I wonder is he now going to stay as a member of Senedd or leave? I can't see the working atmosphere being anything but toxic in the Labour group unless he decides to leave even then the atmosphere will be v. bad between the 2 groups. There democratically should be a by election but it just another top up from the Labour list isn't it?
Welsh Labour are well overdue a reckoning! Their paternal governing style of ‘we know what’s best for you’ is getting everyone’s backs up. Rather than fix the big issues like the fact Betsi Health Board has been in special measures for a decade or the fact local government is too bloated they focus on banning refills at Nando’s!
Well said. Hope you enjoy a cool glass of whatever takes your fancy as you have done Wales a service making sure our democracy is treated with a real scrutiny.
Will, I cannot think of any act by the devolved government to make the people's lives in Wales any better over the entire time of its existence - quite the reverse. Over the big issues - health, education, transport, the environment- nothing meaningful has been done. All are getting worse. Virtue signalling is hardly any substitute! And now there are moves to increase the number of AMs! Why? To what purpose? More virtue signalling? What is the benefit of devolution if the result is the squabbling of second rate politicians? Great work Will. Love reading your articles. Keep it up!
The financial situation is dire and further austerity is intolerable. They could win the next election by levying additional top and higher rate income taxes. (yes, I would have to pay them).
But they have failed to improve public services at all, quite the reverse. They have neither the competence nor the experience. It's not about money (good after bad) but reform, and they have been consistently clueless. None of the current administration has ever run a complex service organisation and they do not know how to engage with the private sector, or business, in any meaningful way. The public sector in Wales is a sponge.
Engage with the private sector for what? PFI? Adding private profits to the taxpayer bill? The state adopt tasks we won't refuse to those who can't afford them. Real terms cuts, aging population and Westminster immigrant bashing leaving workforce gaps have left us unable to provide the same services as people of earlier generations enjoyed. Public servants carry the pieces at great personal cost, they are not a sponge.
I agree. But we are still left with this malaise in Wales. Inadequate leadership, no effective answers and no way forward. It makes us look foolish and third world. We do not have the gene pool to make it better. Anyone with talent leaves and we're left with dross. It's been ever thus, sadly.
I wonder is he now going to stay as a member of Senedd or leave? I can't see the working atmosphere being anything but toxic in the Labour group unless he decides to leave even then the atmosphere will be v. bad between the 2 groups. There democratically should be a by election but it just another top up from the Labour list isn't it?
Welsh Labour are well overdue a reckoning! Their paternal governing style of ‘we know what’s best for you’ is getting everyone’s backs up. Rather than fix the big issues like the fact Betsi Health Board has been in special measures for a decade or the fact local government is too bloated they focus on banning refills at Nando’s!
Loved the debate Chrissie. Stay engaged won't you?
Well said. Hope you enjoy a cool glass of whatever takes your fancy as you have done Wales a service making sure our democracy is treated with a real scrutiny.
Will, I cannot think of any act by the devolved government to make the people's lives in Wales any better over the entire time of its existence - quite the reverse. Over the big issues - health, education, transport, the environment- nothing meaningful has been done. All are getting worse. Virtue signalling is hardly any substitute! And now there are moves to increase the number of AMs! Why? To what purpose? More virtue signalling? What is the benefit of devolution if the result is the squabbling of second rate politicians? Great work Will. Love reading your articles. Keep it up!
better
The financial situation is dire and further austerity is intolerable. They could win the next election by levying additional top and higher rate income taxes. (yes, I would have to pay them).
But they have failed to improve public services at all, quite the reverse. They have neither the competence nor the experience. It's not about money (good after bad) but reform, and they have been consistently clueless. None of the current administration has ever run a complex service organisation and they do not know how to engage with the private sector, or business, in any meaningful way. The public sector in Wales is a sponge.
Engage with the private sector for what? PFI? Adding private profits to the taxpayer bill? The state adopt tasks we won't refuse to those who can't afford them. Real terms cuts, aging population and Westminster immigrant bashing leaving workforce gaps have left us unable to provide the same services as people of earlier generations enjoyed. Public servants carry the pieces at great personal cost, they are not a sponge.
So, continued failure of public services? Why?
I set out causes. It's not an endorsement of Welsh Labour to notice the same problems both sides of the border.
I agree. But we are still left with this malaise in Wales. Inadequate leadership, no effective answers and no way forward. It makes us look foolish and third world. We do not have the gene pool to make it better. Anyone with talent leaves and we're left with dross. It's been ever thus, sadly.