The returning Senedd member for Montgomeryshire has said he will use his position "to hold the government to account" as the country recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Russell George MS retained his seat with an increased majority during last week’s Senedd elections, and insists he will be doing all he can to address the challenges the region and country faces in the wake of the pandemic.

The Conservative also vowed to pursue plans for a new health facility and community hospital in Mid-Wales.

“In Wales we face big challenges,” he said. “We have the weakest economy of all the four UK nations and longer NHS waiting times.

“One of the first jobs on my to-do-list after the First Minister has confirmed his new cabinet, will be to take up with the Economy Minister the additional business support that is required to help our small business, especially those in the hospitality sector.

“Our local health board has submitted plans for a new health facility and community hospital for Mid Wales. I will be taking this is up with the new Health Minister.

“I had pursued this with previous first ministers and I will now be looking to meet with the Health Minister to lobby for approval of these plans and for the new facility to be delivered.

“I will also be working closely with my new colleague and Member of the Senedd for Brecon and Radnorshire, James Evans MS, to make the case to change the funding formula that currently disadvantages rural councils, so we can invest more in our schools and other essential local services. Powys needs a fair deal.”

The Montgomeryshire MS thanked those who voted for him and praised the other candidates who challenged for the seat in the region.

He said: “It was a huge privilege to have been re-elected for a third term. I would like to thank the people of Montgomeryshire for returning me with a much increased majority.

"I would also like to send my best wishes to the other candidates who took part in what was a very fair campaign.

"I was delighted my own party returned the highest ever level of Welsh Conservative members to the Senedd.

"It’s now clear that there will be a new Welsh Labour Government formed; my colleagues and I will be holding the new government to account, but also bringing forward our own proposals as we recover from the pandemic."

Montgomeryshire residents can contact Mr George via email at russell.george@senedd.wales or by phone on 01686 610887.