Welsh parliamentary group on small shops elects new leader

Howells’ election to the group in the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) has been welcomed by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) as she is a well-known supporter of local shops in Wales.

In the past, the group has held several meetings with ministers on a range of issues affecting independent retailers, including business rates, retail crime and planning reform.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We have worked with Vikki since she was elected to the Welsh Parliament and we are delighted that she has become chair of the group – a further example of her commitment to support local shops across Wales.

“Convenience stores across Wales provide over 26,000 local, flexible jobs and access to a range of essential services.

“The Cross Party Group on Small Shops plays an important role in promoting the social and economic role of local shops and how to support their place in local communities.”

Howells, a former teacher elected to the Senedd in 2016, said: “Small shops play a vital role in our local economies, and are the backbone of village and town high streets including in my own constituency of Cynon Valley so I am delighted to be elected Chair of the Group, and look forward to playing my part to support them.”

Russell George MS has been elected as Vice-Chair of the Cross Party Group.

The Association of Convenience Stores has been re-elected as secretariat to the group.