Joyce Watson MS

Personal history

Joyce Watson is married with three children, one grandson and one granddaughter.

She attended schools in Manorbier, Cosheston and Cardigan. Joyce returned to education as an adult, studying at Pembrokeshire College and Swansea University.

Professional background

Joyce served as a Pembrokeshire County Councillor from 1995 – 2004.

Before her election to the National Assembly for Wales, Joyce managed the Wales Women’s National Coalition. She was a senior member of the Wales Gender Budget Group and NHS Equality Reference Group.

Joyce has run several small businesses – public houses, restaurants and retail outlets – in Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

Political history

Joyce was first elected to the National Assembly for Wales in 2007.

She has represented the Assembly on several international bodies: the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Wales branch (Chair), the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, and the Council of Europe’s Congress of the Regions.

Joyce champions the International White Ribbon campaign against domestic violence and is founder of the Assembly’s anti-human trafficking group. Her political interests include promoting the construction industry and rural economic renewal – by working to raise skills, expand apprenticeships and support rural businesses.