News
Boris Johnson rocked by twelve resignations but battles on defiantly
BORIS JOHNSON has been hit by further resignations, including a minister who defended him on the airwaves two days ago, as the new Chancellor, Nadhim Zahawi, attempted to prop up the Prime Minister.
Will Quince resigned as children’s minister after having been sent out to defend the government on Monday morning, following Sajid Javid, Rishi Sunak and at least 10 government aides and envoys out of the door.
Quince said he had “no choice” after he appeared on television to defend Johnson using Downing Street briefings “which have now been found to be inaccurate”.
Laura Trott, a parliamentary aide in the transport department, also resigned, as well as Alex Chalk, the solicitor general, late on Thursday night.
Speaking to broadcasters, Zahawi, the new chancellor, said he would get on with his main task of bearing down on inflation.
Zahawi also said the prime minister was “right to apologise” over his appointment of Chris Pincher to deputy chief whip, despite having been told there were allegations about his inappropriate behaviour.
The new chancellor told the press: “I think the prime minister is right to apologise, because with the benefit of hindsight … we make decisions literally at warp speed.
“The right thing he did, in my view, was to come out and very, very openly say: ‘Look, with the benefit of hindsight, I made a mistake.’”
Who has resigned from the government so far?
Sajid Javid | Health Secretary | 18:02 | Tuesday | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rishi Sunak | Chancellor | 18:11 | Tuesday | |
Andrew Murrison | Trade Envoy to Morocco | 19:00 | Tuesday | |
Bim Afolami | Conservative Party Vice Chair | 19:28 | Tuesday | |
Jonathan Gullis | PPS – Northern Ireland | 19:48 | Tuesday | |
Saqib Bhatti | PPS – Health and Social Care | 19:51 | Tuesday | |
Nicola Richards | PPS – Transport | 20:27 | Tuesday | |
Virginia Crosbie | PPS – Wales | 20:55 | Tuesday | |
Theo Clarke | Trade envoy to Kenya | 22:01 | Tuesday | |
Alex Chalk | Solicitor General | 22:51 | Tuesday | |
Laura Trott | PPS – Transport | 8:07 | Wednesday | |
Will Quince | Education Minister | 8:25 | Wednesday |
“He’s finished.” “It’s over.” “This is endgame territory.” Those are all variations of what senior Conservatives were saying last night about the Prime Minister.
Boris Johnson’s apology for his handling of the Chris Pincher affair has come too late for many.
That and the devastating criticism from the former senior civil servant Lord Macdonald seems to have tipped waverers over the edge.
Ynys Môn MP, Virginia Crosbie, quit her post as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Wales Office.
She quit her government role saying she fears that if Boris Johnson continues in post he risks “irrevocably harming this government and the Conservative party.”
There’s been no comment as yet from the most senior Welsh politician in the UK Government. South Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart has previously said that he wanted Boris Johnson to stay on in post.
The party’s leader in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies, has been a vocal backer of Mr Johnson although even he has tempered his view in the light of recent allegations, saying the Prime Minister should “take a look in the mirror.”
He said: “I’ve always said it was essential for the Prime Minister to hold the confidence of our country, party and parliament.
“It’s disappointing that in recent months the government has struggled to deliver on its important agenda and manifesto commitments that were overwhelmingly endorsed in 2019.
“The Prime Minister must now prove that he can deliver on his mandate.”
With other resignations expected, the UK Government seems to be on the verge of collapsing.
Labour’s shadow Welsh secretary Jo Stevens said: “The question everyone should be asking Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid is why they backed Boris Johnson for so long.
“They knew he was dishonest. They knew he lied to and mocked the public’s sacrifices during the pandemic. And they were complicit in all the sleaze, scandal and incompetence that is the hallmark of this disgraceful government.
“Boris Johnson has disgraced his office and the country. The public deserve a fresh start and a new government.”
Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts said the Prime Minister’s departure is “now an inevitability”.
She said: “Boris Johnson’s days are numbered. He’ll be dragged kicking and screaming out of Number 10 as Cabinet Ministers one-by-one find a backbone. But it is now an inevitability.
“The chaos that has consumed Westminster for years is utterly unsustainable. People are fed up of politicians who treat their lives as a game, who obsess about personalities and theatre rather than principles and vision.
“Wales have never given the Tories a majority in our country. But even if Johnson goes, the same arrogance will continue to control and command.
“We in Wales are taking steps to strengthen and modernise our democracy in stark contrast to the Westminster circus. It’s time to do better with independence.”
Crime
Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest
A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.
Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.
The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.
During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”
The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.
Community
Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop
ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.
Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”
Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.
Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.
Community
Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market
MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.
The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.
There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.
If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.
Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!
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