The elections to the National Assembly produced some interesting trends and results. Labour’s share of the vote fell to its lowest on record, from 43% to 35% although it is still the dominant party in the assembly with 29 Assembly Members (AMs). Plaid Cymru have pipped the Conservatives to be the largest opposition party. Turnout in the election was slightly up on the previous election at 44%, although much lower than the UK election turnout of 66%.
The manifestos make clear the difference between the parties which support renewable energy, and those which are more sceptical. The Conservatives are not as strongly supportive of renewable energy – particularly onshore wind – as other parties, and UKIP is actively hostile to onshore wind and generally anti-scientific and irrational on climate change policy and action.
Climate change: Prince Charles addresses world leaders. #scam of highest magnitude https://t.co/UULow12uVo
— Nathan Gill (@NathanGillMEP) 30 November 2015
The implications for the sustainable energy and infrastructure sectors are not likely to be significant.UKIP are likely to be the lone dissenting party for votes on most sustainable energy issues. Onshore wind is the most politically contentious renewable energy source, but will likely be supported by all parties except UKIP and possibly the Conservatives.
Some new individual AMs provide a tantalising suggestion of a much more enthusiastic Assembly for sustainability in general. Lee Waters, previously Director of the Institute of Welsh Affairs, is a firm advocate of renewable energy.
Fossil fuel subsidies cost more than renewable subsidies – cut them instead: http://t.co/Fej3nERqbw #saveoursolar pic.twitter.com/8izEpooNM9
— Lee Waters (@Amanwy) 16 August 2015
Huw Irranca Davies commands widespread respect in the energy sector for his role as Shadow Energy Minister, and for his consistent support for renewables, and is very warmly welcomed to the Senedd.
Unacceptable: DECC Sec of St faces up to renewables shortfall after leaked letter revelations #COP21 #climatechange https://t.co/ySkNfD9OG5
— Huw Irranca-Davies (@huw4ogmore) 16 November 2015
Eluned Morgan has previously made significant contributions as a member of the RenewableUK Cymru strategy group, and should assist greatly with the overall move towards sustainability in Wales. Other new members who have a track record of positivity about sustainable energy include Jayne Bryant and Neil McEvoy.
Commenting on the election result, David Clubb said:
“We’re delighted to welcome back some fantastic Assembly Members, and to congratulate the new members. I’m happy to see that this cohort of representatives contains a significant number of enthusiastic and progressive proponents of sustainable energy.
“I very much look forward to working with the new assembly to continue Wales’ push towards being a sustainable country, and one which can be proud of its place as a sustainability leader in the global community.”