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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. |
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." |