Commenting on the announcement that Senedd ministers spent over £1.5million on special advisers in the 2024-25 financial year, South Wales Central Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies has said the presence of Plaid Cymru separatists on the list proves the party was in coalition with Labour.
After the last Senedd election, Labour did not have a majority – so formed a “co-operation agreement” with Plaid.
Senedd reform – through which £120 million is being spent on 36 more Senedd members – was one of the separatists’ key demands.
Three Plaid members were named special advisers – who the First Minister stated are “appointed by the First Minister to serve the First Minister and Government as a whole.”
Former Plaid Chair Dafydd Trystan, Vale of Glamorgan councillor Mark Hooper and Emily Edwards were all made special advisers as part of the deal.
Mr Davies said:
“Plaid Cymru separatists were appointed special advisers as part of their deal with Labour.
“Special advisers are appointed to serve the government – as Eluned Morgan made quite clear.
“Plaid’s claims they weren’t in coalition are simply not credible.”
ENDS
NOTE: Please find below a link to the First Minister’s statement
https://www.gov.wales/written-statement-special-adviser-annual-report-2024-25