Joel James (politician)

Joel James (born 9 March 1985) is a Welsh Conservative politician who has served as a Member of the Senedd (MS) for the region of South Wales Central since the 2021 Senedd election.

Background
James was born at East Glamorgan General Hospital in Church Village and attended Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School in Beddau.

Following his time at Bryn Celynnog, James studied History at the University of Bristol and completed a postgraduate degree in Welsh History at Cardiff University.

Prior to being elected as a Member of the Senedd in 2021, James worked as a librarian at Cardiff Sixth Form College - one of the highest rated schools in the UK.

Political career
James became the first ever Conservative elected to Rhondda Cynon Taf Country Borough Council in 2008.

Prior to his election to the Senedd, James stood for election for the Pontypridd constituency in 2011, 2016 and 2021, a seat long held by Welsh Labour. In 2021 he was also placed second on the South Wales Central regional list, behind leader Andrew RT Davies. They were both elected. Later that month, he was appointed to the Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Minister for Social Partnership a portfolio that covers many issues such as; public services (including community fire safety), the Wales and Africa programme, Coal tip policy and the promotion of sustainable development.

James still represents the ward of Efail Isaf on Llantwit Fardre Community Council,  but left Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, after not contesting the 2022 local elections.

As Member of the Senedd, James also sits on the Equality and Social Justice committee. He previously sat on the petitions committee and the Local Government and Housing Committee. He is also involved in a number of different Cross-Party Groups, and is the Chair of the Liver Disease and Liver Cancer Cross-Party Group in the Senedd.