Russell George AM has been reselected as the Welsh Conservative candidate for Montgomeryshire in the National Assembly for Wales elections in 2016.
The reselection comes as he was named Shadow Cabinet Member for Agriculture and Natural Resources by Welsh Conservative Leader, Andrew RT Davies AM.
Mr George, born in Welshpool and who has lived and worked in Montgomeryshire all his life, has represented the constituency at the Assembly since 2011.
He said he was looking forward to the campaign and to continuing to represent and fight for the people in the area having been involved as a town and county councillor before the 2011 election.
Mr George has been instrumental in bringing forward plans for the Newtown bypass. Construction is due to begin next year.
“I feel privileged to have been reselected by the party to represent Montgomeryshire at the next Assembly elections,” he said.
“It’s been a challenging three years. From being involved in the campaign against the Mid Wales connection project, to obtaining commitments for the Newtown bypass. The bypass is so important for towns like Newtown, Llanidloes and Machynlleth."
Mr George was reselected at a meeting of the Montgomeryshire Conservative Association in Welshpool.
He added: “I feel very privileged to represent Montgomeryshire. There are many more challenges ahead, such as the severe financial cuts at Powys County Council, the continued fight against the Mid Wales Connection project, cross border health issues that affect us all and many other issues at a very local level that are just as important.”
Montgomeryshire MP, Glyn Davies, said he was pleased Russell had been reselected. "Russell and I are both have a passion for our communities and the people and businesses within them,” he said.
“We continue to work closely together within the Assembly and at Westminster to ensure the people of Montgomeryshire get the best that they deserve. I look forward to continuing that with Russell and I’m delighted he has been reselected to represent the constituency.”