Politics

First Minister to remain ‘ultimate judge’ of ministers’ conduct

Published

7 months ago

September 30, 2025

FIRST MINISTER Eluned Morgan has confirmed she will continue to have the final say on breaches of conduct by her ministers amid concerns about a lack of independence.

Baroness Morgan announced she will establish an independent adviser on ministerial standards but she decided against giving them power to initiate their own investigations.

She wrote to the Senedd’s public accounts committee after reviewing the ministerial code, which sets out the standards expected of members of the Welsh Government.

Baroness Morgan – who decides if an investigation is warranted, including for complaints about her own conduct – said: “The purpose of the adviser is to advise me as First Minister, not to be an independent regulator of adherence to the ministerial code.

“My ministerial team are answerable to me for that, and I am answerable to the Senedd for their and my own compliance. That is as it should be.”

This is a departure from Westminster where the independent adviser on ministerial standards was given the power to initiate their own investigations in 2024. The Scottish Government has also announced plans to give its adviser similar powers.

The FDA union, which represents senior civil servants, labelled the current system opaque and warned of a vast power imbalance between ministers and staff who raise a complaint.

In its written evidence, the trade union called for “independence of decision making… including whether to investigate” – a power Wales’ First Minister chose to retain.

The revised ministerial code states the First Minister will remain the “ultimate judge” of the standards of behaviour expected and the appropriate consequences for breaches.

Responding to the public accounts committee’s recommendations on strengthening the code, Baroness Morgan said the adviser would be guaranteed access to evidence.

But she rejected calls for own-initiative powers and concluded it was her role, not the adviser’s, to decide on the sanctions where a breach of the code has been found.

In her letter – which was published this week – she retained the option of asking the civil service to conduct an investigation instead, bypassing the independent adviser.

In the refreshed code, the First Minister has moved the Nolan principles – seven overarching ethical standards for those in public life – from the annex to the opening pages.

Reaffirming her commitment to high standards, Baroness Morgan told the committee: “It behoves those of us who operate in the political field, and very much in the public eye, to ensure that we set an appropriate example.”

She rejected calls from campaigners to put the ministerial code onto a statutory footing, a move the UK and Scottish Governments have similarly resisted.

Transparency International, an anti-corruption organisation, has called for legal protection to ensure a future First Minister cannot choose to ignore or abolish the ministerial code.

The Institute for Government said this would “reaffirm the principle that ministers are as accountable for their behaviour as the civil servants and special advisers who serve them”.

But the First Minister was conscious of unintended consequences in a shift to complaints being pursued through a legal route such as judicial review. “This would be a retrograde step for Wales,” she wrote, adding that time pressures make legislation impractical.

While calling for the “overdue” review, Mark Isherwood, who chairs the public accounts committee, said: “It’s clear the other legislatures of the UK have more robust arrangements.”

The revised code includes explicit rules on social media, personal devices and non-official communications channels, a key recommendation made by the committee. It also includes sections on bullying, harassment and ministers’ wellbeing.

The review follows in the wake of controversies in Cardiff Bay and Westminster, notably including the Partygate scandal which led to Boris Johnson’s downfall as Prime Minister.

Transparency International pointed to controversy surrounding donations to Vaughan Gething’s leadership campaign and informal messaging app use during the pandemic.

“Trust in politics is perilously low,” the nonprofit warned.

“Polling shows the majority of people believe politicians are ‘out for themselves’ and the system of government is rigged to the advantage of the rich and powerful.”

News

Welsh Labour manifesto pledge: Direct London train for Milford Haven

Published

5 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WELSH LABOUR has unveiled a pledge to deliver a direct rail service between Milford Haven and London – a move that would transform connectivity for communities across Pembrokeshire.

This commitment builds on £50 million of UK Labour investment to upgrade rail services to Milford Haven.

Work is already underway, in partnership between the Welsh Labour Government and Pembrokeshire County Council, led by Council Leader Paul Miller, to transform Milford Haven railway station into a modern Public Transport Interchange – delivering smoother, better connected and more accessible journeys.

Together, these upgrades will pave the way for direct London services to call at Milford Haven, alongside an hourly service and vital level crossing safety improvements delivered by the UK Labour Government.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “This pledge sits alongside a record commitment to rail in Wales – up to £14 billion of investment, new stations and a transformed Metro. But this is about more than just a rail line.

It’s about opening Pembrokeshire up – bringing more people to one of the most beautiful parts of Wales, strengthening our tourism sector and creating new opportunities for local businesses to grow.

“And as we do that, we’re doing it the right way – backing a greener economy, making it easier for people to travel sustainably, and ensuring that growth benefits our communities. This is how we build a stronger future for West Wales – with better connections, more opportunity and an economy that works with our environment, not against it.”

Welsh Labour candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, Marc Tierney added: “A direct train to London from Milford would be a game changer for our communities – boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and making it easier for people to live and work here.

“The work underway to transform Milford Haven station into a modern transport hub, alongside plans for an hourly service, shows what Welsh Labour can deliver when we work in partnership with local authorities – investing in the infrastructure our communities deserve. With new funding from the UK Labour Government and a strong partnership in place, we can now go further.

“Welsh Labour is delivering the investment and the ambition needed to ensure West Wales is at the forefront of modern, connected and accessible transport.”

The pledge forms part of Welsh Labour’s wider plan to modernise public transport, strengthen regional connectivity and ensure no part of Wales is left behind.

News

Plaid Cymru councillor suspended over migration comments

Published

7 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A LONG-SERVING Gwynedd councillor has been suspended by Plaid Cymru after comments linking migration, housing pressure and the Welsh language.

Cllr Gareth Roberts, who represents Bangor’s Dewi ward, made the remarks during a planning committee debate on an application for 25 homes in Chwilog, on the Llŷn Peninsula.

Councillor raised concerns

The committee voted to reject the scheme against officers’ advice after concerns were raised about its possible impact on community cohesion and the Welsh language.

During the meeting, Cllr Roberts said Bangor was “no longer a Welsh-speaking area” and claimed he had seen the city’s Welsh-speaking population decline.

He said: “Certainly, within the last five years, I’ve seen hundreds if not 1,000 more people coming here to live, migrants.”

He also referred to pressure on schools, saying he had been told there were 42 different languages being spoken at his former primary school.

Cllr Roberts argued that housing shortages in Bangor could push demand into surrounding Welsh-speaking communities, including Chwilog.

Party investigation

Plaid Cymru has confirmed that Cllr Roberts’ party membership has been temporarily suspended following a formal complaint.

A party spokesperson said the suspension was a “neutral action” while an investigation is carried out.

Cllr Roberts has also resigned from Plaid Cymru’s group on Cyngor Gwynedd and is now listed as an individual member.

Speaking to BBC Wales, he insisted he was not opposed to migration and said Bangor had always been multicultural.

He said his comments were about housing, integration and the need to help people learn Welsh, rather than criticism of those who had moved to the area.

Local Government

All-women battle to be Pembrokeshire’s next leader

Published

22 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PEMBROKESHIRE council leader Cllr Jon Harvey, who announced he is to step down and not seek re-election, has backed Cabinet member Cllr Tessa Hodgson as his successor.

Pembroke St Mary North member Cllr Harvey became leader in May 2024 after narrowly beating fellow leadership hopeful Conservative group leader Di Clements by 30 votes to 27.

Cllr Harvey replaced Cllr David Simpson as leader.

Following his decision to step down, Cllr Harvey said: “It has been a fantastic two years, a real honour and privilege to lead the council, working with a talented and committed cabinet.

“After much thought and reflection, I feel now is the right time to make way for someone else to lead the council through the next 12 months to the local government elections in May 2027.”

With Cllr Harvey not remaining as leader, three nominations have been received for the all-women leadership battle at the May 15 AGM: Conservative Group Leader Cllr Di Clements, unaffiliated member and current Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and Leader of the Independent Group Cllr Anji Tinley.

Cllr Harvey has backed Cllr Hodgson for the top job.

He said: “We are living through turbulent times, and following the Senedd election next week, we will almost certainly have a new government in Cardiff, and we need leadership and a cabinet in Pembrokeshire, that has experience and is able to build on the great work already in progress, and that is why I will be 100 per cent supporting Tessa in her bid to become the next Leader.”

Cllr Hodgson was first elected in 2012 as the member for Lamphey and is currently the cabinet member for adult social care and safeguarding.

Cllr Anji Tinley (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council.)

Cllr Hodgson said: “I was sad to hear that Jon had decided not to seek re-election – he has much to be proud of and it has been great to serve in his cabinet and to work alongside him with such a dedicated team of cabinet colleagues.

“Should I be successful in my bid to be leader, I would look to build on the successes of the last nine years and use my experience, energy and ideas to lead the council through the next 12 months and to work collaboratively with all members in the best interests of Pembrokeshire.”

Fellow hopeful for the leader role, Cllr Clements gave her reasons why she should lead: “My Conservative Group are laser-focussed on making sure the people of Pembrokeshire get value for their money, delivering good statutory services and tackling the failure of leadership on education seen in Pembrokeshire.

Cllr Di Clements. (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council.)

“People I talk to are concerned about making ends meet and are worried that our local economy is stagnating.

“In these particularly challenging times, we need to make sure that our council tax is as low as practicably possible so they have more money in their pockets and prove to them that the council can spend their hard-earned money more wisely on services that really matter to the residents whom we serve.

“Resident’s priorities are our priorities.”

Leader Cllr Jon Harvey. (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council.)

Cllr Tinley has been contacted for a statement.

When Cllr Harvey’s decision became public, former leader of the Independent Group on Pembrokeshire County Council Cllr Huw Murphy, in a statement, claimed Cllr Havery has been removed in a “coup”.

Cllr Harvey has denied any ‘coup’ taking place, saying: “Honestly, I had to laugh at this statement by Cllr Murphy. I’ve enjoyed my time as Leader immensely and I am proud of my record, but I have done a full leadership term.

“The decision to stand down and not seek re-election was mine and mine alone and I’m looking forward to supporting Cllr Tessa Hodgson at the AGM.”