In a statement released tonight, the Minister for Children and Social Care thanked voters for having faith in her and stressed that she will continue to serve as MS until the election in 2026.
To: Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney constituency
17th January 2025
STATEMENT BY DAWN BOWDEN MS: SENEDD ELECTIONS
Dear Friends,
In 2016 you gave me the great privilege of representing the Merthyr Tydfil and
Rhymney constituency in the Senedd, our Welsh Parliament. It was such an honour
to be the first woman in this constituency to be elected in either the Senedd or
Westminster elections. I also thank you for re-electing me in 2021 with an increased
majority.
In nearly ten years as your MS, I have done my best to represent you, to promote the
constituency and to support our local community. As promised I made my home in
the constituency and I have run a highly visible constituency office to support the
needs of constituents.
Thanks to Mark Drakeford, Vaughan Gething and Eluned Morgan I have also had the
great honour of serving in our Welsh Government.
Senedd Elections
As you know preparations are now being made for the Senedd elections in 2026.
These elections will be for a larger Senedd based on new boundaries. There will no
longer be a Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney constituency but a larger constituency
served by six Members of the Senedd. A different system for a new era of Welsh
politics.
After much consideration I have decided that I will not be a candidate in the 2026 elections.
Having left school at 16, and after working continuously for almost 50 years it will be
a time for new challenges and different opportunities. I look forwards to having more
time with our grandchildren and with my family, without the pressing and urgent demands of daily politics.
Your Support
During my time as an AM, and now your MS, I have been supported by many
constituents, local organisations, members of Welsh Labour, local councillors, trade
unions including my own union Unison, the Co-operative Party and a great team of
staff in my constituency. I have greatly valued my strong working partnership with
Gerald Jones MP and since 2024 with Nick Smith MP in Rhymney.
I will of course continue to serve you as the local MS, to serve our First
Minister in Government and to do the best possible job until the next elections
in May 2026.
But a special thanks must go to you – party members – and the voters of Merthyr
Tydfil and Rhymney for having faith in me.
I send my best wishes to those who will stand to represent Welsh Labour in the new
Senedd constituency in 2026. You will have my full support.
A fuller statement is attached to this letter and is also posted on my social media.
Thank you
Yours Sincerely,
Dawn Bowden MS
Member of the Senedd for Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney
