Natasha Asghar feels lucky to be back in her office on the third floor of Ty Hywel. As votes were counted on May 8, she was not optimistic. By 1pm, her campaign manager told her to prepare for a loss. Her party had varied in polls from borderline wipeout to bleak. But leader Darren Millar's words stuck: "We always outperform the polls." They did.
By returning seven Senedd members, the Conservatives had a better-than-expected night, but lost nine seats compared to 2021. The electoral system and constituencies differed between elections. Now, they have gone from official opposition to a fourth-placed party trying to differentiate from Reform UK. This is difficult given policy crossover and growing personnel leaving for Reform.
Ms Asghar was elected in 2021, the first woman of colour in the Senedd. She followed her father Mohammad Asghar, known as Oscar, a regional MS for South Wales East until his death in June 2020. Her CV includes work for him, then roles as TV presenter, host, author, producer, YouTube creator, voiceover artist, and agony aunt.
In five years, she has stayed out of headlines despite a bid for London mayor. Her notable contributions include rapid-fire questions on transport as shadow cabinet member, then education, now health. Going into the election, two former colleagues defected to Reform UK, and staff left before and after the election.
She felt relief at defections before polling day: "Those who defected, I'm glad they defected when they did. It gave us time to regroup and get ready for the election." She knew Labour would do badly after 26 years in power. "It's a win or lose – no in-between. We have staffers who work tirelessly. Job insecurity is not everyone's cup of tea."
She never considered changing party. Asked about loyalty, she said: "The signs are always there. I'm blessed with a solid team. But some sense fear. Staff want peace of mind that their career is solidified." She noted policy crossover: "They've copied and pasted our manifesto. It's not like they went for something new. Nigel Farage isn't sitting next door."
She holds no grudge: "I've been on the receiving end of hate and abuse. I'd never inflict that on someone." She treats former colleagues Laura Anne Jones and James Evans as before.
She worked "bleeding hard" and hoped it would be enough. Initial confidence faded when her campaign manager warned she might not get in. She worried more about her team losing income than her own seat. Labour's sampling showed she would return, secured by postal votes.
The Senedd she returned to is different. Plaid Cymru held victory celebrations. She misses lost colleagues: "They were hardworking. I'm personally devastated they haven't been able to return." Reform UK now fills the opposition role with 34 members. She says pressure is on them: "When we were largest opposition, we worked hard to hold Labour to account. If Reform aren't scrutinising properly, how will they hold government to account? Ranting about sanitary towels and toilets – God help us."
She expects Plaid Cymru to blame Westminster: "Once things don't go their way, they'll say Starmer's not giving money, then want a referendum." She wants to focus on health, not M4 or 20mph. "Health needs money in the right places. There are too many roles. I want an A&E reinstated at Royal Gwent Hospital. I'll scream and shout to get it done."
"Bring it on. I'm ready to go."
