Simon Hart has been named the new Welsh secretary following this years election victory for the Conservatives. He succeeds Alun Cairns, who resigned at the start of the campaign.
He was elected Conservative MP for Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire in May 2010 and is originally from Wolverhampton.
Since being elected to Parliament, Simon has been a member of the Political and Constitutional Reform Select Committee, the Welsh Affairs Select Committee and the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee. He was a member of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, as well as member/Chair of several APPGs including Tourism in Wales, Learning outside the Classroom, Marine Energy & Tidal Lagoons, EU/US Trade, and others. He was also formerly the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Panama, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. Prior to being elected he was Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance, and remains Chairman of the organisation.
The Secretary of State is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the UK Government in Wales.
Responsibilities include:
- Welsh Government and Assembly Liaison
- Constitutional and Electoral issues
- Economy, Business & Inward Investment
- Exiting the EU
- Infrastructure
- Welsh Budget
- Foreign Affairs
- Steel
- Swansea City Deal
- Public Appointments
- Royal Matters
- Welsh Language
