How would you describe your style?

I think I’m quite stylish – but other people disagree. I do see myself as quite a conservative dresser, I admit that, but others see me as someone who dresses in a very old fashioned way and I just don’t see that.

Does your work as an Assembly Member have any bearing on your style?

When I’m at work at the Assembly in Cardiff, I do think my attire is quite conservative. But when I’m travelling around my constituency in west and mid-Wales I do tend to dress less conservatively and more leisurely. I’m very aware that image is very important in this day and age and that every committee and everything we do within the chamber is filmed. People at home who watch the coverage of the Assembly make snap judgments about how you look on screen and also how you look when they meet you and that’s what they remember about you.

What do people say when they talk about your clothes?

I’d say half the emails I receive at the Assembly are about what I’m wearing. People commenting on what they think of my tie, my suit or the colour of my shirt.

Why have you decided that now is the time to change your style?

When the opportunity came about to take part on the show, I didn’t give it a second thought – but people kept on telling me that it was a great opportunity to change the way I dress. I didn’t think I needed to change until I was told by other people. I think I’m only here because people have told me that I need a makeover!

Brynle Williams - Conservative:

Alun is quite conservative in his style; some people have even thought that he was a member of my party! I’m not a very stylish person, but I think I have the edge on Alun. The only thing Alun has over me is youth!

Eleanor Burnham - Liberal Democrat:

Maybe Alun could be less conservative in the way he dresses. For example he could wear suits that are a little different and with a bit more colour.

Eleanor Gardner: You do have a lot of shirts, but they all look like they’re too small for you.

I have an ambition to be slim again and I’m hoping in six months when the summer comes, I’ll be able to wear them again. I hadn’t realized that I’d gained so much weight and that it would have such an effect on the clothes that I wear and how I look in them.

Eleanor: This shirt is a bit mad; it actually reminds me of the 90s.

That’s a good thing because most of the clothes I wear are from the 80s – so that proves I’ve moved on a decade already. I like it – but I understand that it’s an acquired taste. I’d wear it to an informal evening event with a suit.

Eleanor:

It’s quite boring to wear navy to work every day. It’s also a colour that looks flat and dull on screen. There is an eccentric side that’s hiding within you and I want you to express that side a little more. The clothes that I have chosen for you follow the image of the ‘Welsh Gent’, so I’ve chosen a grey suit that will lift the colour of your skin. For the more informal constituency work I’ve chosen a pair of darker jeans that fit you better around the waist along with this ‘Welsh Gent’ jacket.

Nia: What do you think about Eleanor’s comments?

She doesn’t like much does she? People have said much worse to me than that, inside and outside the Assembly. I’m not overly worried about what she said, but I was disappointed she didn’t like my colourful shirt!

Nia: Have you enjoyed the advice Eleanor’s given you?

I have enjoyed trying different things, and different clothes and I think what Eleanor’s told me about colours is very useful, and what to and what not to wear has been a bit of an eye-opener. I have to say it’s been a very positive experience – and I have really enjoyed myself!

Nia: What do you think of the new style?

Well, the jeans actually fit me – and they’re not from Tesco. I like this shirt (blue pattern), but I would never have bought it or even picked it out; I would have just walked away from it. I think it looks ok, but I can’t wait to take this tank-top off – I can’t stand it!