NEWPORT BASED AM JOINS CONSERVATIVES

In a bizarre political twist Newport based AM Mohammed Ashgar has left Plaid Cymru and joined the Conservatives.

Mr Asghar, the assembly's only ethnic minority AM, said he felt "out of tune" with Plaid policies, in particular its desire for an independent Wales.

"I very much look forward to playing an important role in the shadow team in the national assembly and to helping to shape the policies for the Assembly elections in 2011,"

Asked why he had stood for Plaid Cymru when he was opposed to independence for Wales, he said his voice had been that of "a little parrot in a jungle", with little chance of changing Plaid's stance on the issue.

In January 2008 in an interview with Socialist Unity Ashgar stated "Central to our vision is the creation of a proper Parliament with the ability to pass its own laws and with the power to achieve the aspirations of the people of Wales. More powers would mean that we could follow a distinct path with the best policies for Wales, decided in Wales and unhindered by any interference from the UK Government ."

Ashgar was a Newport City Councillor for Plaid in the traditional Labour Victoria Ward between 2004 and 2008. He was elected via the South Wales East party list to the Welsh Assembly in 2009. Standing in the constituency of Newport East in the 2003 Assembly elections he polled 9.1 per cent of the vote. In the 2005 General Election he polled just 3.8 per cent.