Conservative Senedd group leader Andrew RT Davies has come under fire for allegedly showing contempt towards the Senedd following a dispute over the 20mph speed limit in Wales. The Tory group leader has been accused of using inaccurate language to confuse the public and has faced a complaint regarding his repeated use of the term “blanket” to describe the law.
The Senedd’s standards committee reviewed the complaint against South Wales Central MS, Andrew RT Davies, and recommended that he should receive an official reprimand. The issue was deliberated in the Senedd chamber on November 6. The standards commissioner, Douglas Bain, highlighted that as a prominent figure in Welsh politics, Davies should lead by example.
The Welsh Government has consistently refuted Davies’ use of the term “blanket” to describe the speed limit, emphasizing that there are exemptions to the rule which came into effect in September 2023. Despite the reports and discussions in the chamber, Davies was notably absent during the proceedings, prompting criticism from Labour’s MS for Llanelli, Lee Waters.
Waters condemned Davies for his pattern of behavior and lack of adherence to the standards expected from a member of the Senedd, particularly the opposition leader. He expressed concern over Davies’ misleading language, emphasizing that such actions could have serious consequences, especially when public safety is at stake. The Labour politician highlighted previous instances where Davies’ statements had been questioned.
Furthermore, the standards committee chair, Labour’s Hannah Blythyn, stressed the importance of acknowledging and acting on the findings of the committee to maintain integrity within the Senedd. Another report concerning Davies’ retweeting of a statement was also discussed, but no further action was taken.
This latest development has further intensified the ongoing row between Davies and his opponents within the Senedd, raising questions about accountability and accuracy in political discourse. The controversy surrounding Davies’ comments on the 20mph speed limit serves as a reminder of the responsibility that elected officials hold in providing accurate information to the public and upholding the standards of conduct within the political arena.