David Melding MS

David Melding was a Member of the National Assembly for Wales between May 1999 and April 2021. This was his biography at the time he left.

Key interests and achievements

David’s political interests include looked-after children, mental health and constitutional affairs.

He is an acknowledged authority on the British constitution and has written two influential books, ‘Will Britain Survive Beyond 2020?’ (2009) and ‘The Reformed Union: The UK as a Federation’ (2013).

Personal history

Born in Neath in 1962, David was educated at Dwr-y-Felin Comprehensive School, Neath; the University of Wales, Cardiff; and the College of William and Mary in Virginia, USA.

Professional background

David is a former manager of the Carers National Association in Wales and a former Deputy Director of the Welsh Centre for International Affairs.

Political history

David was first elected to the Assembly in May 1999. He has served as the Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care and for Economy and Transport. Between 2000 and 2011 he was the Welsh Conservatives’ Director of Policy and wrote the Welsh Conservatives’ manifestos for the 2003, 2007 and 2011 Assembly elections.

He has previously chaired the Assembly’s Audit; Health and Social Services; Standards of Conduct; and Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committees.

David Melding was Deputy Presiding Officer during the Fourth Assembly.