News

Evidence leaked by Minister’s phone, claims Welsh Government

Published

6 months ago

July 16, 2024

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has disclosed evidence suggesting a message from a ministerial thread, leaked to the media, originated from the phone of a government minister. This revelation comes after weeks of speculation following Vaughan Gething’s decision to sack his Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn, citing the necessity of maintaining cabinet colleagues’ confidence in one another.

Shortly before announcing his resignation as Welsh Labour leader and, consequently, as First Minister, Gething released a comprehensive statement online. This included two images he asserts prove the leak came from Blythyn’s phone. “Ministers are responsible for the security of their data, and regardless of how the photograph came into the journalist’s possession, the image should not have been allowed to have been taken, leading to a breakdown of trust for ministers’ expectation of privacy for their discussions,” he wrote on Tuesday. He added that it was especially challenging for other colleagues who could not be clear that they were not responsible for the leak.

Blythyn has consistently denied leaking the message, reiterating her denial in the Senedd with a pointed statement about Gething’s conduct. On Wednesday, a vote was scheduled in the Senedd, which, if won by opposition parties, would have forced the evidence to be released under the Wales Act, marking an unprecedented use of this law section. Given Gething’s resignation, the status of this vote remains uncertain.

The decision to release the evidence was taken with the consent of all involved parties, including Swansea East MS Mike Hedges, who was named in one of the messages. Legal advice was sought, and cabinet approval was obtained on Monday evening. However, it is understood that Blythyn’s specific permission was not sought.

The evidence pertains to how iMessages display group members. In a group chat, the names or numbers of participants are shown, except for the owner of the phone, whose name or number is excluded. In the screenshot, Blythyn’s name is missing from the list, indicating it was her phone.

Gething’s Tuesday statement explained: “The first piece of evidence, detailed to the Senedd on July 10, is a photograph of a fragment of an iMessage chat from August 2020 involving 11 Welsh Labour Ministers. It was sent to the Welsh Government in May this year exactly as I am publishing it today by a journalist seeking comment on its contents. Previously published in redacted form, it is now available to members without any redaction.

“The second is a corresponding image from the same chat, located on another participant’s phone after the photograph was provided to us. The full exchange from this chat has now been submitted to the Covid Inquiry. This image demonstrates that the former Minister for Social Partnership was a member of the chat on that day.

“When an iMessage chat is viewed on an individual’s device, the initials of all other participants are visible apart from the participant themselves. Cross-referencing the subsequently-located chat membership with the photograph provided by the journalist makes it clear that the only missing initials are those of the former minister for social partnership. It is also evident that the image was captured in 2020 and retained before the leak became evident earlier this year.

“These two pieces of evidence are why I have been clear with the Senedd that it can only be an image from the former minister’s phone. I decided to ask the former minister to leave the government based on this information and the lack of a credible explanation.”

On May 7, Nation Cymru published a story containing a screenshot from a private ministerial group chat on iMessage during the pandemic. In the thread, Gething told the group: “I’m deleting the messages in this group. They can be captured in an FOI [Freedom of Information request] and I think we are all in the right place on the choice being made.”

The initial messages referenced a Labour group of Senedd members’ meeting, with a quip suggesting using an algorithm designed to help award GCSE grades to select a new member for Swansea East – a jab at Mike Hedges.

Gething has maintained that he intended to delete the message to protect a colleague and avoid embarrassment for colleagues. He denied ever deleting the message.

Initially, when the Welsh Government shared the image sent by a journalist at Nation Cymru, several details were redacted, including names. However, Hedges later revealed in the Senedd it was him that Jeremy Miles had aimed at. During a debate ahead of a no-confidence vote that Gething lost, Hedges stated: “Vaughan was protecting me. Jeremy Miles wanted to use an algorithm and remove me as a Member of the Senedd for Swansea East – that is what was removed. It has nothing to do with the Covid inquiry but was to protect individuals, including me. I don’t care. That’s what happened, and I’m prepared to fight my case. It was an attempt to defend me, which I very much respect and like.”

However, this brought into question Gething’s statement to the Covid Inquiry that he could not disclose messages because they had been lost during a phone upgrade. The Covid Inquiry is investigating whether he should be recalled for further evidence.

Opposition politicians in the Senedd have criticised Gething for refusing to release evidence backing his decision to sack Blythyn. Responding to a topical question tabled by the Conservatives, Gething stated he had “no doubt” the screenshot was taken on Blythyn’s phone.

He said: “In early May, we received a photograph of a fragment of an iMessage chat from a journalist and were asked to comment on its contents. It was from one group chat set up for one day in August 2020 with 11 Welsh Labour Ministers and deputy ministers. It is vital for the functioning of government that ministers trust each other at all times and that private discussions remain private. For these messages to be provided to a journalist is a breach of that trust. Cross-checking the photograph with the full set of messages made it clear that the photograph could only have been of one member’s phone.”

In his latest statement, as he began the process of resigning as Labour leader, Gething declared: “I am today publishing the evidence underpinning the decision to ask the former Minister for Social Partnership to leave the Welsh Government.”

News

Joyce Watson MS announces decision not to seek reselection

Published

12 hours ago

January 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

JOYCE WATSON MS, Labour Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, has announced her decision not to stand in the next Senedd Election.

In a statement issued on Friday (Jan 24), Ms Watson said: “I have taken the very difficult decision to not stand as a candidate at next year’s Senedd Election.

“Serving the Labour Party has been the privilege of my life. To do so representing Mid and West Wales has been an incredible honour. I must thank all the people I have met and worked with on issues and campaigns across the years, and thank Labour members and colleagues for their trust and support.”

Reflecting on her personal journey, Ms Watson shared her roots in Tywyn, Manorbier, Cosheston, and Cardigan, where she grew up as one of eight children. After raising her family across the region, she settled in Pembrokeshire.
“I never dreamed that one day I would be elected to serve the people and places I know and love so well,” she said.

Throughout her tenure, Ms Watson focused on making a tangible impact. She highlighted her work addressing human trafficking, advocating for the construction industry, and representing the Senedd on international platforms, including Europe and the Commonwealth. She also established the White Ribbon campaign against domestic violence in Wales.

“Since I was first elected, our young democracy has grown in strength and confidence. The next election, under new rules and boundaries, will be transformative,” she said.

Ms Watson explained her decision to step aside, saying:
“It feels like the right time for me to step aside for new candidates, and to devote more time to my wonderful family.”

Looking ahead, she acknowledged the challenges of recent years but reaffirmed her commitment to Labour values:
“The past two decades have brought huge upheavals, at home and abroad, that present us with huge challenges. I remain convinced that the solutions to these problems are more co-operation and social justice, not less. I believe that Labour values are the best path to a fairer future.

“So, although I will be stepping down from the Senedd in May 2026, I will never stop fighting for these ideals.”

Ms Watson’s departure marks the end of a notable career of public service, with her contributions leaving a lasting impact on her constituents and beyond.

News

Storm Herminia lashes the county of Pembrokeshire

Published

12 hours ago

January 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

STORM HERMINIA has swept across Pembrokeshire unleashing high winds and heavy rainfall, prompting weather warnings across the region.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for strong winds affecting all three counties over the next three days, extending until Tuesday. The warnings come shortly after Storm Eowyn, which caused widespread disruption with power outages, property damage, fallen trees, and road closures.

Storm Herminia named by Spain

Unlike its predecessor, Storm Herminia was not named by the UK Met Office but by the Spanish meteorological service, underscoring its broader European impact.

The storm hit early this morning, with gusts reaching between 50 and 60 mph, peaking at 70 mph along exposed coasts and hills. These winds are forecast to persist until 5:00pm today. The Met Office has upgraded the impact level from low to medium, although the likelihood of severe consequences remains low.

Heavy rainfall to intensify risks

Alongside the strong winds, heavy rainfall is expected to exacerbate the situation. Torrential downpours are forecast from midday Sunday through to 11:59pm on Monday. Additional bursts of intense rain may occur overnight, with totals of 20–40 mm likely across most areas and up to 70 mm over higher ground. Localized flooding of homes and properties is anticipated.

There is also a small risk that some areas could see even higher accumulations of rainfall, depending on the extent of overnight downpours.

Prolonged disruption expected

Another bout of strong winds is predicted from 6:00am Monday through to 6:00am Tuesday, with gusts of up to 70 mph near coastal regions and 50 mph inland. The Met Office warns of potential disruption to transport networks, power supplies, and other essential services.

Residents are advised to secure loose items, monitor local updates, and take precautions as adverse weather conditions continue to impact the region.

Entertainment

Sir Bryn Terfel launches search for future singing stars

Published

13 hours ago

January 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

OPERA star Sir Bryn Terfel is calling on the world’s most talented young singers to compete for a title that could propel them to international stardom.

The renowned bass-baritone described the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as “a wonderful opportunity” for budding performers to launch their careers on the global stage.

Sir Bryn, from Pantglas, near Penygroes, Gwynedd, will headline the Eisteddfod’s closing concert on Sunday, July 13, at the International Pavilion. He plans to perform songs from his latest album, Sea Songs, alongside acclaimed folk group Fisherman’s Friends and Welsh folk singer Eve Goodman.

The concert will also feature the final of this year’s Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, which has been a highlight of the festival since its launch in 2013. Last year, Singaporean soprano Shimona Rose claimed the title in a thrilling finale against Welsh soprano Manon Ogwen Parry.

Prestigious prize

Sponsored by Pendine Park through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT), the competition awards the winner the Pendine Trophy and a £3,000 cheque. The runner-up will receive £1,000.

The closing date for entries is Thursday, February 20. Entrants, aged 19 or over, must submit an audio recording and proof of age with their application. They will perform a seven-minute programme in the preliminary rounds and a ten-minute programme in the final, featuring works from oratorio, opera, lieder, or song, sung in their original language.

Sir Bryn said: “The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition is a fantastic opportunity for talented young singers. It provides a real launchpad for careers onto the global stage.”

A global stage

Llangollen Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director, Dave Danford, said this year’s competition final, held during the closing concert, would give contestants the chance to perform on the same stage as Sir Bryn.

“The competition provides a valuable stepping stone for young singers pursuing professional careers,” he said. “So far, we’ve received entries from China, Nigeria, England, and Wales. The selection panel will choose the competitors after the February 20 deadline.”

The competition was conceived by Pendine Park proprietors Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, who praised the extraordinary talent it continues to attract.

Mr Kreft said: “The standard is phenomenal. This year’s contestants also have the thrill of sharing a stage with Sir Bryn, one of the opera world’s true giants.”

Exciting concert lineup

The Eisteddfod’s evening concerts promise something for everyone. Legendary rock singer Roger Daltrey opens the season on Tuesday, July 8, with hits from The Who and his solo career, including a Q&A session with fans.

On Wednesday, July 9, a special concert, Uniting Nations: One World, will mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. The event will feature Karl Jenkins’ One World performed by an international massed choir, including the Stay At Home Choir.

Thursday, July 10, sees BRIT Award-winning artist KT Tunstall perform her iconic album Eye to the Telescope with a live orchestra, marking its 20th anniversary. On Friday, July 11, Il Divo makes its Llangollen debut, delighting fans with their classical crossover repertoire.

For details on the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition and tickets, visit international-eisteddfod.co.uk.

Caption:
Sir Bryn Terfel performing at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. (Pic: Supplied)