Alun is 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".
Born in 1970, Alun was brought up in Clydach near Swansea. He attended Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontardawe and Ysgol Ddwyeithog Ystalyfera. Alun has extensive experience in the business sector, having worked for the Lloyds Bank Group before being elected to the National Assembly. His political interests include economic development and transport. He also holds an MBA specialising in corporate location and inward investment.
Alun is married to Emma. They are the proud parents of Henri. Alun is also a keen cyclist and gardener. He has cycles regularly to raise funds for charity.
Alun Cairns' Experience
As well as being the Party’s parliamentary candidate for the Vale of Glamorgan, he is also the Shadow Minister for Local Government in the Welsh Assembly.
He is also passionate about the rights of children with Special Educational Needs and had led many local and national debates to improve the provision available to pupils who need extra help as a result of a disability.
Alun boasts considerable experience within the Welsh Conservative Party. A former spokesman on Education and the economy. He has also been chair of the Assembly’s Finance Committee.
First elected to the assembly as AM for South Wales West in 1999, he was re-elected in 2003 and 2007. He has served as the party’s spokesman on economic development and transport, Shadow Education Minister and Shadow Local Government Minister. He was appointed chief whip of the Assembly group and Shadow Heritage Minister in February 2009. He has also chaired the Assembly's powerful finance committee.
Alun stood for Parliament in Gower in 1997 and was the Conservative Party's candidate for the Vale of Glamorgan at the 2005 General Election. He has been re-selected as Parliamentary candidate for the Vale of Glamorgan for the forthcoming General Election.