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 recently completed an MBA specialising in corporate location and inward investment.

Alun is married to Emma. They are the proud parents of Henri Thomas George, who was born last year. Alun is also a keen gardener and squash player and has raised money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association by running 10 km fun runs.

Alun's Experience

Alun boasts considerable experience within the Welsh Conservative Party. As a member of the assembly's economic development and audit committees, he has held the Welsh government to account over a range of issues from transport infrastructure, European regional aid, public spending, and the Welsh economy.

Alun has also been a vocal opponent of the Scarweather Sands offshore wind farm development near Porthcawl. A fluent Welsh speaker, Alun has long been an active member of the Conservative Party in South West Wales. First elected to the assembly as AM for South Wales West in 1999, he was re-elected in 2003 and 2007 and served as the party's spokesman on economic development and transport for eight years. He now holds the education and lifelong learning portfolio.

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.