William Graham AM
Conservative Member for South Wales East

William has been an active and effective member of the National Assembly for South Wales East since the first Assembly elections in May1999.

William contested the Newport West Constituency in the 1999 and 2003 Assembly elections. As a result of changes to the election rules in the Government of Wales Act, William was selected as leading Conservative List Candidate for South Wales East for the May 2007 Assembly elections.

Born November 1949 in Newport, Monmouthshire and educated at Blackfriars School. William is married with three children. He is the sixth generation principal of a family firm of surveyors in Newport established in 1844. He is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and has been Chairman of Newport Harbour Commission and Rougemont School Trust, Newport. William is also a member of numerous organisations, including the Listed Building Advisory Committee and the Rent Assessment Committee for Wales. William is currently the Conservative education spokesman in the National Assembly, Chairman of the Conservative Group & Chief Whip. He is also Chairman of the Assembly House Committee and a Member of the Assembly Shadow Commission.

William has been Chairman of the Post 16 Education Committee and the Assembly Committee on School Funding, Party Business Manager and spokesman for Local Government & Housing and Social Justice & Regeneration.

In his time in the National Assembly, William has been a leading voice, speaking out on the issues – both local and national – that affect Wales:

 • Exposed the fact that a group of asylum seekers were handcuffed after being taken to hospital for TB tests.

 • Campaigned to save a mediaeval ship discovered on the banks of the River Usk in Newport.

 • Warned of a lack of government action to respond to new laws on the disposal of hazardous waste.

 • Highlighted the need for the Assembly to do more to tackle substance misuse in Wales. Invited Lemmy (Motorhead) to discuss heroin abuse.

• Outlined the issue of road congestion and the need for an M4 Relief Road.

• Successfully proposed the motion not to have University top-up fees in Wales.

• Promoted the historic, cultural and sporting attractions, especially in the lead-up to the Ryder Cup.

 • Queried Assembly policies on Bovine TB seeking the objective of an healthy farm stock and badger populations.

Contact:
William Graham AM