Politics
First Minister grilled over minister’s sacking
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VAUGHAN Gething denied there is any onus on him to prove Hannah Blythyn leaked to the press despite her denials and confirmation she was not the source.
Llyr Gruffydd said it is clear the former minister denies the claims that led to her sacking, so the onus is on Wales’ First Minister to prove the allegation.
But Mr Gething bit back: “I reject that completely: the onus is not on me to prove that.”
In a heated exchange, the First Minister raised his voice, shouting “let me finish” at the Plaid Cymru politician as he was being pressed about concerns.
Mr Gething told the meeting of a Senedd scrutiny committee that he had reached an inescapable conclusion about where the leak came from.
However, on Thursday, Nation.Cymru took the extraordinary step of confirming Ms Blythyn was not the source of leaked messages.
Mr Gruffydd asked whether the iMessage group was official or less formal.
Accusing his political opponents of “getting into the weeds”, the First Minister did not confirm if it was a formal ministerial group.
He said: “I did not create the group. The group was created and we were all added in.
“The point is: if ministers are prepared to share information about each other in a way that directly compromises each other and the trust that exists, that does go to collective responsibility and it goes to the [ministerial] code.
“The evidence is just very straightforward. You either choose to act or you choose to allow it to fester and that affects what the government can do.”
Nation.Cymru accused the First Minister of misleading the UK Covid inquiry by not admitting to deleting records, with screenshots showing he tried to swerve a transparency law.
Russell George, for the Conservatives, reiterated calls for the First Minister to publish evidence following Hannah Blythyn’s “brave” personal statement on Tuesday.
Mr Gething said he was surprised to face questions in the Senedd on Wednesday about his “painful” choice to sack the former social partnership minister.
He told the committee: “The statement that had been made on the Tuesday, we were all told this is a statement and there is no response to it.
“Then we essentially had a response to it the next day …in a contested environment.
“When Hannah made her statement … she made clear she didn’t want other people speaking for her. We then had an afternoon of men speaking for her. I find that difficult.”
Mr Gething denied any accusation of inconsistency, saying: “I have never tried to claim that Hannah Blythyn directly contacted Nation.Cymru.
“I’m very clear: the evidence I have is that a photograph of her phone was provided to Nation.Cymru. Ministers are responsible for their own data.”
The former lawyer added: “I can tell you it was a real issue between ministers.
“If you don’t feel you can trust people then it affects what you say and how you say it.
“So, I made a really difficult choice because I thought it was the right thing to do for the government and the country – and it really is as simple as that.”
Mr Gething told the committee there is potential a route back into government for Ms Blythyn “but it is about how people respond and how people behave”.
“It’s hard for me to have people constantly question my integrity,” he said.
“In all my life, as a trade union rep, as an employment lawyer, as a member and a minister – I always tried to do the right thing, including when it’s difficult for me personally.
“That is what I’m doing again and yet here we are, with more questions and more suggestions that go to the heart of integrity and decency.”
A fiery First Minister accused fellow Senedd members of questioning his integrity in the chamber “without facts to support it, without truth behind it”.
Mr Gething emphasised that the Welsh Government is “getting on with the job”, pointing to Tuesday’s statement on plans for new laws as an example.
He said: “I want to carry on and do the job I have been elected to do. It really is a privilege to lead my country and that’s what I’m committed to do.”
David Rees, the deputy speaker or Diprwy Lywydd, who chairs the scrutiny committee, intervened to curtail questioning of the First Minister on the matter.
At the meeting at Llanelli’s Parc y Scarlets on July 12, Mr Rees said: “I think there’s opportunities ahead of us before the recess to have further discussions on this point.”
On July 17, Senedd members will debate a Conservative motion that aims to force the First Minister to publish all evidence he relied on with appropriate redactions.
News
Eluned Morgan unveils new cabinet as Mark Drakeford takes on finance role
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/morgan-meets-with-cabinet.jpg)
WALES’ First Minister, Eluned Morgan, has revealed her newly appointed cabinet just days after her predecessor, Vaughan Gething, announced he would step down from the Senedd.
Baroness Morgan, who had already formed an interim cabinet over the summer, made a notable choice in bringing former First Minister Mark Drakeford back into government as health secretary for the past month. On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Mr Drakeford will remain in government, but in a new capacity as finance and Welsh language secretary.
Mr Gething, who took over as First Minister in March, officially stepped down from his role last month following a series of ministerial resignations that called for his departure. His short tenure ended after just four months, a period marred by internal discord within the Welsh Labour government.
Two former ministers, who were part of those resignations, have now returned to government under Baroness Morgan’s leadership. Among them is Jeremy Miles, Mr Gething’s former leadership rival, who will now serve as health secretary. Julie James, another familiar face, has returned as counsel general – the government’s top legal post – and minister for delivery.
Mr Gething has announced his intention to leave the Welsh parliament entirely at the next election, scheduled for 2026. In a statement, he confirmed he would not seek a role in the current administration, but would continue to support the government from the backbenches.
Baroness Morgan praised her new team, stating it represents “all of Wales” and would offer “stability, draw on experience, and bring our collective talents together”. However, the Welsh Conservatives, the largest opposition party in the Senedd, were quick to criticise the reshuffle, claiming it was “still the same old Labour” and accusing the party of focusing on “pointless pet projects”.
In the reshuffle, Huw Irranca-Davies, who ran alongside Baroness Morgan during the Welsh Labour leadership contest, retains his position as deputy first minister and secretary for climate change and rural affairs. Ken Skates continues to oversee transport and North Wales, while Rebecca Evans takes on the economy brief. Lynne Neagle and Jayne Bryant remain education and housing secretaries, respectively, while Jane Hutt stays on as social justice secretary, as well as the government’s chief whip and Trefnydd (leader of the house).
The only newcomer to the cabinet is Vikki Howells, who has been appointed as minister for further and higher education. Sarah Murphy and Dawn Bowden remain as ministers for mental health and social care, respectively, while Jack Sergeant continues as minister for social partnership, with culture and skills added to his responsibilities.
Baroness Morgan will face her first round of First Minister’s Questions in the Senedd next week.
Responding to the First Minister’s new Cabinet, Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “While there may be a new First Minister, it’s still the same old Labour.
“We know that this Labour Welsh Government will continue to fail in the key areas that matter to Wales while they focus time and energy on pointless pet projects.
“The Welsh Conservatives are the true alternative to Labour’s politics of distractions, and only with a Welsh Conservative Government will things finally change for the better.”
MORE ON THIS STORY ON HERALD.WALES, CLICK HERE
News
Local MS raises concerns over viability of mine water heat projects
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SAMUEL Kurtz MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Economy and Energy, has expressed reservations about the feasibility of using mine water heat schemes as a solution to the rising cost of energy in Wales.
Speaking on the potential for these low carbon initiatives, which involve harnessing water from abandoned Welsh coal mines, Kurtz, from Pembrokeshire, said: “While I would never criticise ambition, projects such as this should not be pursued at the expense of more viable options previously explored by the former UK Conservative Government.
“To secure our energy future, it is crucial that Labour commits to nuclear energy, an area they have been hesitant to explore in the past. Additionally, there must be significant investment in developing floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.
“Ultimately, any initiative aimed at reducing energy bills is welcome, but it must offer clear value for money for the taxpayer.”
The comments from Kurtz come in response to news that energy bills could be significantly reduced through the use of low carbon heat schemes which extract heat from water in abandoned coal mines across Wales. According to the Coal Authority, about one in five properties in Wales is located above areas with the potential for such a scheme.
The temperature of mine water ranges between 10°C and 20°C, depending on the depth, making it a viable source of heat. The Welsh Government is currently investing in several low carbon heat projects, aiming to meet future energy demand while contributing to the decarbonisation of heating systems across the country. However, critics have raised questions about the cost-effectiveness and practicality of these schemes.
Work is already under way to explore mine water heat projects in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Caerphilly, and North East Wales. Research has indicated that approximately two trillion litres of warm water sit in old mine shafts across the UK, which could be tapped to support the transition away from natural gas, currently the primary source for heating.
Gareth Farr, leader of the Coal Authority’s mine water heat project in Wales, highlighted the potential for replicating the success seen in Gateshead, where the UK’s first large-scale mine water heat scheme is already operational. “From mine water heat in the North East of England, it has shown to be delivering heat at 5% below the gas heat price to customers, so that is really important especially during a cost of living crisis,” Farr said.
Ffynnon Taf primary school in Taff’s Well, Rhondda Cynon Taf, has already benefitted from a small-scale project, using the village’s natural thermal spring to heat the school and a pavilion. However, not all such schemes have been successful. A project in Caerau, Bridgend, was scrapped after a feasibility study revealed costs were too high, although the local authority has promised to explore other options in the future.
The Welsh Government remains optimistic about the role mine water heat could play in the country’s decarbonisation efforts. Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Transport, and North Wales, stated: “With heating accounting for 50% of energy use in Wales, mine water heat could improve the sustainability of the places where we live and work.”
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding such innovative solutions, Kurtz and other critics are urging caution. They stress the importance of ensuring that public money is spent on schemes that provide tangible results, especially during a time of economic uncertainty. While the Welsh Government is pushing forward with renewable energy initiatives, including mine water heating, Kurtz believes the focus should remain on tried and tested methods, such as nuclear energy and offshore wind development, to secure a stable and sustainable energy future for Wales.
Community
Crymych Arms pub saved by the community is to expand
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A PEMBROKESHIRE village pub which reopened its doors last year after being bought by the community has now been given permission for a restaurant extension and outdoor seating area.
Last December, the Tafarn Crymych Arms reopened after being closed in September 2021 when its current owners retired and put the pub up for sale.
Crymych Football Club coordinated the community purchase of the historic pub in the heart of the village, with volunteers raising more than £200,000 to buy the pub. They also secured a significant Community Ownership windfall from the UK Government.
A dedicated team had helped with repainting, wiring, moving the furniture and pool table, and sorting all issues ready for reopening.
Speaking at the time, former county councillor Cris Tomos who had helped with the purchase process “It is hard to believe that it was just one year ago from now, on December 13, 2022 that the first public meeting took place at the Crymych Market Hall to see if there was any interest within the community to take on the challenge of raising the funds and organising the process of purchasing and reopening the Tafarn Crymych Arms.
“The tremendous support over the following months soon demonstrated that people have missed having the traditional pub at the heart of the village.”
Since that successful reopening, Tafarn Cymunedol Crymych, through agent Harries Planning Design Management, has applied to Pembrokeshire planners for a dining room extension and external seating area.
The scheme was supported by Crymych Community Council which said: “We are pleased to see an application to develop a community resource.”
An officer report for the application said: “The proposed development is to erect a flat roof extension to the front of the building to create a dining room extension and lobby entrance area.
“A formal enclosed seating area which is partially raised would also be created to the front of the public house. The retention of pavement to allow pedestrians to walk across the front of the development, outside of the seating area is to be included within the scheme.”
The application was conditionally approved by Pembrokeshire County Council planners.
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