Jonathan Morgan (politician)

{{Use British English|date=June 2020}}{{Infobox officeholder

| honorific-prefix =

| name = Jonathan Morgan

| image = Jonathan Morgan 74.jpg

| alt =

| caption = Morgan in 2023

| office = Shadow Minister for Local Government

| termstart = 26 November 2010

| termend = 5 May 2011

| predecessor = Darren Millar

| successor = William Graham

| leader = Nick Bourne

| office2 = Shadow Minister for Health and Social Services

| term_start2 = 7 July 2007

| term_end2 = 26 February 2009

| leader2 = Nick Bourne

| predecessor2 = Helen Mary Jones

| successor2 = Andrew RT Davies

| office3 = Welsh Conservative Spokesperson

| subterm3 = 2003-2007

| suboffice3 = Health and Social Care Spokesperson

| subterm4 = 2000-2003

| suboffice4 = Culture Spokesperson

| subterm5 = 1999-2003

| suboffice5 = Education Spokesperson

| office6 = Member of the Welsh Assembly for Cardiff North

| majority6 =

| term_start6 = 3 May 2007

| term_end6 = 5 May 2011

| predecessor6 = Sue Essex

| successor6 = Julie Morgan

| office7 = Member of the Welsh Assembly for South Wales Central

| majority7 =

| term_start7 = 6 May 1999

| term_end7 = 3 May 2007

| predecessor7 = New Assembly

| successor7 = Andrew R. T. Davies

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1974|11|12|df=yes}}

| birth_place = Tongwynlais, Cardiff, Wales

| death_date =

| death_place =

| restingplace =

| birthname =

| nationality =

| party = Conservative 1991 - 2023 {{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}

| otherparty =

| spouse = Married

| relations =

| children = Two daughters

| residence =

| alma_mater = Cardiff University

| occupation =

| profession =

| cabinet =

| committees =

| portfolio =

| religion =

| signature =

| signature_alt =

| website =

| footnotes =

}}

Jonathan Morgan, (born 12 November 1974) is a Welsh Conservative politician, who served as a Conservative Assembly Member (AM) for South Wales Central from 1999 to 2007 and AM for Cardiff North from 2007 to 2011. In the National Assembly elections in 2011 he was beaten by Labour's candidate Julie Morgan, wife of former First Minister Rhodri Morgan. He is currently chair of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and Chairman of the Welsh NHS Confederation.

Background

Born in Tongwynlais, Rural North Cardiff, Morgan is the grandson of Winston Griffiths, who stood down after many years as a councillor in Cardiff, while his mother and uncle were elected in 2004 to serve on the same local authority.

Educated at the Bishop of Llandaff Church in Wales High School, Cardiff. Morgan gained a Bachelor's degree in Law and Politics, and a MSc in European Policy from the University of Wales, Cardiff.

Before election to the Welsh Assembly, Morgan was European Officer for Coleg Glan Hafren.{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=Huw |date=23 April 1999 |title=Assembly to poach college stalwarts |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/5ed53d06-079b-4f80-909b-dd8b8ad9b32e/ |url-access=subscription |work=The Times Educational Supplement |pages=31 |via=Nexis}} Morgan is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He has also been a Governor at two Cardiff Schools, and a Pupil Barrister, at 9 Park Place from September 2004.{{cite web |date=1 September 1999 |title=UK: Wales: AMs: Jonathan Morgan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/uk/wales/13031.stm |access-date=21 June 2020 |publisher=BBC}}

He married his partner Emily in September 2006.{{Cite news |last=Nifiled |first=Philip |date=19 July 2006 |title=It's Mwnt, Barry and Majorca for our politicians |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/e9a6babb-503c-4cae-880a-be542f4e5d6c |url-access=subscription |work=South Wales Echo |pages=16 |via=Nexis}}

Political career

In 1997 Morgan stood as the Conservative UK Parliament candidate for Merthyr Tydfil, at age 22.

In the 1999 and 2003 National Assembly for Wales elections, Morgan was elected as a regional list member for the South Wales Central constituency.{{Cite web |title=BBC News {{!}} Elections {{!}} Wales 99 {{!}} Regions {{!}} South Wales Central |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/vote_99/wales_99/html/region/4.stm |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=news.bbc.co.uk}}{{Cite web |title=BBC NEWS {{!}} VOTE 2003 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/bsp/hi/vote2003/welsh_assembly/html/24_region.stm |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=news.bbc.co.uk}} He ran unsuccessfully for the Cardiff North constituency at both of these elections,{{Cite web |title=BBC News {{!}} Elections {{!}} Wales 99 {{!}} Constituencies {{!}} Cardiff North |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/vote_99/wales_99/html/constituency/9.stm |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=news.bbc.co.uk}}{{Cite web |title=BBC NEWS {{!}} VOTE 2003 {{!}} Cardiff North |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/vote2003/welsh_assembly/html/124.stm |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=news.bbc.co.uk}} but reduced the Labour majority to 540 votes in 2003. In 2007 he was successfully elected as the constituency member for Cardiff North, with a majority of 4,844 votes. He lost the seat at the next election to Welsh Labour's Julie Morgan, wife of former First Minister Rhodri Morgan.{{Cite web |title=BBC News - Election 2011 - Wales - Cardiff North |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/special/election2011/constituency/html/26673.stm |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}} He also contested Cardiff North for the UK Parliament in the 2005 general election, but came second, again to Julie Morgan.

= Pre-Assembly =

Morgan was in favour of devolution and the creation of the Welsh assembly. He said to observer in August 1997 'What the Labour Party is talking about is administrative devolution, not power to legislate. The Conservative Party has backed that sort of devolution, so to oppose it now would make it easier for Labour to accuse us of hypocrisy. The talk of devolution destroying the union is just scare tactics.'{{Cite news |last=Heath |first=Tony |date=31 August 1997 |title=...and the welsh party fails to assembly a united front |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/3955fdef-cc9f-49b8-9a82-9ca2b804270b/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=The Observer |pages=18 |via=Nexis}}

Morgan was the manager of Nick Bourne's campaign to be the first leader of the Welsh Conservatives.{{Cite news |last=Walters |first=Brian |date=30 October 1998 |title=William's man on grass roots trail |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-wales-evening-post-williams-man-o/160169059/ |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=South Wales Evening Post |pages=26 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite web |title=People in the Assembly |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/uk/wales/13031.stm |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=BBC News}} Bourne was not selected by the Welsh Conservatives, with Rod Richards being selected as the leader to contest the first assembly elections. He also chaired Conservative Future in Wales - the Welsh Youth Branch of the Conservative Party.{{Cite news |date=14 June 2000 |title=Mystery of book covering the film |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/6f1fbd3e-5e14-415f-aac2-2c848dec1cf7 |url-access=subscription |work=South Wales Evening Post |pages=12 |via=Nexis}}

= First Assembly =

Morgan contested both the Cardiff North constituency, and the South Wales Central region. He was not elected in Cardiff North, receiving 9,894 votes to Sue Essex (Welsh Labour)'s 12,198.{{Cite web |title=BBC News {{!}} Elections {{!}} Wales 99 {{!}} Constituencies {{!}} Cardiff North |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/vote_99/wales_99/html/constituency/9.stm |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=news.bbc.co.uk}} He was however elected on the regional list. Upon his election, Morgan was the youngest member of the First Assembly, at 24 years old.{{Cite news |last=Percival |first=Jenny |date=8 May 1999 |title=Labour wilts in the valleys as Plaid Cymru takes root |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/da40bced-d310-48fb-a4c1-89a9702c427e/ |url-access=subscription |work=The Scotman |pages=9 |via=Nexis}}

Morgan served as the Welsh Conservative's Education Spokesperson during the first assembly term.{{cite news |date=14 May 1999 |title=Bourne is given job |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-wales-evening-post-bourne-is-given/159909988/ |work=South Wales Evening Post |page=16 |via=Newspapers.com}} His portfolio was expanded to also include culture, including broadcasting,{{Cite news |last=Hazlewood |first=Richard |date=10 February 2001 |title=AM misses assembly business for skiing trip |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/fdf9d4d8-8b08-4ffd-b916-77a05d503acc/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=South Wales Echo |pages=2 |via=Nexis}} media, and sport{{Cite news |last=Nifield |first=Phillip |date=8 March 2001 |title=Assembly's pounds 500,000 for stadium matches |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/d394533e-5e07-4cb2-a34e-b4da4fe9d675/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=South Wales Echo |pages=9 |via=Nexis}} in November 2000.{{cite news |date=2 November 2000 |title=High-flying Glyn left on the shelf |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/fd00bff3-a77f-4209-977b-ba340ba41ffe/?context=1519360&federationidp=M9JDTX59593 |url-access=subscription |work=South Wales Evening Post |page=10 |via=Nexis}} He also sat on the Assembly's European Affairs Committee.{{Cite news |last=Hazlewood |first=Richard |date=22 May 2002 |title=Tories urged not to rule out joining Euro |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/6990aab1-eef2-4517-bf9e-b5af904d1dd5 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=South Wales Echo |pages=18 |via=Nexis}}

In his role as Culture spokesperson he was critical of the handling of a bid for Cardiff to be European City of Culture in 2008, particularly of disagreements between Culture Minister Jenny Randerson and Cardiff Council leader Russell Goodway.{{Cite news |date=7 February 2001 |title=Fraught relations 'hindering bid' |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/374c0a5c-7023-4a20-9fbe-87ed8842f3d3/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=Western Mail |pages=2 |via=Nexis}} He was supportive of the Construction of the new Wales Millennium Centre.{{Cite news |last=Hazlewood |first=Richard |date=4 April 2001 |title=Counting the cost of new arts centre |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/4f09d3db-8e52-444b-adb1-34ecec2f861a/ |url-access=subscription |work=South Wales Echo |pages=17 |via=Nexis}}

As Education spokesperson he campaigned for an end to GCSE-level Welsh Language learning being compulsory in Welsh Schools,{{Cite news |date=21 May 2001 |title=Tories pledge to give pupils a choice over studying Welsh |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/10619630-c264-4a3a-b8bb-7e370b2885bf |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=South Wales Echo |pages=4 |via=Nexis}} and of efforts to prevent religious schools from set admissions quotas for their own religious community.{{Cite news |last=Hazlewood |first=Richard |date=16 December 2002 |title=POLITICALFOCUS: TORY AMS PLANNING TO DISRUPT LEGISLATION |work=South Wales Echo |pages=23}} He was also critical of the re-introduction of university tuition fees by the Blair government,{{Cite news |last=Noah |first=Sherna |date=5 June 2001 |title=Blair urged to scrap tuition fees |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/af82cbab-8b3a-41df-ad99-8bae29b9747c/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=Press Association |via=Nexis}} and campaigned for and was supportive of their re-abolition in Wales, and of the Welsh Government's scrapping of league tables for school exam results.{{Cite news |last=Walters |first=Brian |date=24 July 2001 |title=School league tables must be kept - AM |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/8e037cf8-f619-40b0-bc97-dce4aca3ad3b/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=South Wales Evening Post |pages=14 |via=Nexis}} He further criticised the functioning and operation of Education and Learning Wales (ELWA), the quango responsible for large parts of Education in Wales at the time.{{Cite news |last=Shipton |first=Martin |last2=Barry |first2=Sion |date=15 March 2003 |title=OPPOSITION PARTIES CALL FOR INQUIRY INTO CONTROVERSIAL ELWA CONTRACTS |work=Western Mail |pages=7}}

In February 2001 he was criticised by members of the Welsh Government for going on a skiing holiday in Salt Lake City to celebrate his engagement one week prior to the Assembly's half term recess. In the time he was not present, a number of matters pertaining to his portfolio were to be discussed, including the Wales Millennium Centre and discussions about broadcasting and television.

Morgan supported Ken Clarke in the 2001 Conservative Party leadership election.{{Cite news |last=Hazlewood |first=Richard |date=9 July 2001 |title=Broaden your appeal, AM urges tory chiefs |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/9b835c2e-f665-4a10-bc14-e483f7bdcf0d |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=South Wales Echo |pages=15 |via=Nexis}}{{Cite web |date=2005-10-22 |title=Bourne seeks 'X factor' in leader |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/bourne-seeks-x-factor-leader-2373816 |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=Wales Online}}

= Second Assembly =

Morgan once again contested both Cardiff North and the South Wales Central list in the 2003 Welsh Assembly election. He was once again elected on the list, but reduced Sue Essex's majority in Cardiff North to 504 votes. He was appointed as the Welsh Tories Health and Social Services spokesperson, as well as being their business manager in the Assembly.{{cite news |date=14 May 2003 |title=AM leaves Tory front bench to back more Assembly powers |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/am-leaves-tory-front-bench-2484602 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723115728/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/am-leaves-tory-front-bench-2484602 |archive-date=23 July 2024 |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=Western Mail |publisher=}}{{cite news |date=14 May 2003 |title=Tory breaks ranks on assembly power |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/3023977.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626154845/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/3023977.stm |archive-date=26 June 2024 |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=BBC News}} He ceased being business manager within the first year of the term, saying that the Health brief was too significant to manage both roles.{{Cite news |date=11 November 2004 |title=NOW IN CHARGE OF THE HEALTH BRIEF |work=South Wales Echo |pages=39}}

In the Health role he was critical of issues with the Welsh NHS, including growing waiting lists. He opposed the introduction of free prescriptions, citing the cost of the policy.{{Cite news |date=23 July 2005 |title=Welsh Assembly defends free prescriptions. |work=Chemist & Druggist |pages=6}} He was critical of proposals from the Welsh Government to introduce 24-hour alcohol licenses for pubs, due to risks of increased binge drinking, and general health risks.{{Cite news |last=Bodden |first=Tom |date=31 August 2005 |title=Wales should call time on new drink law |work=Daily Post (North Wales) |pages=21}}

Morgan also continued to be critical of the attitude of his party towards Wales, calling for his party to stop campaigning on the position of abolishing the Welsh Assembly - saying it would be perceived by the Welsh electorate as "a refusal to accept what they have decided."{{Cite news |last=Nifield |first=Phillip |date=19 July 2005 |title=Accept the assembly, says tory |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/6dd67af2-5d6b-43a7-96ef-1f1fb73ab6af |url-access=subscription |work=South Wales Echo |pages=4 |via=Nexis}}

In 2006 Jonathan was named Assembly Member of the Year in the ITV Wales/Wales Yearbook political awards. Judges said his work as health spokesman was "substantive, well thought-out and overwhelmingly constructive".{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}

= Third Assembly =

Morgan did not contest the South Wales Central list at the 2007 Welsh Assembly elections,{{Cite news |last=Beacham |first=Rhiannon |date=4 May 2007 |title=Jonathan Morgan triumphs in Cardiff North |work=Press Association Newswire: Wales}} as running for both a constituency and a regional list had been banned by the Government of Wales Act 2006.{{Cite web |last=Shipton |first=Martin |date=2005-12-09 |title=Assembly could lose best politicians |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/assembly-could-lose-best-politicians-2362487 |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=Wales Online}} He was elected as the AM for Cardiff North, with a majority of 4.844 votes, defeating Welsh Labour's Sophie Howe.{{Cite web |title=BBC NEWS {{!}} Election 2007 {{!}} Welsh Assembly {{!}} Election Result: Cardiff North |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/vote2007/welshasssembly_english/html/809.stm |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=news.bbc.co.uk}} The Welsh Conservatives became the second largest party on creation of the One Wales government, and as such formed the Shadow Cabinet. Morgan retained his previous portfolio, becoming Shadow Minister for Health and Social Services.{{Cite news |date=5 June 2007 |title=Bourne names his front benchers |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/bourne-names-his-front-benchers-2241032 |work=Western Mail |pages=5}}

In 2008 Morgan became the first non-government AM to put forward a Legislative Competence Order (LCO) seeking powers for the Assembly over mental health.{{Cite news |last=Williamson |first=David |date=19 February 2008 |title=Health order makes history at Senedd; First backbench request for the transfer of powers from London |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/wales-seeks-mental-health-law-making-2196851 |work=Western Mail |pages=12}} In 2009, he introduced the Mental Health Measure, reforming mental health law in Wales.

In February 2009, Morgan was not included in Nick Bourne's new Shadow Frontbench team, being replaced in the Health and Social Services role by Andrew RT Davies.{{Cite news |date=27 February 2009 |title=Two tories reject Bourne offers |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7913572.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507225822/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/7913572.stm |archive-date=7 May 2024 |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=BBC News}}{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Daniel |date=26 February 2009 |title=Morgan leaves tory frontbench in reshuffle |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/45736553-601a-43ed-8b5d-dfee5f9cceaa |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=Press Association Newswire: Wales |via=Nexis}} He was reportedly offered the role of Shadow Education Minister, but turned it down.{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Daniel |date=27 February 2009 |title=Bourne disappointed to lose Morgan in re-shuffle |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/0c549848-5f0f-468e-a3f2-5aa141bffaa7 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=Press Association Newswire: Wales |via=Nexis}} He was instead nominated as chairman of the Assembly audit committee. Bourne would later say that Morgan had been in the role "too long".{{Cite news |date=4 March 2009 |title=Former Tory leader Rod Richards attacks Bourne over jibe that his party rival had been in shadow post 'too long' |work=The Times |pages=4–5}} Morgan was widely noted to be the primary candidate to succeed Bourne at this time.

As Chair of the Audit Committee, Morgan put forward proposals for reform to AM's expenses.{{Cite news |last=Williamson |first=David |date=29 May 2009 |title=Conservative AM Jonathan Morgan calls for checks on AMs' expenses |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/conservative-am-jonathan-morgan-calls-2108358 |work=WalesOnline |pages=}} The move was regarded as an attack on Nick Bourne's leadership, after Bourne had been revealed to claim, among other things, an IPod on assembly expenses.{{Cite news |last=Williamson |first=David |date=29 May 2009 |title='HERE'S HOW ASSEMBLY COULD BE CLEANED UP' |work=South Wales Echo |pages=6}}

Morgan also advocated for placing female Conservative candidates at the top of the party's regional list positions, as well as advocating for a devolved Welsh Conservative Party with its own leader.{{Cite news |last=Shipton |first=Martin |date=29 August 2009 |title=Conservative Party 'must address lack of female AMs with positive discrimination' |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/94085ca5-284a-4382-8d2e-779dfae8b24c |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=The Western Mail |pages=10 |via=Nexis}} He also criticised that regional list AMs had to seek re-selection at every Assembly election, whereas constituency AMs did not.

In November 2010 he re-entered the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Minister for Local Government,{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Daniel |date=26 November 2010 |title=Tories appoint Morgan to shadow cabinet |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/4773561b-e41d-41ac-9267-4e1649927e86/?context=1519360&federationidp=M9JDTX59593 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=Press Association |via=Nexis}} as well as the Chairmanship of the Welsh Assembly's health committee. Morgan's replacement as Shadow Health Minister Andrew RT Davies resigned shortly after.{{Cite news |last=Williamson |first=David |date=30 November 2010 |title=Bourne shocked by shadow health minister's resignation |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/bourne-shocked-shadow-health-ministers-1888645 |url-status= |work=The Western Mail |pages=}}

Morgan lost his seat at the 2011 Welsh Assembly election to Julie Morgan, by 1,782 votes.{{Cite web |title=BBC News - Election 2011 - Wales - Cardiff North |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/special/election2011/constituency/html/26673.stm |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

= Post-Assembly =

He backed Nick Ramsay to replace Nick Bourne after Bourne also lost his seat at the 2011 elections.{{Cite news |last=Wright |first=Benjamin |date=16 May 2011 |title=MILLAR RULES OUT BID FOR TORY CROWN |work=Press Association Newswire: Wales}}

After losing his seat at the 2011 election, he established a consultancy business, consulting on how to influence the agenda of the Welsh Government.{{Cite news |date=27 September 2011 |title=Former AM sets up as advisory consultant |work=The Western Mail |pages=10}} Later that year, he was employed by the Royal College of Nursing to lobby for the Adult Support and Protection (Wales) Bill.{{Cite news |date=17 October 2011 |title=AMs back Bill for adults at risk |work=The Western Mail |pages=14}}

In 2020, Morgan campaigned for selection as a Conservative candidate for the South Wales Central constituency in the 2021 Senedd Election, but was not shortlisted.{{Cite news |date=2020-12-12 |title=Tory election candidates quizzed on abolishing Senedd |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-55282397 |access-date=2024-05-09 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |last=Shipton |first=Martin |date=12 December 2020 |title=Ex-Tory AM excluded from list of potential Senedd candidates |url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/western-mail/20201212/281749861939806 |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=The Western Mail |pages=18 |via=PressReader}} This decision was controversial, with Conservative MS for the South Wales East constituency Laura Anne Jones saying she was 'shocked and sorry' he was not selected, and Monmouthshire councillor Richard John saying "Anyone without an agenda would agree he has earned a place on the ballot paper."{{Cite tweet |number=1337163710046101506 |user=RichardJohnRJ |title=Really sorry to see this 😢 Jonathan is one of the most talented Assembly Members we’ve ever had. Anyone without an agenda would agree he has earned a place on the ballot paper |first=Richard |last=John |date=2020-12-10}} Morgan said he was "bitterly disappointed" by his exclusion from the shortlist Journalist Martin Shipton and outgoing MS David Melding later alleged that this was because Morgan said he would vote to keep the Senedd, and not abolish it.{{Cite news |last=Shipton |first=Martin |date=5 April 2021 |title=Abolish bid serious as England is riding roughshod over Wales |url=https://pressreader.com/article/281930250783723 |work=The Western Mail |pages=21 |via=PressReader}}{{Cite web |last= |date=2020-12-12 |title=Tory MS expresses 'puzzlement' at abolish the Senedd question in candidate selection process |url=https://nation.cymru/news/tory-ms-expresses-puzzlement-at-abolish-the-senedd-question-in-candidate-selection-process/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Nation.Cymru |language=en-GB}}

Morgan left the Conservative Party in 2023.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}

Post-political career

Morgan was Head of the Association of Directors of Social Services Business Unit (2017–2020) and Chair of Hafod Housing Association (2020–2023).{{Cite web |date=2024-04-30 |title=Change is afoot at the helm of Welsh NHS Confederation |url=https://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/24286196.jonathan-morgan-named-chairman-welsh-nhs-confederation/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Western Telegraph |language=en}} He also Chaired the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee of the Public Services Ombudsman from 2016 to 2020, and sat on the Audit Risk and Assurance Committee for the first Future Generations Commissioner for Wales between 2017 and 2023{{cite web| url=https://futuregenerations.wales/about-us/our-team/|publisher=Future Generations Commissioner for Wales|title=Our Team|access-date=21 June 2020}}

In April 2023 Jonathan Morgan was appointed as Chair of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board{{Cite web |title=Board Members |url=https://ctmuhb.nhs.wales/about-us/our-board/board-members/ |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board |language=en}} for a period of 4 years. In 2024 he was appointed as Chair of the Welsh NHS Confederation, replacing Emma Woollett.

Political views

= Devolution =

Morgan was a proponent of Welsh devolution during the 1997 Welsh devolution referendum campaign, though he was critical of the lack of legislative powers proposed for the new Assembly.{{Cite news |date=1997-10-14 |title=Defeated MPs ring for a job! |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-wales-echo-defeated-mps-ring-for-a/160177370/ |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=South Wales Echo |pages=8 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |last=Kitchen |first=Clare |date=1997-08-19 |title=Concern over cost raised at debate |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-wales-echo-concern-over-cost-raise/160177107/ |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=South Wales Echo |pages=2 |via=Newspapers.com}} During his time in the Senedd he near-consistently advocated for the devolution of further powers.{{Cite news |last=Williamson |first=David |date=2009-11-06 |title=Pro-devolution tories scent victory with Cameron set to say yes to referendum |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/735e0ef3-b1fe-45d1-a947-98803abe3f6c/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=Western Mail |pages=6 |via=Nexis}} However, he did oppose devolution of a few specific powers, including devolution of Housing, with regards to the right to buy council houses.{{Cite news |last=Williamson |first=David |date=2010-02-25 |title=Tories' stand on council homes raises fears for future |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/709128f3-aca3-428a-8b04-d638736fc0de |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=The Western Mail |pages=6 |via=Nexis}} He further opposed, and campaigned against the inclusion of a referendum on scrapping the Assembly within the Conservatives' position.{{Cite news |date=2005-07-19 |title=Call on tories to scrap abolition |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/c54e62fc-51d4-45a0-ab19-d2463e028f6a |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=Daily Post (North Wales) |pages=7 |via=Nexis}}

It has been widely alleged his exclusion from the Conservative party's South Wales Central shortlist was due to his support for devolution.

= The Welsh Conservative Party =

Morgan has supported greater autonomy for the Welsh Conservatives from the UK Conservative Party.{{Cite news |last=Hazlewood |first=Richard |date=2001-10-10 |title=Tory members told to adapt to change or die |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/d02925e5-8b00-4fe9-9208-e93780cc1e00 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=South Wales Echo |pages=17 |via=Nexis}} He has also supported the creation of a much more distinctly Welsh identity for the party.{{Cite news |last=Livingstone |first=Tomos |date=2010-10-07 |title=Real politik |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/111b2855-8fc3-4c7a-b24e-b11a9a2394f7 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=The Western Mail |pages=27 |via=Nexis}}

= Europe =

Morgan has been supportive of the UK playing a much more active role in European Integration.{{Cite news |last=Hazlewood |first=Richard |date=2002-03-20 |title=Thatcher's views come under fire |url=https://advance.lexis.com/api/permalink/37cd6de3-ab6d-4880-908b-e1860bc4f1af |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=South Wales Echo |pages=22 |via=Nexis}} He urged conservative colleagues to not permanently rule out UK adoption of the Euro.

References

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20080516060641/http://www.assemblywales.org/memhome/mem-profile/mem-cardiff_north.htm Biography at the National Assembly for Wales]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20061121212604/https://www.conservatives.com/tile.do?def=people.person.page&personID=122784 Biography at Welsh Conservatives]