News
Evidence leaked by Minister’s phone, claims Welsh Government
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.”
Annual Event Promises Community Fun and Festivities on June 8
MILFORD HAVEN is gearing up for its annual Founding Day celebration, scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2025. Organized by the Milford Haven Business Circle, this event aims to bring together residents and visitors for a day filled with entertainment, local business showcases, and family-friendly activities.
Event highlights:
- Family-Friendly Activities: Attendees can look forward to various attractions suitable for all ages, including bouncy castles, slides, face painting, and small rides.
- Local Business Participation: Local businesses and organizations are expected to host indoor stalls, pop-up shops, and provide engaging games and demonstrations, offering unique products and services to visitors.
- Live Performances: Live music and performances will provide a vibrant backdrop to the day’s festivities, showcasing local talent and adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
The Milford Haven Business Circle is actively seeking support from local businesses to ensure the event’s success. Sponsorship packages are available, offering various promotional opportunities, and businesses can also contribute by donating raffle prizes or assisting with event logistics.
How to get involved:
- Sponsorship and Donations: Businesses interested in sponsoring the event or donating prizes can contact the organizers for more information on available packages and benefits.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Community members wishing to volunteer their time and skills to assist with event preparations and on-the-day activities are encouraged to reach out.
For more details or to offer support, please contact the organizers through the Milford Haven Business Circle Facebook page or via email at secretary.mhbc24@gmail.com.
The community’s collaborative spirit has been instrumental in the event’s past successes, and Milford Haven’s Founding Day 2025 promises to be another memorable celebration of the town’s rich heritage and vibrant community life.
TERRAQUEST will provide its Planning Portal service for planning applications in Wales from 31 March 2025, following an agreement with the Welsh Government.
The launch of Planning Portal, which is already used for more than 97% of planning applications across England, will enable applicants to submit applications and receive vital updates in respect of Welsh sites.
The new service will be bi-lingual, offering both Welsh and English language options. Current users of Planning Applications Wales will be able to keep the same account and transfer to the new service.
Applicants will benefit from an improved service, including standardised payment options across all 25 Welsh authorities which, in turn, will streamline application submissions and address a key cause of invalidations.
In addition, Planning Portal will offer a built-in location plan tool that generates compliant plans, captures spatial data and transfers digitally to the Welsh authorities – reducing reliance on third-party tools.
The new portal will also ease the process for developers operating in both England and Wales, with a uniform experience across both countries.
It is anticipated that additional features will be added, including integration with building control applications, enabling a comprehensive service from a single platform.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans said: “We said we wanted to streamline the planning process in Wales and speed up the decision-making process on important projects and that’s exactly what we are doing. This seamless transition to a trusted provider and partner will help ensure consistency and speed across the planning process and provide continuity for applicants.”
Geoff Keal, CEO at TerraQuest added: “We will deliver both a seamless transition and an enhanced user experience for customers. Planning Portal is a tried and tested planning tool that offers a highly efficient service that has helped thousands of consumers navigate and keep up-to-speed with the progress of their applications. We look forward to working with the Welsh Government and new customers in Wales.”
STREET FOOD CIRCUS will return this spring with a series of ten events celebrating food, family, and good times in spectacular coastal, castle, and woodland locations.
Marking its tenth anniversary, Street Food Circus has provided a platform for some of Wales’ best-known chefs and street food businesses over the past decade. The 2025 season will be the biggest in its history, featuring new locations and seasonal events.
One of the highlights of the year will be the return of Harbour Feastival to Saundersfoot Harbour in September. This popular event brings a diverse selection of street food traders to the coastal village, creating a vibrant atmosphere by the sea.
The season kicks off with Forest Feastival in Candleston Woods, followed by the Big Banquet at Caldicot Castle in May. Over the summer, events will include the Welsh Street Food Awards, a return to Southampton for Summer Feastival, and the launch of Pleasure Gardens in Pembrey Country Park in June. Fantastic Fete at St Donat’s Castle and a trader appearance at Big Feastival in the Cotswolds are also part of the lineup.
In addition to Harbour Feastival, a new event called Mabon will debut in September. This autumn festival, held in Candleston Woods, takes inspiration from the pagan autumn equinox festival and will focus on cooking with fire and celebrating the harvest season.
To close the year, Festive Feastival will return, bringing a mix of street food, a roller disco, and Christmas circus magic.
Street Food Circus founder and ringmaster Matt the Hat said:
“Street Food Circus has been a game-changer for the Welsh street food scene. Over the past ten years, we’ve given opportunities to some of the country’s best chefs and street food businesses to showcase their talents.
“Looking at the hundreds of businesses we’ve worked with, it’s great to see so many who’ve gone on to open permanent restaurants, launch new street food concepts, and win major UK awards.
“We’ve also made street food more accessible across Wales, supporting different locations and venues. As we celebrate our first decade, I hope everyone involved feels proud of our collective success and looks forward to a year of incredible street food events.”
The 2025 season opens with Forest Feastival, running across four weekends from April 18 to May 11. This year’s festival will introduce Barbecewi, a new area dedicated to food cooked over fire and classic Americana dishes. Traders include Westlands BBQ, Feast Pembrokeshire, Two Lads Afghan BBQ, Dough Thrower, Fire & Flank, and Acme Fried Chicken.
Forest Feastival will also welcome Keralan Karavan, Mandala, Ceylon & Beyond, Boa Selecta, and Mr Noodle in its Feast from the East zone. A new Caravan Stage will host circus performers, guest DJs, buskers, and a bubble disco for families.
The After Dark series will return on Friday nights, featuring SFC residents Pamoja Disco Club and guest bands, transforming the woodland into a late-night festival experience.
In an effort to improve sustainability, Street Food Circus is introducing reusable enamel plates, which can be pre-ordered and collected at the event. Food waste collection and washing stations will also be available.
Tickets and further details are available at streetfoodcircus.co.uk.
Events Schedule:
- Forest Feastival, Merthyr Mawr, Bridgend: April 18 – May 11 (4 weekends)
- Big Banquet, Caldicot Castle, Monmouthshire: May 23-26
- Summer Feastival, Southampton: June 6-8
- Pleasure Gardens, Pembrey Country Park, Llanelli: June 20-22
- Welsh Street Food Awards: July 12-13
- Fantastic Fete, St Donat’s Castle: August 1-3
- Big Feastival, Cotswolds: August 22-24
- Harbour Feastival, Saundersfoot Harbour: September 5-7
- Mabon, South Wales, BBQ Festival: September 26-28
- Festive Feastival, date and location TBC
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