Starmer has always stood by Vaughan Gething. He famously said:
“In Wales a Welsh Labour government is the living proof of what Labour looks like in power, how things can be done differently and better. Every day you demonstrate the difference that Labour makes a blueprint for what Labour can do across the United Kingdom.”
Over 118 days of being Starmer’s man in Cardiff, Gething managed to get a lot done. He:
Here’s to the next “living proof of Labour in government” as Wales prepares for a leadership election…
It’s déjà vu in the Commons today as swearing in continues. Clive “On Your Knees B*tch” Lewis has had to do it all over again. His first protest oath didn’t cut the mustard…
Last week he said: “I take this oath under protest, and in the hope that one day my fellow citizens will democratically decide to live in a republic…”
And now: “I was elected to Parliament to represent my constituents and our country to the best of my ability to defend democracy and uphold human rights and one day I hope all members of Parliament will be entitled to swear an oath of allegiance based on those values.”
He better hope this one works…
UPDATE: The first one was not legally valid because Lewis didn’t mention the King’s “heirs and successors”. Read the full letter below explaining the problem:
Continue reading “Clive Lewis Forced to Swear In Again”
After a spate of ministerial resignations led by his rival Jeremy Miles, the Welsh First Minister says:
“I have this morning taken the difficult decision to begin the process of stepping down as leader of the Welsh Labour Party and, as a result, First Minister.
Having been elected as leader of my party in March, I had hoped that over the summer a period of reflection, rebuilding and renewal could take place under my leadership.
I recognise now that this is not possible.
It has been the honour of my life to do this job even for a few short months.
To see the dedication to public service from our civil service, and the dedication to civility from the Welsh public.
To see the election of a new government in Westminster, and the fresh hope that brings to Wales.
I have always pursued my political career to serve Wales.”
After 118 days in post. More updates on Starmer’s “blueprint for Westminster government” as Guido gets them…
UPDATE: Welsh Tory leader Andrew RT Davies responds:
“Vaughan Gething’s resignation is long overdue.
But there can be no doubt that his Labour colleagues, from those who resigned today all the way up to Keir Starmer, have stood by his side, and are culpable for the breakdown in governance in Wales.
Wales will remember.”
This week new SpAds are excitedly waiting for their contracts to be confirmed as they enjoy the heady fun of entering government. Most haven’t had the formal nod yet…
Things are a little different this time, though, as their employment isn’t nearly as secure as usual. Guido hears they are being put on strict 4-month probationary contracts. A move described by ex-Tory SpAds as simultaneously “brutal, nuts” and “smart”…
Westminster could see a fair few dour faces (accompanied by CVs) come November. Is Labour not confident in its current pool of advising talent?
Welsh Labour ministers, led by Gething rival and Economy Secretary Jeremy Miles, are resigning from the government. Miles refused to back Vaughan Gething last night…
This morning Miles says he “can’t see any way forward for us which allows us to get on with job we are elected to do, without you standing down.” Ministers Mick Antoniw, Julie James, and Lesley Griffiths have also just resigned. Counsel General Antoniw is blistering: “I must advise you that I do not believe you can continue as First Minister. Wales needs confident and stable government. I do not believe you are capable of delivering that.”The debate over Hannah Blythyn’s sacking is ongoing – ripe opportunity to angle for a takeover…
The Welsh Tories are jumping at the news. “Vaughan Gething’s time as First Minister is rightly coming to an end”…
Read Miles’ full letter below:
Continue reading “Welsh Labour Ministers Resign From Gething’s Government”
Trump selected 39-year-old Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate last night at the launch of the Republican National Convention. Other potential contenders were drip fed their rejections beforehand…
Venture capitalist Vance wrote a respected 2016 treatise on the intricacies of American (especially middle-) class dynamics and has converted from ardent anti-Trumpism to the intellectual future of the “MAGA movement“. Eyebrows are raised in Ukraine, support for which Vance has heavily criticised…
Trump’s main speech in Milwaukee is on Thursday, which he says he’s changed from a “humdinger” to one of “unity for the country and world“. With a base-oriented VP pick the Trump campaign can get on with pushing its messaging…
Speaking at his speech on how to achieve “progressive capitalism” Wes Streeting fired a dig and Andy Burnham:
“Bond markets are not bond villains and fiscal rules matter.”