Former Welsh Secretary David TC Davies has taken on a new role as a senior advisor to Member of the Senedd (MS) Laura Anne Jones, amid controversy surrounding her expenses. Davies, who previously served as the Secretary of State for Wales, announced his move to advise Jones as she faces scrutiny over her expenses. The decision comes after Davies lost his Monmouthshire seat in the recent general election, leading him to join forces with Jones, who is under police investigation regarding her expenses.
Davies had previously represented Monmouth in the Welsh assembly before taking on his new role as an advisor. Expressing his excitement about returning to the Senedd after 17 years, Davies mentioned on his LinkedIn page, “I’m looking forward to reconnecting with old friends from all sides of the political spectrum next month.” As Jones grapples with the ongoing police investigation initiated by a referral from the Senedd standards commissioner, Douglas Bain, Davies has stepped in to offer guidance and support.
Amidst the controversy surrounding Jones’s expenditure, BBC Wales revealed texts from her phone instructing a staff member to manipulate her petrol expenses. While Jones has denied any impropriety, she has apologised for using a racist slur about Chinese people in a WhatsApp group chat. The investigation into her expenses is ongoing, as the MS prepares to return to the Senedd from its summer recess on September 16.
During the parliamentary break, Davies has been working as a consultant, aiding organisations in understanding legislative processes. He described his current role as less stressful than his previous position as a cabinet minister. Speculation is rife that Davies, along with other former Welsh Conservative MPs who lost their seats in the general election, may contest the Senedd elections in 2026, with an increase in members from 60 to 96 anticipated.
The developments surrounding Davies and Jones mark a significant shift in Welsh politics, as both navigate challenges and controversies within the Senedd. As their roles evolve and the political landscape evolves, the Welsh public awaits further updates on the unfolding situation.