Alun Cairns was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Vale of Glamorgan in May 2010.
He lives in the constituency with his wife Emma, who runs her own small business, and with their son Henri, who attends the local Welsh language primary school. His father was a welder in British Steel and his mother was a shopkeeper.
He first became aware of politics whilst growing up in a deprived community near Swansea. He saw that a close family member, who ran her own small grocery shop worked all hours possible for almost 50 years ended up worse off than many of their neighbours who hadn't bothered working, in spite of being able to do so. He felt that it was wrong that people who were able to work could live off the state, yet others worked every hour for little reward. Naturally, he wants to see support for those who genuinely can't work.
Being elected as the MP for the Vale in May 2010 was an honour and a privilege. He enjoys the role hugely. Parliamentary work in Westminster is exciting, fast moving and important to bring about the changes he's mentioned.
Alun Cairns' Experience
Alun has stood for Parliament before, once in Gower in 1997 and he was the Conservative Party's candidate for the Vale of Glamorgan at the 2005 General Election.
As an Assembly Member (first elected in 1999), he stood up for people who have not received fair play from public (and private) bodies. He was also the Shadow Minister for Local Government in the Welsh Assembly. Alun has been one of the National Assembly's most effective members.
His ability to hold the Welsh government to account has won him praise from the media, who have dubbed him "one of the sharpest brains in the assembly" and "a terrier, snapping at the heels of the executive."
He's developed a particular interest in Special Educational Needs (SEN). Too many parents are forced to fight for what is rightly theirs. Statementing of children is a tortuous process and pupils who should be able to contribute to society later in life are being failed.
One of his proudest moments was to force a change of Assembly Policy after championing a local Special Needs case by exposing that WAG guidance was against the law.
Before being elected he worked for Lloyds Bank (latterly Lloyds TSB) for more than 10 years - mostly in business development, with his last role in financial services compliance.
His other great interest is economic affairs and completed an MBA as a mature student, specialising in inward investment policy. This led to his role as Economic Spokesman for the Conservative Party in Wales and the responsibility of shadowing and scrutinising Rhodri Morgan in the early days of the Assembly, when Objective 1 was the key debate.
He's passionate about the Vale of Glamorgan community and wants to play a part to help change it for the better. Freeing up business to create wealth and help reform public services to cut out waste is a priority for Alun.
If Alun can help you in any way, please let him know.
Contact
Alun holds regular advice surgeries across the Vale of Glamorgan, where you can speak to him about problems or issues you have. Anyone in the Vale is welcome to attend, but surgeries are very busy, and it is advisable to call 01446 403814 to make an appointment.
Constituency Office: 29 High Street, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, CF62 7EB
T: 01446 403814
Parliamentary Office: House of Commons, London, SW1A 1AA
T: 0207 219 5232