VALE resident and South Wales Central AM Andrew RT Davies recently spoke about how his roots inspired him to go into politics.

Mr Davies, who has represented the Vale in the National Assembly for Wales since 2007, made the comments whilst addressing the Politics and Welsh Societies at the London School of Economics, in an event on Why Wales voted Brexit.

Leaving school at 16 to work in the family farming business near Cowbridge, Mr Davies never intended to go into politics but the BSE crisis of the 1990s gave him a reason to get involved as he felt there were not enough politicians who understood agricultural issues.

He said he would never forget his background in the Vale, and that he campaigned for Brexit because he believed it would deliver a better future for the area.

Mr Davies said: “It was a pleasure to visit the LSE and address the Politics and Welsh Societies. While I went to speak about Brexit, it inevitably started with me talking about my background in the Vale and how this shaped my outlook.

“When I joined the family farming business, I never imagined I would one day go into politics, but it was the impact the BSE crisis was having on the agricultural industry in the Vale that inspired me to do it.

“I firmly believe that Brexit offers many opportunities to the area, as we will be able to reduce EU regulation and deliver policies that work for our local communities.

“I was delighted to have the opportunity to share this insight with LSE students and I would like to thank them for their kind invite to speak.”