Heledd Fychan Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr

This is a copy of an article first published in The Wales Arts Review - you can read it by clicking here.

Over the past year, most of us have found solace, comfort or inspiration from the arts and culture in one form or another.

It may have been binge-watching our favourite TV box sets or re-discovering a love for painting or writing. Or it may have been taking up a new hobby, such as sewing or learning to play an instrument when the restrictions were at their strictest. Doing something that brought us joy, at a time when there was such despair. 

Today Plaid Cymru announced its new-look shadow cabinet.  South Wales Central Members Heledd Fychan and Rhys ap Owen have the portfolios of Culture, Sport and International Affairs & Constitution and Justice respectively. A full list is shown below.

As Mark Drakeford made a statement on the appointment of his new cabinet Heledd used the opportunity to question why Culture and Sport was only a junior post in his government but a senior post in both London and Edinburgh.