John Marek – in his own words

John Marek is an accomplished bridge player, and plays his latest cards today

“Today I am joining a party which has changed, which has ideas, energy and vision, and which is serious about changing this country’s fortunes after 13 years of Labour failure. The Labour Party and I parted company shortly after Tony Blair became Prime Minister and I have never regretted my decision. New Labour has lost all purpose and authority – facts clearly demonstrated in the sight last week of former ministers seemingly more worried about lining their own pockets than serving the people who elected them.

“The country needs change. And in Wales we need a multi-party democracy which has been denied to us for too long. I believe it is time the Conservative Party is given a chance to show how it can govern in the interests of all the people of Wales and all the people of the United Kingdom.

“I am pleased to be joining the Conservative Party which is now in the centre of the political spectrum and on a number of issues is to the left of Labour. David Cameron’s social conscience is at the heart of my decision to join the Conservative Party. He understands the difficulties faced by ordinary people and I am convinced that as Prime Minister he will govern for everybody.

“Under Labour every household and every business in the country is paying the price for Gordon Brown’s boom and bust. Our personal civil liberties have been eroded, and the government has created a vast army of administrators which are providing poorer services today than before 1997. We need change and I am convinced the Conservative Party will achieve this.

“I believe it is only through a Conservative government that we can fix our broken economy, restore our civil liberties, ensure our public services meet the public’s expectations, and tackle the big national and international issues facing our country today.

“I am delighted to be working with Nick Bourne and Cheryl Gillan again. They are people for whom I have the highest respect. There is no keener, hard working champion for Wales at Westminster than Cheryl Gillan. And I know that in Wales under Nick Bourne’s pragmatic leadership in the Assembly we can look forward to Conservatives in government.”

Welsh Conservative Assembly leader Nick Bourne AM said: “I have the greatest respect for John and am extremely pleased he has today joined the Welsh Conservatives. His decision speaks volumes for the way in which our party has changed both in Wales and across the UK and has a broad appeal. John will add enormous strength and experience to our party. I look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.”

Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan MP said: “I am delighted to be able to extend a warm welcome to John as the newest member of the Conservative Party. I have known him for many years and worked with him at Westminster. I am glad his political journey has led him to the Conservative Party. His decision to join us demonstrates yet again how the Conservative Party is broadening its appeal, how it has changed, and how it is now the only party which represents all the people of Wales.”