Aled Davies has been selected by the Welsh Conservatives to stand alongside Kay Swinburne MEP in the forthcoming European election, on May 22nd 2014.
Aled is a hill farmer and Powys County Councillor for the Llanrhaeadr YM/Llansilin ward in the north of Montgomeryshire. Aled is the only candidate in Wales standing in this election that has a rural background.
Aled has lived and farmed in Montgomeryshire all his life and his children attend the local primary school and Llanfyllin High school. Aled's wife, Julie, is a teacher. His sons, when not farming, play rugby for COBRA Rugby Club. His youngest daughter enjoys competing in the Urdd eisteddfod, and his eldest daughter has a hair dressing business.
Aled understands rural Wales;
“Rural Wales needs a strong voice in Europe; the rural community can sometimes be a little fragile and it becomes difficult to deliver public services in Montgomeryshire. Job opportunities need to be generated for the next generation and farm businesses need to be sustainable and profitable. A strong rural economy will help protect the culture and language of Wales.
"Europe is hugely important to our rural economy with its 500 million consumers. Farmers and industry need fair and equal access to these markets. Whilst in the EU, Wales needs MEPs who will play a full role in European Union decision making to defend Welsh and UK interests
“Parts of the European Union do not work; it needs reform, ‘no ifs, no buts’. The Prime Minister, David Cameron, will deliver reform and an in-out referendum in 2017. The Conservatives are the only Party that can and will deliver on this promise.”