About Mick Bates

Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire since 1999

Mick came to Montgomeryshire with his wife, Buddug, who is from a local farming family. They have two children. Mick enjoys all sports - especially rugby - and his other interests include painting, walking and Bob Dylan.

Mick was born on 24th September 1947 in Loughborough, and was first employed as a science teacher in Barrow-in-Soar - subsequently teaching in Shrewsbury and Market Drayton. In 1977 he left the profession to become a farmer, and he has campaigned on behalf of agriculture and rural communities ever since.

In the 1980s Mick began to play a major role in the NFU in the area, rising to the post of NFU County Chairman in 1991, then became a County delegate to London. He also became involved in local politics as a Liberal Democrat County Councillor for Dyffryn Banw in 1994, where he instigated a successful community regeneration scheme as Chairman of the Llanfair Town Forum. He was founding Chair of Primestock Producers Cymru, a national farmers co-operative, and also helped to found Montgomeryshire Rural Enterprises.

In 1994 Mick produced and presented a programme for farmers on Radio Maldwyn, and started a scheme for students to visit farms. His election as Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire in 1999 has enabled him to continue working for his community and represent it on a national scale.

Whilst at the Assembly, Mick has worked to produce real results for Montgomeryshire. He has promoted and secured free school milk for key stage one students in Wales, and supported the introduction of the Children's Commissioner for Wales. As a result of the Liberal Democrat lead in the Partnership government, an independent investigation into student hardship in Wales has been instigated to address the problem of student fees, and funds have been made available to upgrade school buildings.

On agriculture, Mick's unique concept of Farming Connect, a free business advisory service for farmers, has been accepted by the Assembly and will be implemented in May. He also campaigned successfully for the creation of an independent appeals panel to resolve subsidy disputes. And for the NHS, the Liberal Democrats support the action plans to introduce free eye tests and dental check-ups, whilst recruiting more doctors and nurses.

The environment is a vitally important issue for Mick, and he is Chair and founder member of the cross party National Assembly Sustainable Energy Group (NASEG) which continues to grow and gain influence and recognition. The group promotes the development of a clean, green, sustainable energy industry in Wales that will lead the way for Britain and the rest of the world.

Visit Mick's other Website.