Paul Davies AM has led the congratulations to the two Welsh Conservative politicians – Andrew RT Davies and Cllr Jayne Cowan – who received awards in the 2020 New Year’s Honours’ List.
Paul, the Leader of the Opposition in the Welsh Parliament, said that Andrew has been made a CBE in recognition of his political and public service over many years.
He said:
“Andrew RT Davies AM has been an exceptional Assembly Member and has justifiably earned respect from politicians across the political divide in all parts of the United Kingdom. He was elected as Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in 2011, and served that role with distinction until 2018.
“A proud Welshman, Andrew always wants to make sure that Wales is represented at key events, and that his constituents are always dealt with efficiently, effectively and with great understanding.
“The-then Prime Minister, Theresa May, said that, ‘Under Andrew’s Leadership, the Welsh Conservatives have provided a strong opposition to Labour in Cardiff Bay and a strong voice for the people of Wales, both at home and in Westminster’.”
In addition to Andrew’s political career, he is a keen supporter of cancer charities, is an active member of the Parliamentary and Assembly Rugby Team which raises money and awareness for local charities and good causes.
He is also the President of the Young Farmers, is a Life Governor of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, and a Welsh Delegate on the Council for the National Farmers Union (NFU). He also serves as a councillor for the Rhoose ward on the Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Andrew said:
"To have been included in The Queen’s New Year honours list has come as a huge surprise and is very humbling.
“This is a fantastic honour and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my wife, children, the fantastic members of staff and Conservative party activists who I’ve had the pleasure of working with since entering the Welsh Assembly in 2007.
“It’s easily forgotten in the heat of today’s political debate that families sacrifice a huge amount when a husband and father opts for a position in public life and I’m particularly grateful for their unstinting and continuing love.
"I’m by no means done yet and this award only inspires me to continue standing up for my constituents, promoting the important causes that are closest to me, and ensure we deliver a better future for people and communities right across Wales.”
Jayne Cowan – a long-standing Cardiff City Councillor – received an MBE, and plaudits from Paul.
He said of Jayne, who represents the Rhiwbina ward, and has been a councillor for 20 years:
“First elected in 1999, this dedicated councillor has been making a difference, promoting civic pride and community action throughout with her involvement and organisation of numerous local charities including Rhiwbina’s first Street Food Festival in 2017, which raised money for local charities.
“Jayne is also an ambassador for Autism Puzzles, a Cardiff based charity that supports hundreds of children and parents living with autism and other related conditions in Wales.
“Jayne’s charitable works are almost too numerous to mention. Most recently she helped raise over £3,000 for the charity Rhiwbina Friends of Tenovus, she is President of St John Cymru Wales (Rhiwbina and Llanishen Division), and has led several major campaigns throughout Cardiff most notably campaigning against local school closures.
“Her dedication and selflessness for her ward is unrivalled among her peers and is accentuated by her not missing a single meeting since 2013.
“I hope that, whatever your political persuasion, you will join me and my Welsh Conservative colleagues in congratulating Jayne and Andrew for the many years hard work they have put into their communities in Wales.”
Speaking of her OBE, Jayne said:
“I was shocked to receive the letter and I would like to thank the person who nominated me. It's been a pleasure working with so many charities and good causes for more than 20 years. I would like to dedicate the medal in memory of my wonderful Dad. He did so much for charities and good causes and I hope I'm making him proud in carrying on his work. I have thoroughly enjoyed working for the residents of Rhiwbina for 20 years and can say that the community spirit is still as apparent as it was 20 years ago.”