Llywydd refuses to allow statement by Tory MS who failed to vote on Covid passes
The Llywydd has refused to allow a Tory MS who failed to vote on Covid passes to make a statement on the matter to the Senedd.
Elin Jones told Gareth Davies, who represents the Vale of Clwyd, that his statement is in the public domain, because it has already been shared with the press and Twitter.
She also pointedly reminded all members of the Senedd “ensure they are present early enough and in time to vote”, wherever they may be.
Davies who missed a crucial vote on compulsory Covid passes in nightclubs and big events in Wales because of a technical mishap was at Tory conference in Manchester at the time.
He has said that he is “angry” that he was unable to access the Senedd’s remote voting system.
His absence meant that the vote passed with 28 votes for and 27 votes against. The vote means that the Welsh Government is able to press ahead with its plan. From Monday people will need a Covid pass to go into any Welsh nightclub or large event.
Elin Jones told the Senedd: “And just as I’m on the subject of last night, I received a request by a Member to make a personal statement with regard to his absence from the vote last night.
“I received that request just before 1.30 pm today. I hadn’t even had time to consider that request let alone agree to it when just before 2.15 pm, the content of that statement had been shared with the press and on Twitter.
“I consider that statement now in the public domain and no longer requires to be made to the Senedd.”
‘Member’s responsibility’
“I’ll take the opportunity, however, to reiterate to all Members that it is every individual Member’s responsibility to ensure they are present early enough and in time to vote wherever you may be, and especially if voting from a location for the first time.”
"It's every individual members responsibility to ensure they're present early enough and in time to vote, wherever you may be.. and especially if voting from a location for the first time."
Senedd's Llywydd doesn't allow @GarethDaviesVoC to make a statement on last night's vote. pic.twitter.com/6GtIWLUNOu
— Peter Gillibrand (@GillibrandPeter) October 6, 2021
She also said: “Before we move on to further Senedd business, I want to touch on events on the Senedd estate last night. I want to reiterate to Members that threats to the safety and welfare of Members, our staff and, indeed, our visitors are totally unacceptable and that too many of you faced threats of that kind last night from protestors.
“There is, of course, a place for non-violent protest. Indeed, most of us have taken part in protests of that kind. But protest that threatens individuals’ safety, be it here at the Senedd or anywhere else in Wales, is entirely unacceptable.
“The relevant authorities will be reviewing last night’s events and we will be in a position to update Members in due course.
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Crocodile tears for our a w.o.l Conservative crybaby. Take some advice Gareth. Try being at work next time rather than being on Tory bender in Manchester.
No sympathy for the idiot. He knew there was a vote but chose to go to the Tory conference instead so we can see where his loyalties are.
England – contrary to your wishful thinking – is not a foreign country.
I think you will find it is a foreign country, check out international sport.
If only the Welsh Tories had had the courage of their convictions and held their own conference in Cardiff. But they might have been spotted celebrating the impoverishment of children which is what they were doing in Manchester.
I bet you are also upset by the fact he failed to use the option of a telephone, which was on offer to him.
Oh and by the way Phillip, the nationalist party in the Senedd voted with the Tory party, so I assume you are really upset by the Tories as well as Plaid, but you are yet to express this on here, preferring to place all blame on anybody bar the Tories.
He knew he was away in Manchester. If he cared so much, he’d have bothered to log in with plenty of time so he didn’t miss the vote. Muppet.
If he had voted it would have been 28-28. What happens then? Who breaks the tie? If it goes in the Government’s favour, then the motion would have passed with or without him. Perhaps this is just a cynical PR stunt – they knew they’d lose so are trying to use this to discredit the vote and the Senedd.
If it was a tie then the motion would not have passed. There would likely have been more discussions and further votes.
Thanks, Jambo
Mr Davies was filmed partying on a dance floor (next to Michael Gove) with his hands full of champagne glasses so how on Earth do people expect him to be able to hold a phone at the same time?! The fact that no other MS is calling for a re-vote should tell you everything you need to know. If this was purely down to IT problems, as he claims, then other Welsh Tories would be crying out for another vote! The fact is, he chose to go out partying in Manchester instead of representing the people who voted him into… Read more »