NEWLY elected Senedd member James Evans has received his first promotion, just weeks after sworn into office.

James, who represents Brecon and Radnorshire, appeared on BBC Wales live recently to state that one of his key aims in politics was male mental health. He discussed body dysmorphia, high suicide rates and loneliness as some areas that need to be discussed by politicians going forward.

The Conservative MS said that for too long politicians have talked the talk, but now they need to look to bring in policies to tackle the rise in male mental health related issues.

James has now been promoted and given the portfolio of - Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Mid Wales.

James said: "I am extremely excited to begin my new role as Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Mid Wales.

"Mid Wales is my home and a place I believe has been ignored by the establishment in Cardiff Bay for way too long.

"I will tour the region, listen to the voices of those who want to improve our region and work with them to ensure the long-term prosperity for our area.

"Championing mental health has been one of my main aims since being elected as a Senedd Member and I have ambitious plans to raise topics that have been ignored by politicians for too long.

"Suicide prevention, mental health services, substance misuse and armed forces and veterans’ health have been on the agenda for some time and I look forward to proposing new policies to improve legislation for those in need.

"However, there are also topics that simply aren’t being taken seriously by the Welsh Government, such as the negative effects of social media on young people, male and female body dysmorphia and how online companies are promoting harmful lifestyles to our young people.

"All of these issues need raising, discussing, and addressing, and I am determined to give mental health the time and recognition it deserves."

Welsh Conservative leader, Andrew RT Davies said: "After our best ever Welsh election result, this is a new team brimming with energy and ideas to tackle the big challenges Wales faces as we come out of the pandemic.

"The Welsh Conservatives have delivered a fresh team to the Senedd and I’m excited to see a new shadow cabinet full of talent and expertise from outside parliament enter the political fray in Wales.

"Our immediate priority will be working in the national interest to protect livelihoods and ensure our economy gets on the road to recovery and we build back better after the most difficult period we’ve seen in peacetime Britain."