Co-operative policies and principles are what we need right now and make a positive difference to the lives of everyone in our community.

I've just started as the Political and Membership Officer for Wales at the Co-operative Party, and I know I have amongst fellow Co-op Party members, the very best of company in getting things done.

Recent weeks have seen our largest ever group of Members of the Senedd elected, many appointed to the Cabinet, and a strong commitment to co-operation in the Welsh Government's 'Programme for Government'.

We have 20 candidates standing in seats right across Wales: all co-operators ready to continue putting our values into action.

The Party's policy consultation on a Co-operative Plan for Wales 2021 is now live.

At this iconic and important juncture in our national life,  the co-operative movement is again innovating with fresh thinking about how we can ensure that our poorest communities are not left behind.

We must again draw on the Co-operative Party's ideas and values if we are to re-think and re-cast the Wales of tomorrow in the face of this current moment of disruption and change.

This movement and the giants upon whose shoulders it stands paved the way for me and others like me not just to be here, but to hold positions like the one I do as Wales’ Health Minister.