Nick Ramsay, former Conservative Shadow Finance Minister in the Senedd has joined the Welsh Liberal Democrats. He will be a candidate for the party in the Monmouthshire Council elections this coming May.

Nick says: “I have thought long and hard about the future of politics in Wales and the UK. The Conservative Party is not the party I once joined. They have lost the trust of the people, and are unable to manage our country. They have failed the fundamental test of competence. I can think of little of them with which I agree.”

“I have spent a long time examining the Liberal Democrats, and I find their underpinning values of fairness, community, and internationalism match my own. The Welsh Liberal Democrats are the best way to achieve a new village hall for Raglan, support for struggling local businesses and sustainable development for Monmouthshire, and I am pleased to be able to join them in their campaign to provide a better future for our county.”

The Liberal Democrat leader in Monmouthshire Cllr Jo Watkins congratulated Nick on taking such a principled decision. “I am delighted to welcome Nick on board. He brings experience of working for a better Monmouthshire at both a national and local level. He shares our values and he will be an excellent addition to our strong team as we take on the challenge of building a greener future, supporting our local businesses and creating sustainable communities here in Monmouthshire.”

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader, Jane Dodds MS, added: “Nick’s journey reflects that of many life-long compassionate Conservative voters across Wales are fed up with the mindless populism represented by Boris Johnson and are turning to the Liberal Democrats for serious policies and for plans that will help tackle the problems in their lives. From spiraling energy costs, to unfair tax hikes the Conservative Party has utterly lost sight of what matters to everyday people.”

Nick has lived in Raglan for 20 years. He lives there with his wife and young son. A Durham University graduate, he served as a Monmouthshire County Councillor before his election to the Senedd in 2007.

He is a keen fundraiser for local charities such as Love Zimbabwe, and was appointed as a Vice President of Chepstow Mencap.