In a significant political move, Sarah Atherton, the former Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for Wrexham, has formally announced her departure from the party, describing it as “impotent.” This bold statement comes as she prepares to make a bid for election in the upcoming May 2025 Senedd elections, for which she believes her experience and insights could still contribute positively to Welsh politics.
Atherton, who represented Wrexham from 2019 until losing her seat in the 2024 general election, articulated her feelings about the Conservative Party, indicating that it no longer resonates with her values or the political ideology she champions. Her tenure as an MP was marked by her brief role as the parliamentary under-secretary of state for defence people, veterans, and service families in 2022. Notably, she was the first Conservative to hold the Wrexham constituency seat since its establishment in 1918.
While Atherton has not publicly declared her allegiance to a new political party, she expressed a strong desire to remain active in political life, particularly within Cardiff Bay, where the Welsh Parliament, or Senedd, convenes. Atherton stated, “I still have a lot to give,” suggesting her commitment to public service and her intent to utilize her background in social work to benefit her constituents and the broader community.
A spokesperson for the Conservative Party, however, has opted not to comment on her departure, leaving many within political circles to speculate about the ramifications of her exit. The 2025 Senedd election is anticipated to be pivotal, with some analysts suggesting it could lead to significant shifts in the political landscape. A former Conservative MS (Member of Senedd), Laura Anne Jones, recently made headlines by defecting to Reform UK, marking a notable shift within the conservative wing in Wales.
Atherton’s departure adds to the growing list of challenges facing the Conservative Party in Wales, especially after her previous comments in support of Reform UK’s leader, Nigel Farage. Her remarks at the time faced backlash from party figures like Andrew RT Davies, who denounced the idea of aligning closely with Farage as a means of securing the Conservative future.
Addressing media inquiries from Newyddion S4C regarding her future political endeavors, Atherton clarified that she had not joined Reform UK, emphasizing her discontent with the Conservatives’ “configured selection process.” She pointed out that the process unfairly favors sitting Members of the Senedd, thereby rendering her unable to seek candidacy under the Conservative banner moving forward.
The electoral context in Wales is evolving, particularly with new constituency maps coming into play. The upcoming elections will see 16 seats each electing six members through party lists, a system designed to enhance proportionality and inclusivity. The changes are pivotal as they might define a new era of governance in Wales, especially for those parties looking to position themselves amid shifting voter sentiments.
Atherton’s aspirations for the May 2025 elections underscore her intent to continue influencing Welsh politics, leveraging her experience in both the House of Commons and as a social worker. As she ponders her next steps, stakeholders and constituents alike will be watching closely to see how her political landscape evolves, alongside the broader dynamics of the Welsh Parliament and the parties represented within it.
