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Archive for Senedd Circular
Miss Wagstaffe is on holiday: Senedd Circular
No Senedd Circular today - Miss Wagstaffe is taking a short break.
(PS her latest posting is about explicit pictures)
Senedd Circular w/b 25 May 2008: Them dry bones
Putting up with the stench of a dead Labour carcass, can never be described as ‘robust and fun’, unlike the party politics of an unhealthy party political election battle. But to lose one Labour seat in 12 months may be regarded as a misfortune, to lose two looks like damn right carelessness [thanks Oscar]. Let this Labour candidate put it all down to experience, and perhaps there will be a third time lucky - if there’s a constituency that’s willing to pull a well-worn application form, out from a rather tired looking red bin.
This week, Miss Wagstaff has been climbing down from a high octane family weekend, only to pick at the odd bits of Welsh news before raking over the bones of the Labour electoral turmoil of weeks past… it seems that it will take a while before we get over recent events – London fell; Councils fell; then it was the turn of Crewe and Nantwich. It’s no wonder that God invented recess!
Attacking opponents from the last century
In times of trouble – yes, right now - Rhodri Morgan, Wales’ Labour First Minister, specialises in rummaging around in the Conservative party’s distant past in order to score points, just as you or I might place our rubber-gloved-hands into the toilet pan in order to give it a good scrub with a well-used scouring pad and disinfectant, that have been sitting in the cupboard for more time than we care to remember, and now used as a desperate measure. He doesn’t just do it for the press either, and can be heard to chant his anti-Conservative [Tory, of course] mantra in the Senedd too. What’s always been interesting here is that Morgan rarely comments on current Conservative policy and where they are as a party at the moment. It’s also not what he says that’s at fault, but what he doesn’t say. This makes him shockingly old-school, and predictably average.
Put aside UK Labour politics for a moment as the problem has also spread to Welsh Labour politics. Welsh Labour needs a new leader and has found itself having to wait for a countdown not dissimilar to that of a Eurovision Song Contest, whereby the end result may be expected to a certain degree, but not wanted as a whole. The majority of us will have to wait for BBC Wales’ own ‘Terry Wogan’ to remind us that the contest has started, and for us to take our seats.
Glad confident mourning
On the other side of the fence, David Cameron may be a UK party leader, but his pronouncement last week that Labour’s recent performance showed the “death of New Labour” left many wondering whether to start mourning; its tremor was certainly felt in Wales, particularly in the North and South, where current Labour MPs must be putting mathematical skills to good use, before wondering whether to hit the panic button.
Morgan’s advice in the meantime is for Labour to hold firm, and not to split and turn in on itself. Miss Wagstaff suggests holding onto your hats, as a storm is brewing. Others may suggest holding on to something else, but I fear that would be too late to prevent excruciating pain.
And finally…
As a final thought, the words of Douglas Adams spring to mind… Don’t panic!
Rounding Up the Blogs: Senedd Circular w/b 04 May 2008
This week we have a special “link blog” Senedd Circular, as Matt has been rounding up the daffodils earlier and Miss Wagstaff had a night on the tiles (allegedly). So this is a “Matt” roundup.
Blog Snippets
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Coalition deals sideline Labour
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Lib Dem German to quit in autumn
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New language rule for 57 bodies: thou shalt deliver thy services in Welsh (I have not yet found out whether the Wardman Wire is on list, but another 57 makes 493 ). I wonder if Heinz are in the 57 organisations.
Rounding up the Daffodils cennin Pedr
There’s a big kerfuffle happening about cennin Pedr and why they should be purchased in Wales and not imported from foreign climes such as Cornwall (for example). Read these links to understand:
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Cennin Pedr in Rural Wales .
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My take on Cennin Pedr and Free Trade.
I wonder whether someone is going to appeal for a European Union Protected Designation for daffodils as Welsh. If so - prepare to get sued by the Ghost of Wordsworth .
In would be more fun if the Welsh did “red-faced nationalists on the point of exploding”. Unfortunately they don’t; that’s just Tunbridge Wells, a certain brand of Conservative, and Alex.
The Gossip
And - on the gossip front - I only just tumbled to the fact that Blamerbell the Underpants is a sibling of young Ms Jenkins from the Senedd .
Ordovicius tells me that “everyone (apart from me, apparently - pity the English) knows about “the Jenkins Clan from Merthyr Tidfil the Rhondda“.
Isaac Asimov had a race from outer space called the Jenkinsites who survived by carrying a cylinder of cyanide gas to breathe - as that was the atmosphere on their home planet. I’m sure there’s no connection - the Asimov Jenkinsites also had six legs and a carapace.
Wrapping Up
Ok - enough. Miss Wagstaff is back next week.
I’m hoping to blog-interview an AM from each party to tease out the more serious points about A preference for Local Production vs EU Procurement Rules early next week. Let’s see if they will talk to me.
Local Election Special: Senedd Circular w/b 28 April 2008
Today is not only Miss Wagstaff’s birthday, but also - by strange coincidence - a day for local elections. I bet some of you thought it would never arrive!
Senedd Snippets
- Who runs Wales at a local level?
- Decline and fall of Labour?
- What a turn up for the books.
Acting Local
Yesterday saw the last full day of campaigning in the local elections, and many will be wondering whether there will be a sting in the tail for the coalition partners in Cardiff Bay. Will the electorate hold them to account over their performance since this coalition emerged from the ashes of last year’s Assembly election? Will this be an opportunity for a warning shot across the bow of a Labour Government at Westminster? Or will we all vote as usual and wake up with the results not even changing one single part of our lives?
As it currently stands, Labour holds or shares power on nine Welsh county councils, Liberal Democrats on six, Plaid Cymru on five, Conservatives on four, and independent or other groups on 11.
In the not too distant past a decrease in Labour’s vote in Wales would’ve seemed as plausible as a man becoming pregnant (Doesn’t count! Well, I suppose he did ‘used to be’ a woman).
No longer…
Who runs Wales at a local level?
![q-map-2007-wales-local-authorities-numbered-coloured[1]](http://www.mattwardman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/q-map-2007-wales-local-authorities-numbered-coloured1.jpg)
(Map thanks to me . Will need updating. )
- Blaenau Gwent: Labour
- Bridgend: Liberal Democrat / Conservative / Plaid Cymru / Independent
- Caerphilly: Labour
- Cardiff: Liberal Democrat
- Carmarthen: Labour / Independent
- Ceredigion: Independent / Liberal Democrat / Labour
- Conwy: Independent / Conservative / Plaid Cymru / Liberal Democrat
- Denbighshire: Independent / Conservative / Plaid Cymru
- Flintshire: Labour
- Gwynedd: Plaid Cymru
- Merthyr: Labour / Independent
- Monmouth: Conservative
- Neath Port Talbot: Labour
- Newport: Labour
- Pembrokeshire: Independent
- Powys: Independent
- Rhondda Cynon Taf: Labour
- Swansea: Liberal Democrat / Independent
- Torfaen: Labour
- Vale of Glamorgan: Labour / Plaid Cymru / Independent
- Wrexham: Liberal Democrat-led Board
- Ynys Mon: Anglesey Forward / Radical Independents
Decline and fall of Labour?
There was a time in Welsh politics when it was said that even a sheep under a Labour banner would get elected in Wales. Times have changed! Before devolution in 1999, Labour remained in control of well over half of Wales’ 22 county councils, and was a significant force in a handful of others.
This dominance of ‘red’ councils was dramatically knocked back in 1999, as Plaid Cymru won control of both Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf in the Valleys. A successful campaign to regain these councils in 2004 was deflated with Labour losing control of Bridgend, Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham to the Liberal Democrats and their coalition buddies.
In Wales, the Conservatives returned from no-man’s land to control Monmouthshire and the Vale of Glamorgan (for a short period). This was an age that brought an alternative option to Labour in Wales, even if it was to the regular chant of ‘Coalition is King’.
What a turn up for the books
This has been a typical election campaign with the usual nit-picking, back biting, tooing and froing of political ‘worn and new’ tennis balls, with the odd cannon ball thrown in for good measure and extra effect. There’s even been mixed messages from UK party leaders on their election visit to Wales.
We’ve all been expecting this, but what haven’t we been expecting?
Former MP, AM, and Secretary of State for Wales, Ron Davies is hoping to return to politics and is standing as an independent for the third time. Mr Davies is hoping to represent the area - Bedwas and Machen ward - where he was born and where he was first elected as a councillor 39 years ago. The ward elects four councillors. Together with his Independent running mate Colin Hobbs – another former Labour councillor – Mr Davies is up against one Plaid and four Labour candidates.
Popular Lib-Demmer, Vince Cable MP, was in Cardiff rallying the troops this week. Mr Cable said the party had won power four years ago in Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham and Bridgend on the back of the Iraq war which had disillusioned voters with Labour.
He said: “I think even holding our position will be a good result. Four years ago we were very strong. The Iraq war effect was a factor. If we do make advances that will be a tribute to the way the work of our councils is perceived across Wales. We are starting in a difficult position this time. Four years ago we were in a very strong position on the back of the Iraq effect.” A true definition of ‘fighting’ talk if ever I heard one.
At a more local level, Peter May, a Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate and councillor has been accused of printing election leaflets for his party’s opponents. Today, he will be defending his council seat in the Uplands ward of Swansea, however, an organisation he runs next to his home in the city is printing election literature for independent candidates across Swansea, some of whom are up against Liberal Democrats. You couldn’t make it up .
Usually you have to wait until you’re 18 to cast your first vote, for some it comes surprisingly early. At the other end of the age scale, it seems that certain golden oldie councillors can’t stay away from the ballot box and front line politics. A former councillor who received money to retire under a ‘golden goodbye’ scheme is standing for election again. In 2004 Eunydd Thomas (formerly of the Labour party) accepted a payout designed to encourage long-serving councillors to make way for new blood. He told a newspaper that supporters had persuaded him to stand again this year for Carmarthenshire Council. He will be attempting to spring back into local politics under a different banner – Independent.
An Assembly Government spokesman said: “…However, for legal reasons it was not possible to include in the regulations a provision which would prevent a recipient of an award from standing in a future election.”
Keeping an eye on bigger fish, Plaid’s Chief Engineer and bridge builder, Adam Price MP, has outlined Plaid’s greater ambitions in suggesting that “There’s no veto as far as talking to the Conservatives” in the off chance of there being a hung parliament at the next general election.
But at least one AM who opposed Plaid going into a “rainbow coalition” involving the Conservatives following last year’s inconclusive Assembly Election yesterday said she thought Mr Price was right not to rule anything out. Mid and West Wales AM Nerys Evans said: “He is completely right. We need to be keeping all our options open.
I guess power can be an aphrodisiac (Ed: Not in the Senedd, it can’t - unless they will take the consequences; they’ve banned Latex ). Once you’ve tasted it, there’s no going back.
And finally…
Taking a few minutes out and looking at the situation objectively, while taking into account the goings on of UK and Welsh politics over the last year, I predict that the Welsh Conservatives will be the big winners in the local election stakes:
1) They’re doing well at UK level, even if it is partly down to a tired Labour Government.
2) They have the most to gain at local government level in Wales (in terms of improvement).
3) They didn’t enter into a coalition in Cardiff Bay and won’t suffer from the backlash.
4) Even if they had entered into a Cardiff Bay coalition, core members probably wouldn’t have turned against them.
5) They’re generally seen as being an effective opposition in Cardiff Bay and Westminster.
6) The other parties in Wales have more to lose and less to gain after the events of the last 6-12 months (short-term memory of the indecisive voter).
The question is whether the electorate as a whole take this into account, and let those parties that fizz during their campaign go flat overnight.
As a final thought… While we’re all tucked up in our beds with our warm milk and being read a bedtime story by our chosen partners, spare a thought for those tired officials having to count your vote, whether that vote counts or not in your constituency.
Sex and the City - Access all areas.: Senedd Circular w/b 21 April 2008
This week, Miss Wagstaff has been unwell and unable to write a column. Before you’re able to type her email address and send in a ‘Get Well Soon’ card with concern, she has managed to raise a smile at the thought of certain progression in the Senedd.
It seems that not content with Doctor Who being filmed at the Senedd, the Assembly Commission has allowed a popular television programme, Caerdydd [Cardiff] to film there. This has produced unexpected [expected by viewers] results*. At this rate, Pippa is blushing and quaking at the knees at the thought of what may be broadcasted on Senedd tv.
* In the scene, a young employee of an unnamed political party - who had just been asked to stand as an assembly candidate - is seen enticing her older lover into a toilet and baby- making changing room in the Senedd.
There then follows an explicit encounter between the two.
“However the National Assembly was told that this scene was a conversation scene and was not aware of its full content,” said a spokesperson.
“The company was allowed to film in good faith.”
Miss Wagstaff had wondered what the Assembly Security Guards could have been up to at this point. Were they guarding the entrance? Were they guarding the rear? Whatever they were doing, they certainly weren’t keeping an eye on the film crew, actors, and the situation that arose. Her memory was jogged.
From Dr Who, to turning blue - Live debate from the chamber is coming soon to a box near you.
Tea and Crumpet with the First Minister: Senedd Circular w/b 14 April 2008
This week, Miss Wagstaff is both delighted and appalled by her seeming to have lost a week. We can blame Parliamentary Recess, Pippa’s time keeping, or the rumour that the Welsh Assembly Government has banned her blog internally.
Either way, although always partial to a bit of mother-son bonding during recess, it has been a sight for sore eyes to see the Head Boy [Rhodri Morgan] back in school this last week and laying out his plans for all to see. Eagerly assisted by the School Prefects [Cabinet] - after nine months in coalition government - ‘One Wales’ Delivery Plan has been announced, listing pledges made by the coalition government and complete with a detailed easy-to-follow timetable for Jo public. The downside is that some have experienced difficulty in making up their minds as to how many commitments have been made.
This aside, while Pippa was away, another historic occasion has occurred [no connection] as the Queen approved the transfer of new powers to the Welsh assembly in a ceremony at Windsor Castle. The order allows the assembly to draw up Welsh laws to help people with additional learning needs. A further nine orders are in the Assembly-Parliament pipeline, on issues ranging from mental health services to fire safety, however, the process still receives a large amount of criticism from the Welsh Conservatives as being too complicated and should be simplified. Meanwhile, Plaid’s trio are chomping at the bit to help the process along, but seem to have fallen at the first fence. I guess that’s what happens when you don’t think long-term in politics, and are left grazing instead of experiencing pastures new.
Senedd Snippets
* When to cull and when to kill.
* Welsh Assembly Delivers to your doorstep.
* Tea and Crumpet with the First Minister.
Miss Wagstaff on Recess: Senedd Circular
No Senedd Circular this week, as Pippa is on recess.
Rumours of disturbances in nightclubs in Patagonia are not (in ANY way) connected.
Does there happen to be an election in May? Senedd Circular w/b 31 March 2008:
This week, Miss Wagstaff has learnt that while the Assembly is away, the politicians will play. It may still be Assembly Recess (until 8 April 2008), but the build-up to local elections in May have got Labour and Plaid Cymru in a constant state of flux.
Going off tangent for a minute, the website of the National Assembly for Wales states that ‘recess’ is between 17th March to 7th April 2008, inferring that Members are back at work from Tuesday, 8th April 2008. A different set of recess dates was announced earlier in this third term. Shock, horror! Surely this gives AMs an extra day off when they should be back on Monday, 7th April to conduct constituency work [Mondays and Fridays have been allocated for AMs to conduct work in their constituencies]. Just a small matter, but important all the same. Perhaps someone can enlighten me as to why they don’t like this particular Monday.
Back to this week’s column, which is primarily concerned with political parties kicking off with the run up to the local government elections in May. Surprise, surprise, we’ll see the gloves coming off – some being eagerly ripped off - as apparently local government politics is different from National politics. Let me explain… Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru may be partners in the Assembly, however, Plaid have a way around insulting Labour without it interfering with the coalition. ‘Labour in London’ or ‘Unionist Labour’ is seen as a good description for the ‘old enemy’, and the blame is placed on their weary shoulders when things go wrong, without damaging the friendly image of the handholding red/green coalition in the Bay.
Miss Wagstaff has a solution to Plaid’s problems of potentially upsetting their partner at government and unwelcome mistress at the upcoming local election. Perhaps Welsh Labour in local government will also see themselves tagged by Plaid in a particular way. Not beating around the bush - and it’s not going to cost them much – I offer ‘Local Labour’ or ‘Locality Labour’. I’ll get on to the Patient Office before anyone has any similar ideas. £1 for every mention could make me a very rich woman indeed.
Senedd Snippets
* Labour suffering from underexposure.
* Labour’s campaign calls for last orders.
* Plaid Conference at new port of call.
* Hardly Queensberry Rules.
