Gwynoro Jones explains his reasons for voting against Kirsty Williams joining the Welsh Cabinet.
I am still reflecting on Saturday’s #WelshLibDems meeting. Some 100 people out of a membership of around 3000 were present: no endorsement at all. The truth is only the ‘fan club’ were present!
Nevertheless, a crucial decision was taken. I voted against Kirsty Williams joining a Welsh Labour cabinet, not because I am against the idea per se – in fact as a former Labour MP and social democrat, I think it is good news. I am a believer in a #progressivealliance in UK and Welsh politics. No. I voted against because of the hypocrisy of the situation party members were being asked to support.
Just hear this:
’17 years of continuous Labour Government and they have failed to even get the basics right.’
There’s more:
‘Don’t blame devolution because the Welsh Government hasn’t delivered; don’t blame devolution that the people’s voices remain ignored; don’t blame devolution for 16 years of falling standards. Blame Labour!
Not Leanne Wood nor Andrew RT Davies not even UKIP Wales.’
These are Kirsty’s words in the last few weeks!
The truth is that the Welsh Liberal Democrats are a party struggling with organisation, strategy, identity and future. On Saturday there were over four hours of debate, but I doubt if the name Liberal Democrat was used half a dozen times – but ‘Liberal’ whether as an individual, organisation and values and policies mentioned endlessly. I thought I was back in the Liberal Party of the 1970s! And that is where we are now in electoral terms too!
Good AMs lost their seats; up to 20 staff were made redundant – but it seems that there’s an attitude that ‘never mind, one person came shining through.’ I am greatly saddened over the state of the party.
The remorseless pursuit and implementation of the ‘cult of personality’ politics and strategy for over a decade has brought the Welsh Lib Dems to this point, I am afraid.
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