News

Evidence leaked by Minister’s phone, claims Welsh Government

Published

2 years 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.”

Community

Firefighter experience days planned in Haverfordwest and Newtown

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hands-on sessions will give potential recruits a taste of life in the fire service

PEOPLE interested in becoming firefighters are being invited to take part in special Firefighter Experience Days being held by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service this June.

The events will take place at Haverfordwest Fire Station on Wednesday, June 3, and at Newtown Fire Station on Friday, June 5. Both sessions will run from 10:00am until 1:00pm.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, which covers almost two-thirds of Wales, says the days are designed to give people a practical introduction to life in the fire service in a relaxed and informal setting.

Around 75 per cent of the service’s fire stations are crewed entirely by on-call firefighters, who play a vital role in protecting communities across the region.

Visitors attending the experience days will have the opportunity to try on firefighting kit, learn how equipment is assembled, and take part in practical exercises alongside serving crews.

Firefighters from both stations will also be on hand to explain the realities of the role, answer questions, and offer guidance on the recruitment process.

Topics covered during the sessions will include the modern role of a firefighter, fitness requirements, personal protective equipment, career pathways within the service, and what applicants can expect during recruitment.

Booking is essential for anyone wishing to attend.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Lily Evans, Digital Marketing Officer for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, by emailing [email protected].

News

Local Windsurf instructors ride the waves with Welsh Sailing Impact awards

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

Local windsurfers who support the Windswept Watersports are riding the waves this month after being presented with their Welsh Sailing Impact Awards.

Volunteer instructors David Picker, Bob Jones, Leslie Burton and Graham Smith

have all been recognised for their commitment to encouraging the next

generation of windsurfers at the community watersports centre in Dale.

The dedicated team has played an essential role in supporting the Windswept

Warriors youth windsurfing club since its launch more than four years ago.

Sarah Bagley, Director of Windswept Watersports, said: “A huge congratulations go to

our windsurf volunteers on being chosen for Impact Awards – Bob, Leslie, Graham

and Dave have supported us so much by making our Windsurf Warrior sessions

happen every week, and they couldn’t deserve this more.

“They have made a huge impact in making the club what it is today and we’re able

to grow the club’s numbers and keep the costs down due to them giving up their

Sundays. Since the club started they’ve been so enthusiastic about inspiring

the next generation of windsurfers and their passion for the sport really is

Infectious.

“What’s more, the club has gone on to win medals at windsurfing national

championships and none of this would have happened without our superstar

volunteers.”

Windswept Watersports is a Not-For-Profit organisation which aims to make

activities accessible for all, including delivering outreach sessions to local schools,

youth and community groups, and running a variety of clubs encouraging local

people to enjoy getting on the water.

The Windswept Warriors group enables young people aged 10-19 to learn the

sport and take their skills to the next level, with Sunday morning sessions for just

£10 a go, including all equipment and tuition thanks to its volunteer instructors.

Impact Awardee Leslie said: “I didn’t start windsurfing until my late 30s so I really

love helping the juniors to progress. It’s great to see their confidence grow by just

having fun on, and in, the water. We just love sharing our sport with youngsters

and seeing the enjoyment they get from it, whether that’s improving and

progressing their skills or just having a go occasionally.”

Explaining their enthusiasm for giving back to the sport, fellow Impact Awardee

Graham said: “I’ve had some fantastic times and I’ve met some amazing people while

windsurfing and by volunteering I get the opportunity to give those chances to

others. I also love it when I see people progress and what it means to them.”

Award-winning team members Bob and Dave likewise sum up the satisfaction

and rewards of seeing young windsurfers progress from beginner to intermediate

to themselves becoming instructors.

Bob said: “I love coaching the junior club, seeing their progression week by week, especially those big ‘Hallelujah, I did it’ moments. I’m super proud to be a colleague of Windswept’s young instructors who were part of the junior crew not so far back.”

Welsh Sailing Impact Awards are presented by RYA Cymru Wales to recognise the

hard work of individuals and organisations who go the extra mile to support

activities afloat, in line with the governing body’s Together on our Waters strategy

to create a connected, inspired and inclusive sailing and boating community.

Hester Walker, Club Development Officer for RYA Cymru Wales, said: “This team

commit a huge amount of time to supporting the youth windsurfers at Windswept

Watersports. Their time allows for the training to be offered at a lower rate, helping

to remove the barrier of cost and enabling more young people to get on the

water. Dale has become one of the most active windsurfing communities thanks

to Windswept Watersports and the fantastic support of these volunteers.”

News

Plaid tells Carmarthenshire voters: ‘Only we can stop Reform’

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PLAID CYMRU has urged voters in Sir Gaerfyrddin to back the party on Thursday, claiming it is the only party able to beat Reform UK in the new constituency.

The appeal comes after the latest ITV Cymru Wales, YouGov and Wales Governance Centre MRP poll suggested Plaid Cymru is on course to become the largest party in the Senedd, with Reform close behind. The poll put Plaid on 33% across Wales and Reform on 29%. (YouGov)

Sir Gaerfyrddin is one of the new Senedd constituencies being used for the first time in this election. It has been created from the Carmarthen and Llanelli Westminster seats and will elect six Members of the Senedd under the new closed-list system.

Plaid Cymru’s list in Sir Gaerfyrddin is led by Cefin Campbell, followed by Nerys Evans, Adam Price and Mari Arthur. (Who Can I Vote For?)

The party says the contest locally is now between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK, and has called on voters who want to stop Nigel Farage’s party from gaining ground in Carmarthenshire to “lend” Plaid their vote.

Nerys Evans said Plaid was offering “new leadership” and a “positive vision” for Wales, including childcare support, a National Development Agency to grow the economy, and a new numeracy and literacy scheme for children.

She said: “As the voters of Sir Gaerfyrddin head to the polls on Thursday, the choice could not be more stark.

“Only two parties can win here: Plaid Cymru, who offer new leadership, a positive vision, and which will be accountable only to the people of Wales; or Reform, which would divide our communities, threaten the future of our NHS, cut support for our culture and language and is controlled by Nigel Farage, billionaires, and ex-Tories in London.

“Support for Labour has disappeared in Carmarthenshire, with people unwilling to vote for a party that has let Wales down for over 27 years and in Westminster since Keir Starmer became Prime Minister.

“There is no evidence that the Greens or the Liberal Democrats will secure enough votes to come close to winning a seat.

“We ask anyone who wants to prevent a victory for Reform in Carmarthenshire to lend their vote to Plaid Cymru on Thursday.”

The Senedd election takes place on Thursday (May 7).