgan, health spokesman since 2003, is replaced by Andrew Davies.Cardiff North AM Jonathan Morgan, health spokesman since 2003, is replaced by Andrew Davies.
Leader Nick Bourne said it would bring a "fresh perspective" but the changes have been interpreted as raising questions about tensions within the Conservative group.Leader Nick Bourne said it would bring a "fresh perspective" but the changes have been interpreted as raising questions about tensions within the Conservative group.
William Graham has also been replaced as chief whip by Alun Cairns.William Graham has also been replaced as chief whip by Alun Cairns.
Mr Graham, the South Wales East AM, will now take a backbench role, the party said.Mr Graham, the South Wales East AM, will now take a backbench role, the party said.
South Wales Central AM Mr Davies, who was education spokesperson is replaced in that brief by Paul Davies.South Wales Central AM Mr Davies, who was education spokesperson is replaced in that brief by Paul Davies.
The move raises questions about tensions in the Conservative group between Mr Morgan and the Mr Bourne, according to BBC Wales' political editor Betsan Powys.The move raises questions about tensions in the Conservative group between Mr Morgan and the Mr Bourne, according to BBC Wales' political editor Betsan Powys.
Mr Bourne has repeatedly faced questions over his leadership in recent months, with Mr Morgan rumoured to be keen to replace him.Mr Bourne has repeatedly faced questions over his leadership in recent months, with Mr Morgan rumoured to be keen to replace him.
This is a strong team and a team which I believe will build on the work of recent years and one which will help us meet the many challenges ahead. Nick Bourne CONSERVATIVE ASSEMBLY TEAM Leader - Nick Bourne (pictured above)Chief Whip, heritage and business manager - Alun Cairns Economy - David MeldingHealth - Andrew RT Davies Education and the Welsh language - Paul Davies Environment - Angela BurnsFinance - Nick RamsayLocal Government - Darren Millar Rural Affairs - Brynle Williams Social Justice - Mark Isherwood
BBC Wales political reporter Brian Meechan said Mr Morgan was once seen as close to the Conservative assembly leader and the pair shared the same view about making devolution work.BBC Wales political reporter Brian Meechan said Mr Morgan was once seen as close to the Conservative assembly leader and the pair shared the same view about making devolution work.
However, when Mr Bourne faced questions over his expense claims for an iPod and a trouser press in December, Mr Morgan was seen to be amongst his chief critics.However, when Mr Bourne faced questions over his expense claims for an iPod and a trouser press in December, Mr Morgan was seen to be amongst his chief critics.
In a statement, the party said Mr Morgan will be nominated as chair of the assembly's influential audit committee.In a statement, the party said Mr Morgan will be nominated as chair of the assembly's influential audit committee.
In addition to being chief whip, Mr Cairns, AM for South Wales West, will act as heritage and business manager, while working alongside David Melding AM as a spokesman on the economy.In addition to being chief whip, Mr Cairns, AM for South Wales West, will act as heritage and business manager, while working alongside David Melding AM as a spokesman on the economy.
Clwyd West AM Darren Millar will be nominated as chair of the health, well-being and local government committee.Clwyd West AM Darren Millar will be nominated as chair of the health, well-being and local government committee.
Mr Bourne said the changes would bring a "fresh perspective" to the "vitally important role of scrutinising the Labour-Plaid Assembly Government and its policies".Mr Bourne said the changes would bring a "fresh perspective" to the "vitally important role of scrutinising the Labour-Plaid Assembly Government and its policies".
"In particular, by appointing Alun Cairns to work alongside David Melding on the economy it underlines just how seriously Welsh Conservatives take the challenge of helping Wales emerge in a strong position from the recession," he said."In particular, by appointing Alun Cairns to work alongside David Melding on the economy it underlines just how seriously Welsh Conservatives take the challenge of helping Wales emerge in a strong position from the recession," he said.
"Welsh Conservatives take our role as the assembly's official opposition very seriously."Welsh Conservatives take our role as the assembly's official opposition very seriously.
"This is a strong team and a team which I believe will build on the work of recent years and one which will help us meet the many challenges ahead.""This is a strong team and a team which I believe will build on the work of recent years and one which will help us meet the many challenges ahead."