Key interests and
achievements
Joel’s interests include:
culture, history and heritage; planning and local government; strengthening the
Union; and campaigning for people and communities that are often forgotten and
left behind.
Personal history
Joel was born at East Glamorgan
Hospital in Church Village and attended Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School in
Beddau. He studied History at the University of Bristol, and holds a Master’s
degree in Welsh History from Cardiff University.
Professional background
Prior to his election, Joel
worked as the Librarian for Cardiff Sixth Form College, one of the highest
rated schools in the United Kingdom, and oversaw the development of their
lectures programme. He is a member of the Charted Institute of Library and
Information Professionals, and Llafur: The Welsh People’s History Society.
Political history
In 2008, Joel became the first
Conservative councillor ever elected Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council,
representing his home ward of Llantwit Fardre. He has contested the Pontypridd
Assembly/Senedd constituencies at the 2011, 2016 and 2021 Welsh Government
elections, and serves as a community councillor on Llantwit Fardre Community
Council. He has been involved in a myriad of political campaigns, and is
extremely proud with his involvement in fighting against residential
developments on floodplains; fighting for and securing fair freehold agreements
for homeowners; and achieving large-scale levels of highway investment.
