Skip to main content

Bickering Tory leaders 'lack any vision for Wales'

Tory leaders likened to the Laural and Hardy "double act"

Feuding Welsh Tory leaders were likened yesterday to the Laurel and Hardy "double act" without any "vision for Wales" by Labour leaders.

Welsh Secretary David Jones and Welsh Assembly party leader Andrew RT Davies rowed over who should represent the Welsh party at a fringe meeting on devolution.

A peace deal saw them both attend the meeting, where Mr Jones demanded the Welsh government work "in partnership" with Westminster.

He claimed that would help both governments "pursue policies that will help make Wales more prosperous."

Mr Jones specifically attacked stalling house building in Wales, calling on the government to "cut the red tape that is pushing builders out of the Welsh market."

He said: "Use devolution as something that can give Wales a competitive edge in the global race, rather than as an excuse to regulate."

Labour shadow Welsh secretary Owen Smith accused Mr Jones's of launching attacks on the Welsh government to mask his "antipathy to devolution."

He mocked the Welsh Tories' "hastily rearranged double act."

And he added: "Neither David Jones nor Andrew RT Davies offered a coherent vision for Wales nor any acknowledgement of the cost of living crisis faced by Welsh families."

"Perhaps embarrassed by his government's appalling record on living standards, the Secretary of State failed to mention that incomes in Wales are down £1,700 since the election or that family energy bills are up £300."

The Welsh Tory turf war intensified later when Andrew RT Davies called for the Wales Office to be abolished.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today