Former Assembly Member, Laura Anne Jones, will be returning to the Welsh Parliament next week following the sad and sudden death of former Member of the Welsh Parliament for South Wales East, Mohammad Asghar.
Laura served the South Wales East region in the Senedd between 2003 and 2007 and has spent the last 13 years raising a family and setting up her own business in Monmouthshire. Currently a Monmouthshire County Councillor, Laura has served as Vice-Chair of the Children and Young People Select Committee and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion. A farmer’s daughter, Laura takes a keen interest in the challenges facing families, vulnerable children and grassroot sports.
Commenting on heading back to the Welsh Parliament Laura said:
“Although this is an exciting opportunity, I am immensely saddened to be taking up this role following the sudden loss of my Welsh Conservative colleague and friend Mohammad Asghar – or Oscar as many of us knew him.
“Oscar’s dedicated public service and his work to foster community relations is something that was an example to us all and I look forward to carrying on his good work.
“With less than a year to go until the next Welsh Parliament elections, I am looking forward to working hard to serve my constituents and hold this failing Welsh Labour-led Government to account; they have held Wales back for long enough.”
Paul Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Welsh Parliament added:
“While we have been sad to lose our much loved colleague Mohammad Asghar the Welsh Conservatives are delighted to be welcoming Laura back to the Senedd.
“No one can replace our colleague Oscar, but I know that Laura will be just as dedicated to serving the people of South Wales East and bring a wealth of experience to her new role.”