I grew up in the care system in South Wales before being adopted. I am honoured to serve the country where my story began. Being elected as your MS for Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg is the honour of my life. I'm here to listen. I'm here to serve. @RUKWales

Last week was National Fish and Chip Day, and like many elected members, I wanted to get out and use my platform to highlight some of our fantastic local traders. However, the week also brought into sharp focus a disheartening point we have reached in modern politics—where simply walking into an independent business to show support can put that venue at risk of targeted online harassment. Behind the scenes, it is becoming an unfortunate reality that I have to think twice before posting about some of the brilliant cafes, shops, and tradespeople I visit across the area. The reason is simple: when individuals choose to direct their political frustrations at the business owners rather than the politicians, it is the high street that suffers. Our traders are neutral ground. They are working incredibly hard to earn a living, keep local staff employed, and survive in a difficult economic climate. They should never be treated as political footballs. I will always champion our independent sector, but my absolute priority will always be protecting the peace of mind and the livelihoods of our shopkeepers—even if that means keeping their names off social media.

Have you seen my X account? And the things I’ve been doing to scrutinise the Welsh government. The constructive contributions I’ve been making. I can’t believe you think it’s acceptable for a business to be targeted. It would be different if I were being targeted, I’m an elected official.

Sadly some people have skewed priorities. Continue to support your local businesses, and keep being you.

I’m sorry you missed the debate on childcare. I think you should watch this. @DafyddTrystan

Agree! Watch @SarahReform in action.. 👀

We may not agree on many things, but a serious opposition holding the government to account is exactly what's needed in Wales. Thank you for taking your job so seriously.

On page 9 of their plan, “better government”, I have asked for the publication of measurable outcomes and progress outcomes. I have been told that is the 100 day plan. I am pushing harder on this as to the methodology and performance management metrics.

I'd be interested to read/hear a Plaid response to this. Of course expectations should be realistic, but one month in what would Plaid point to as their major decisions/announcements?

I love how they frame it with factories producing products. Which is fair because it's easy to understand. But the problem is with people working from home doing absolutely nothing of worth in a public sector job that isn't necessary.

£50 billion in inward investment — that’s what’s possible when you get it right... I’ve seen it first hand, working with Lord Grimstone at the UK’s Office for Investment. I pressed the Welsh Government on its new agency. The ambition is there — now it has to be matched by delivery. I’ll keep pushing to get this right for Wales.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Sort of strikes me that if the Labour Party is in the process of losing public sector union workers to Reform, then perhaps Labour truly is finished.

So much of modern life is fleeting and transient. Civic ceremonies are a quiet stand against that- people deciding that their own place, its history and its future are worth the effort. They’re how a community holds onto what matters and passes it on. Good to be at St Tathan’s Church this morning, as St Athan Community Council welcomed its new Chair.

My tuppence worth on the surge in NEETs... 🤔 These depressing figures are bound to lead to calls for more government intervention, but Ministers should remember the principle of "first do no harm". The best thing that the government can do now would be to reverse some of the policies which have made the problems worse. Businesses have been saddled with many extra costs which are actively discouraging them from employing young people. At the same time, the benefits system is actively discouraging some young people from seeking work. I would look at higher education too. Many modern universities are failing to prepare young people properly for the world of work, making graduates less employable. The student loan system is distorting choices as well.

This is most striking figure from Millburn Review. They estimate that around half of the 18-24 population who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) are not claiming any benefits. This limits how effective reforms to the benefit system can be in cutting NEET rates.