Former Welsh government minister, Hannah Blythyn, who was dismissed by former First Minister Vaughan Gething over allegations of leaking information to the media, has chosen not to address key questions regarding the incident. Blythyn, who currently chairs the Senedd’s standards committee, declined to respond to inquiries about the purported leak. Despite maintaining her innocence and refuting the leak accusations, Gething’s administration claimed to have evidence suggesting the information originated from her phone. When pressed about the specifics of the situation, Blythyn cited her prior statement in the Senedd chamber as her final word on the matter, noting its discussion following her return to Cardiff Bay post a period of illness.
During an appearance on the BBC Wales podcast, Walescast, Blythyn emphasised the importance of accountability in Welsh governance. She stressed the need for confidence in the system and highlighted the responsibilities political parties must undertake themselves. When probed about her dismissal and the alleged leak, Blythyn shared her emotional reaction to the ordeal, expressing relief at resuming her duties and the significance of representing her Delyn constituents. Despite being urged to shed light on how Gething linked the message to her phone, she reiterated her reluctance to provide additional details, reiterating her earlier sentiments.
There was a mention of a printed screenshot depicting the leaked messages involved in the controversy surrounding Gething’s dismissal of Blythyn. She was further pressed during the interview on whether she acknowledged the possibility that the message originated from her phone, to which she reiterated her prior stance of lacking the means to investigate the claims thoroughly. Co-host Felicity Evans intervened, underscoring the necessity for transparent political conduct and public interest inquiries into potential breaches of collective responsibility by cabinet members. While acknowledging the relevance of clarifying the source of the leak, Blythyn remained steadfast in her decision not to delve deeper into the issue.
Moreover, Blythyn declined to entertain queries regarding details of the situation, pointing out the absence of a formal inquiry during the incident. She expressed regret at the lack of proper handling of the matter, underscoring its adverse effects on her well-being. Refusing to engage in discussions that might revisit the distressing period, Blythyn reiterated her stance on the limitations of her earlier Senedd statement. Clarifications on allegations that evidence had been withheld from her prior to her dismissal were presented, with Blythyn emphasising her non-involvement in the investigation process beforehand.
The conversation with Blythyn on the podcast highlighted the complexities and sensitivities surrounding her dismissal and the subsequent allegations. Despite facing persistent questioning, Blythyn remained firm in her resolve not to provide further insights into the events leading to her sacking. The unresolved nature of the issue underscores the challenges associated with internal government investigations and the profound personal impact such controversies can have on individuals involved. With Blythyn choosing to focus on her constituents and new responsibilities, the lingering questions surrounding the leak allegations remain unanswered, leaving room for continued speculation within Welsh political circles.