Janet Finch-Saunders MS

Key interests and achievements

Politically, Janet’s key focuses are ensuring more investment in health and social services – particularly for the elderly and those suffering with mental health illnesses; reducing regulation and red tape for farmers; ensuring the full rollout of superfast broadband to rural areas; supporting small and medium-sized businesses, and reducing waste in Government at all levels to ensure value for taxpayers’ money.

Outside of politics, Janet is passionate about animals and marine conservation, and plays an active role in the Llandudno community. She is a keen sailor, and enjoys spending time with her family.

Personal history

Janet is married to Gareth Saunders. They live in Llandudno and have two children together – Adam and Hannah.

Professional background

As a keen business woman and entrepreneur, Janet has founded a number of successful local businesses. She is supportive of new start-ups and established SMEs, and initiated the Cross-Party Group on Small Shops during the Fourth Assembly.

Political history

Janet has served as the Welsh Conservative Assembly Member for Aberconwy since 2011, and made history in 2016 as the first incumbent to hold the seat in the Assembly. Having previously held the portfolio for Social Services, Janet represented the Group as Shadow Minister for Local Government from 2012 – 2016 during the Fourth Assembly, sitting on the Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee. Janet retains this portfolio as Shadow Spokesperson for Local Government into the Fifth Assembly.

Janet has previously represented the Craig-Y-Don ward on Llandudno Town Council, and Conwy County Borough Council. Within the Local Authority, she sat as the Cabinet Member with overall responsibility for Community Safety, and held the roles of Chair of the Principal Scrutiny Committee and Leader of the Welsh Conservative Group.

Janet is proud to be a former Mayor of Llandudno, a position held by both her parents before her.