Samuel Kurtz has spent the last five years as a Senedd Member, representing the Conservatives in Wales. Reflecting on his journey, he admits there’s a chance he might not be re-elected, but his spirits aren’t as gloomy as you’d expect. Despite a rocky path for the Conservatives – which saw them wiped out in the 2024 general election in Wales – Samuel sees “green shoots” of recovery under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership.
For Samuel, a major highlight of his role is visiting schools like Pembroke Dock’s, where kids bombard him with quirky questions like why the Senedd roof resembles a cowboy hat and how much he gets paid. Such moments, he says, are the best part of the job!
Yet, the political scene has been turbulent. Challenges arise not only from internal strife but external pressures too, especially from Nigel Farage’s Reform Party. Defections like Laura Anne Jones, who switched sides in a surprise press conference at the Royal Welsh Show, have shaken things up, leaving Samuel “really disappointed.”
The drama doesn’t stop there. James Evans, another of Samuel’s colleagues, was expelled from the party amidst speculation of crossing over to Reform. Samuel, saddened by this, hopes there’s still room for reconciliation.
As Samuel campaigns in the Ceredigion-Penfro list, he acknowledges the uphill battle ahead. The new electoral system poses uncertainties, and the polls aren’t smiling on the Conservatives. But Samuel, ever the pragmatist, is ready to face whatever comes in May’s elections. He’s proud of his work and the chance to represent communities close to his heart, like the farming community, which he knows well as a farmer’s son.
Targeting Reform’s mixed message approach, he urges voters to think critically. As election day nears, Samuel remains optimistic, working tirelessly on and off the campaign trail. His journey these past five years has been unforgettable, filled with lessons in politics and personal growth. While not being re-elected would sting, Samuel is determined to keep fighting for the issues that matter to him and his constituents, whatever the outcome.