Simon Baynes

One of the Conservatives’ 2019 intake, Simon Baynes became the first Conservative to represent the North Wales seat of Clwyd South in Westminster since its creation in 1997. Baynes’ majority at the 2019 general election was 1,239. The son of a hotel manager, Baynes grew up near Lake Vyrnwy, just south of his constituency. He studied History at Magdalene College, Cambridge and after graduating pursued a career in finance. Baynes notably spent more than two decades at JP Morgan Cazenove, including as a managing director. He later ran a second-hand book shop and was in charge of the charity he founded, Concertina – Music for the Elderly, which brings live music to care homes. He began his political career as a councillor on Llanfyllin Town Council and Powys County Council, where he was joint leader of the Conservative group. Baynes lists his priorities as promoting renewable energy and improving youth and elderly facilities in his constituency. Baynes recently celebrated the Chancellor’s extension of the furlough scheme through winter as “good news for jobs and businesses” in Clwyd South.