The Welsh Labour Government’s plan to spend £100 million on 36 more Senedd politicians is simply astonishing. Wales doesn’t need 96 Senedd Members. Instead, we urgently need money put back into our communities- potholes to be fixed, council tax reductions, improved public transport and more doctors, nurses, teachers and dentists.
The money needed for this unnecessary expansion - supported by both Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru - needs to come from somewhere and it’s not coming from the UK Government, meaning that it will have to be taken directly from existing Welsh Government budgets. Wales doesn’t need more politicians talking about unacceptable NHS waiting times and highlighting the issues with access to a GP or dentist- Wales needs this money put directly into these vital sectors to make a real difference and implement fundamental changes to the systems that are clearly not working.
My concerns are not only with the wasting of vast amounts of money but that democracy will not be improved. Firstly, whilst the Welsh Labour Government will be increasing politician numbers, they will not be increasing the amount of scrutiny time available to question the government and debate topics, so I am at a loss at what they expect all these extra politicians are going to do.
Secondly, I’m appalled that this Welsh Labour Government have not even considered giving the people of Wales a say on this matter. For such a monumental decision, it should be taken directly to the people of Wales through a referendum. Judging by the correspondence I have received and the advice surgeries I have hosted, residents strongly disagree with these expansion proposals and would have voted against them if given the opportunity.
Of course, Vaughan Gething will not even accept a vote of no confidence in his ability to lead - voted on by elected members - so I suppose it is just wishful thinking that Welsh Labour should care what the people of Wales think!
I believe it is grossly unfair that we - the Welsh people - should be denied basic services because Welsh Labour cut spending on the NHS and education so they can provide money for more politicians. At every opportunity, I will be raising the concerns of the public over this misuse of money with the Welsh Labour Ministers responsible and ensuring they remain accountable and do not hide from the views of the public.
ENDS
