Politics
No confidence in First Minister – what happens next?
A TEARFUL and defiant Vaughan Gething refused to stand down as Wales’ First Minister despite losing a vote of no confidence in the Senedd.
He lost the non-binding vote 29-27, with Conservative, Plaid Cymru and Liberal Democrat MSs all expressing no confidence in his leadership.
Mr Gething, who said he was confident of winning the vote during FMQs questions only a day earlier, rejected opposition calls to step down as First Minister.
He told the Senedd: “I regret the motion because it is designed to question my integrity.
“Like so many of you in this chamber, I have dedicated my adult life to public service and to Wales. Even in the midst of an election, it hurts deeply when my intentions are questioned.”
Mr Gething was backed by 27 of Labour’s 30-strong Senedd group, the majority of which supported his rival Jeremy Miles in the race to succeed Mark Drakeford in March.
Two Labour Senedd members – Hannah Blythyn and Lee Waters, who both left the Welsh Government following Mr Gething’s election – were off sick and unable to vote.
Unlike Jack Sargeant, who just became a father, they were unable to vote by proxy and opposition parties refused to agree to a pairing system to account for the two absences.
Mr Gething’s leadership has been beset by concerns surrounding a £200,000 donation from Dauson Environmental Group, which is owned by David Neal, a convicted polluter.
He has stressed all along that he has followed the rules for political donations but Mr Waters has urged the First Minister to “do the right thing” by returning the money.
The embattled First Minister has also faced criticism for telling ministers he was deleting texts, which were captured by transparency laws, from a group chat during the pandemic.
He sacked Ms Blythyn, accusing the former minister of leaking the messages to Nation.Cymru – claims that she denies – but refused to publish any evidence.
This week, an S4C Newyddion investigation found the First Minister tried to block the release of details of his lobbying on behalf of a company owned by Mr Neal.
The businessman broke his silence, telling WalesOnline he has been used as a “stick to beat Vaughan with” and criticising a “lack of balance and context” in press coverage.
And Mr Gething turned down the offer of a £200,000 loan, thought to be made by Labour backbencher Jenny Rathbone, to repay the campaign donation.
Meanwhile, an ITV Wales/YouGov poll found that 57% of people thought the First Minister was performing poorly with only 15% saying he was doing well.
Andrew RT Davies, the leader of the Conservative group, which tabled the motion of no confidence, questioned the First Minister’s judgement over the record-breaking donation.
Opening the opposition debate on June 5, Mr Davies pointed out that the government-owned Development Bank made a £400,000 loan to a Dauson Environmental Group company.
He said: “It’s about judgement, transparency and honesty, it’s not general electioneering, it’s not a vote of confidence in the government or Labour party. It’s about what the First Minister has undertaken and the calls he has made.”
He raised concerns about BBC Wales’ revelations that the company that bankrolled the First Minister’s leadership war chest was linked to a criminal investigation at the time.
Describing the vote as a grave day in the history of the Senedd, Rhun ap Iorwerth said the First Minister has lost the confidence of the people of Wales.
The Plaid Cymru leader, who pulled his party out of the co-operation agreement with the Welsh Government, said Mr Gething does not have the required skill set to be First Minister.
Accusing Mr Gething of undermining his office, Mr ap Iorwerth suggested the First Minister had not acted in line with the seven Nolan principles of public life.
Vikki Howells, a fellow Labour backbencher, who chairs the party’s Senedd group, described the no-confidence vote as a “cynical gimmick” which she described as “politics at its worst”.
The Cynon Valley MS said: “I believe it would be a travesty if this non-binding Tory gimmick of a motion was to be used to subvert democracy.”
Joyce Watson, whose father was involved in D-Day, criticised the “disrespectful” Tories for preventing Mr Gething attending an event to mark 80 years since the Normandy landings.
“You have picked this day, you could have picked any other day,” said the Labour MS. “ You have no end of opportunities but you chose this day to pull this stunt. I’ll never forgive you.”
Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan accused the First Minister of bending the rules, saying: “Winning was everything and nothing else mattered – it’s not right.”
Hefin David, who supported Mr Gething’s leadership campaign, accused a small section of the media of relentlessly pursuing the First Minister.
Dr David, who represents Caerphilly, warned the Senedd could be heading towards an early election, saying: “And for what? To bring down a leader who we never gave a chance to.”
The Conservatives’ Paul Davies raised concerns about the stench from a landfill site, in his Preseli Pembrokeshire constituency, which is owned by Dauson Environmental Group.
Mr Davies stood down as Conservative group leader in 2021 after he was seen socialising with other politicians in the Senedd during an alcohol ban due to the pandemic.
“I did the right thing, now the First Minister must also do the right thing,” he said.
Jane Dodds, the Lib Dems’ leader in Wales, raised concerns about trust in politics hitting an all-time low, reiterating her calls for the First Minister to return the donation.
Natasha Asghar, the Tory MS for South East Wales, criticised “insulting” suggestions the First Minister is receiving more scrutiny due to his skin colour.
Mike Hedges, the Labour MS for Swansea East, said he would welcome an early election if the Senedd voted to remove the First Minister.
“Let the voters decide – a number of you over there may not be coming back,” he said, gesturing towards the Conservative benches.
Adam Price, the former Plaid Cymru leader, accused the Welsh Government of systematically removing all the more radical elements of its policy programme.
He said: “This is a government that in a few months has become shallow and rudderless, shorn of any sense of greater purpose other than political survival of the First Minister.”
Mr Price told members Alun Michael set a precedent by resigning as First Secretary in 2000 due to a vote of no confidence as he urged Mr Gething to do likewise.
Mr Gething, who has been in post for less than three months, stressed: “I have never, ever made a decision in more than a decade as a minister for personal or financial gain. Never.”
The first black leader of any European country said: “Like me, so many people of colour have been traduced and vilified merely for raising concerns about how some of these debates have been handled. Our lived experience should matter and be respected.”
Closing his contribution to the debate, he said: “I will continue to put Wales first – first in thought, deed and ambition – as I serve and lead my country.”
The opposition vote was non-binding because it was not a formal no-confidence motion under the Senedd standing orders and the laws that govern Wales.
If the Senedd was to pass such a vote, which would need to be tabled by at least six members, the first minister would be forced to resign when a successor is appointed.
Community
Only three anti-social behaviour warnings in Haverfordwest in two years
DESCRIBED as a “waste of taxpayers’ money”, a protection order introduced in the centre of Haverfordwest to tackle antisocial behaviour has been “an unnecessary tool” which only resulted in three warnings in two years.
Prior to its backing in mid-2022, a plan to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Haverfordwest town centre had been under discussion for some time, with a public consultation on the matter, as well as previous debates by Pembrokeshire County Council.
The proposals were brought by the town’s then five county councillors, initially prompted by anti-social behaviour and drinking issues at the skate park but later expanded to a large part of the town centre, and were developed in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police.
Claims had previously been made that “gangs of feral children are roaming around town”, with members of the public subject to verbal and physical abuse in Haverfordwest, and a “criminal element” dealing drugs in the town.
The PSPO gives police and PCSOs additional powers for three years to issue a fixed penalty notice of £100 if someone fails to comply with a request to cease consumption of intoxicating substances in a designated area.
At the time, Cllr Jacob Williams said on “civil liberties grounds” he was shocked to see what was being proposed.
“I think this is way over the top and not a proportionate response,” he said.
The PSPO area includes the Withybush retail area, the river alongside Morrisons, Barn Street, Horsefair roundabout, Rifleman Field, skatepark, Fortunes Frolic and out to the train station.
The December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council received a submitted question by Independent Group leader Cllr Huw Murphy, who had opposed the scheme.
“At full council on July 14, 2022 a decision was made to implement a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) within certain areas of Haverfordwest.
“A Partnership Panel held on May 23, 2024, received confirmation that since this PSPO was implemented there have been no prosecutions or fixed penalties issued. There was a cost implication in implementing this PSPO for PCC, money that we can ill afford to spend when ample legislation exists for dealing with antisocial behaviour.
“Therefore, can it be agreed that in future such applications are given greater scrutiny to avoid further waste of taxpayers’ money and what actually reduces antisocial behaviour is increased pro-active policing not more legislation?”
Responding to Cllr Murphy’s question Cllr Williams, now Cabinet Member for Planning & Regulatory Services, said he agreed with the questioner.
“Cllr Murphy and I were among several who opposed this introduction, among the things I said was I was aghast at this proposal which had snowballed; I would’ve been in support around the skate park rather than the town.”
He added: “The way the council was proceeding was not justified and I voted against it; as Cllr Murphy’s question states there have been no prosecutions, but on three occasions police have warned people about offences.”
Cllr Williams said any potential renewing of the order – up for review next year – would go to scrutiny committee before coming before council, “should there be an appetite for this PSPO to be renewed”.
He concluded: “It could be argued there’s no prosecutions so it’s worked; but only three persons have been warned [by police], I think that paints a story that it was probably not only was not a success but probably a tool that was not necessary.”
Community
Derelict Pembroke play area could be turned into allotments
A CALL by a Pembrokeshire town council to be allowed to site allotments on a county council-owned derelict play area is to be considered by planners.
In an application submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council, Pembroke Town Council is seeking permission for a partly retrospective change of use of the former local authority play area on land to the rear of Station Road, Pembroke to 20 allotments.
A supporting statement accompanying the application says: “The area was a former local authority play area and has not had play equipment or been open to the public for over 20 years. Due to demand of allotments, we the town council have leased the land from Pembrokeshire County Council as a community growing area. The land will be divided into around 20 plots. There will also be a 1.5m wide pedestrian path, going through the middle of the field to access the individual plots.
“The site is in a state of unkemptness due to restricted access and a lack of use by any departments in the authority for at least the last decade. PCC own the site, and Environmental Services are Asset Managers. On the whole the site is in remarkably good condition and requires very little intervention as a proposed allotment.”
It adds: “Only pedestrian access is possible to the site, however this makes highly suitable to offer to local residents, which would be preferential. Delivering items to the site may be hindered but tenants are asked only to take what they’ll use to an allotment site to prevent refuse accumulating, and the gateway is wide enough to accommodate wheelbarrows.
“With regards to allotments, we tend to provide an area of land ’as seen’, it would be a tenant’s responsibility to tidy the plot and rid it of weeds and unwanted green growth, and deal with composting accordingly.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
News
Labour’s refusal to compensate WASPI women sparks outrage
THE UK LABOUR GOVERNMENT has ignited controversy by refusing to compensate the 3.8 million Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaigners affected by changes to the state pension age. The decision has drawn fierce criticism from opposition figures and campaigners, who accuse Labour of breaking election promises made to these women.
The WASPI women are campaigning because they believe they were unfairly impacted by changes to the state pension age, which were poorly communicated and left many born in the 1950s financially unprepared. The sudden shift from receiving pensions at 60 to later ages caused significant hardship, as many were unable to adjust their retirement plans in time. They argue the changes disproportionately affect them due to limited financial opportunities earlier in life, and the lack of transitional arrangements or compensation exacerbates the harm caused. WASPI women seek fair redress for the financial and emotional distress they have endured.
Andrew RT Davies, Senedd Member for South Wales Central and former Welsh Conservatives leader, condemned the decision. Speaking to The Herald, he said: “This decision shows what a bunch of shameless opportunists Labour are. Many of the Labour great and good, including Eluned Morgan, said their party would compensate WASPI women when they were trying to get votes, and now haven’t kept up their end of the bargain.
“People across Wales will see this decision and conclude that they cannot trust Labour again.”
The controversial decision
The announcement follows a long-standing campaign by WASPI women, who argue that the government failed to notify them adequately about changes to the state pension age. These changes left many women facing financial hardship.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) previously recommended compensation ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 per affected individual. However, the Labour Government has rejected providing financial redress, citing financial constraints.
Key points from the decision include:
- Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall described compensation as “unfair and poor value for taxpayers’ money.”
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended the move, claiming most women were aware of the pension age changes and suggesting the reforms had “significant awareness.”
- Ministers argued there was no evidence of “direct financial loss” and that compensation could cost up to £10.5 billion, which they deemed disproportionate.
- The government plans to introduce an action plan addressing issues raised in the Ombudsman’s report, aiming for clearer communication in future pension reforms.
Backlash from campaigners
The WASPI campaign group condemned the decision as “bizarre and totally unjustified.” A spokesperson said: “This is a devastating blow for the millions of women who have been waiting for justice. It raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to fairness and accountability.”
Liberal Democrat Welsh Affairs Spokesperson David Chadwick MP called the decision a “day of shame” for Labour.
“The new government has turned its back on millions of pension-age women who were wronged through no fault of their own. Ignoring the Ombudsman’s recommendations is disgraceful.
“For years, Liberal Democrats have pushed the government to fairly compensate WASPI women. Today’s heartless decision cannot be allowed to stand, and we will press ministers to give those affected the fair treatment they deserve.”
Political ramifications in Wales
In Wales, where Labour has traditionally held strong support, the decision has caused outrage among affected women.
“We trusted Labour to stand up for us,” said a WASPI campaigner in Cardiff. “They promised us compensation, and now they’re turning their backs. How can we ever trust them again?”
Andrew RT Davies warned of potential long-term political consequences. “Labour’s actions send a clear message to voters: when push comes to shove, they cannot be trusted to deliver on their promises,” he said.
Financial and social impact
The refusal to compensate exacerbates the financial struggles faced by many WASPI women. Campaigners argue the decision undermines their financial stability and fails to acknowledge the harm caused by the sudden changes.
“This isn’t just about money,” said another campaigner. “It’s about fairness. Many of us lost years of financial stability and retirement dreams. That’s not something you can sweep under the rug.”
Next steps for campaigners
The WASPI group vowed to continue fighting for justice, with plans for legal challenges and further demonstrations to keep the issue in the public eye.
As Labour faces backlash, particularly from older voters, the decision could have significant repercussions in the next general election, especially in battleground areas like Wales. The plight of WASPI women remains a stark reminder of the challenges facing today’s pension system.
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