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Members of YesCymru Central Committee collectively resign

13 Aug 2021 3 minute read
The second National March for Welsh Independence July 2019, Caernarfon, Gwynedd. Picture by Llywelyn2000 (CC BY-SA 4.0).

The members of YesCymru’s Central Committee have collectively resigned from their posts with immediate effect.

It says this decision has not been “made lightly” but that it is in the “best interests” of the pro-independence group.

It added that it has instructed an “independent, third party firm of accountants” to “oversee limited day to day operations of the organisation”.

This follows a period of turmoil within the organisation with a number of other resignations from the Central Committee, including that of former Chair, Sion Jobbins.

The Central Committee recently received a vote of no confidence from regional groups of the National Committee.

An Extraordinary General Meeting has been scheduled for the Autumn where a new Central Committee will be elected. It will also discuss rewriting the campaign group’s constitution.

The outgoing Chair Sarah Rees has said the decision to resign “enables a totally clean break from the past and provides a clean start”.

In an official statement the Committee said: “The members of the Central Committee of YesCymru have collectively resigned and stood down from their roles with immediate effect.

“The decision has not been made lightly, but is taken in the best interests of the organisation. Harassment directed towards Central Committee members, that goes far beyond social media posts, has taken an incredible toll on mental wellbeing and can no longer be tolerated.

“The announcement comes with the opportunity to enable a new Central Committee to be elected at a forthcoming Extraordinary General Meeting, which will oversee the next stages of YesCymru’s development following the phenomenal growth and interest in the organisation since its launch.

“In order to safeguard the continuing operations of YesCymru until this new Central Committee is elected, an independent, third party firm of accountants has been instructed by the outgoing committee, prior to their resignations, to oversee limited day to day operations of the organisation.

“This includes oversight of finances, and will ensure the safe and prudent management of the affairs of YesCymru until a new Central Committee is in place.”

”Outgoing Chair’ 

The outgoing Chair of the Central Committee, Sarah Rees, said: “The accountancy firm will focus on helping the Gweithgor and YesCymru staff to organise the forthcoming EGM and electing a new Central Committee.

“This decision has been taken in the best interests of the organisation and its members. It enables a totally clean break from the past and provides a clean start for the newly-elected Central Committee in the autumn, while protecting all the good that has been created.

“YesCymru now has 18,000 members. It only officially launched five years ago. It is a fantastic success story, and testament to the hard work of ordinary members in growing the demand for Welsh independence.

“The decision taken today gives the new Central Committee, with the support of all 18,000 members, the opportunity to take YesCymru to the next level.

“I would encourage all members of YesCymru to attend the EGM and to vote for a new Central Committee which reflects the type of movement you want to be a part of – this is your chance to shape the direction of YesCymru for the better and we wish the new Central Committee every success.”


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Cog
Cog
2 years ago

It’s been embarrassing to see many members piling-on each other over their individual opinions. I would say it’s undermined the movement, but there is a vast amaount of YC supporters who could care less for the Twitter squabbles and just want what’s best for Wales, however that looks to them individually. I’m still a proud member. Have never expected a new org with such a rapid influx to fully cope and hope they can turn a new leaf!

Aled Rees
Aled Rees
2 years ago
Reply to  Cog

Well said.I also find online squabbles embarassing.Think of the greater good people and stop hair splitting.
I for one will remain a member until the day I die

Hannergylch
Hannergylch
2 years ago
Reply to  Aled Rees

…a member until the day I die

I hope to be alive when YesCymru triumphantly disbands itself!

Egon Krenz
Egon Krenz
2 years ago
Reply to  Hannergylch

I think it’s best chances of survival are as a transitional group leading into a strong unionist group.

That way they could speak for the the more marginalised groups in Welsh society.

Cynan
Cynan
2 years ago
Reply to  Egon Krenz

“Unionist group”? I hope that’s a typo or autocorrect and you meant “unified”

Cynan
Cynan
2 years ago
Reply to  Cynan

Ah no. After seeing more of his trolling, I see Eggy Fartz is just here out of spite

joy bishop
joy bishop
2 years ago
Reply to  Cog

Well Said

Mark
Mark
2 years ago

since being kicked off twitter I have no idea what’s going on, who are these online abusers are they tories or abolish followers, surely they should be called out and named themselves, I would question their commitment to gaining independence. I will remain a member until things have been made clear about who wants to take control of YC and what direction they will take it. I’ve seen similar actions before when groups have been taken over or forced to close down by outside interests,
Time will tell.

Wrexhamian
Wrexhamian
2 years ago
Reply to  Mark

I get the impression that it was the new central committe who seemed insufficiently uncommitted to the indy campaign, and that the “harassment” came from local YC groups who realised that the new committee were no longer acting in the cause of Welsh independence. There were also concerns about how the money was being spent.

Dai Rob
Dai Rob
2 years ago
Reply to  Mark

The abusers are mainly transexuals, who seem to have Independence way down their agendas!!

Philip Jones
Philip Jones
2 years ago

The main harassers were the current CC and their fellow travellers. Good riddance. Now to return to the fight for independence

hdavies15
hdavies15
2 years ago

Narrow Sectional interests were allowed to take control and divert YC from its main purpose. If calling those people out is “harassment” then the whole meaning of words has been turned on its head. Shame on them. I suspect that despite this latest round of desperate gestures the damage done to YC may prove long term if not terminal.

j humphrys
j humphrys
2 years ago
Reply to  hdavies15

Each branch should be present at the General Meeting, either in whole or an elected part.
Entryism will thus be avoided. We in Wales will not be denied our independence!

Quornby
Quornby
2 years ago
Reply to  hdavies15

Yes, everytime some member with a personal agenda does or says something divisive the likes of Cairns giggle and say “oh they are just like us”. Wake up people we all need each other if we are to found a sovereign Wales.

Cai Wogan Jones
Cai Wogan Jones
2 years ago

What normal person would want to expose themself to personal abuse and harassment that can be anticipated for new members of the CC, whoever they may be?

defaid
defaid
2 years ago

Somebody as dedicated as emergency services staff?

Alan Reilly 1
Alan Reilly 1
2 years ago

OT but does anyone know what the Sunburst flag just right of centre is?

It looks like the flag of Na Fianna only that the sun is yellow in the one above whereas in Ireland, it would be orange.

Na Fianna flag is the first one here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunburst_flag

Col W.
Col W.
2 years ago
Reply to  Alan Reilly 1

Meirionydd

Alan Reilly 1
Alan Reilly 1
2 years ago
Reply to  Col W.

Diolch yn fawr/Go raibh maith agat.

Cynan
Cynan
2 years ago
Reply to  Alan Reilly 1

It seems Col W is correct that it is the flag of Meirionydd.
Coincidentally Meirionydd borders the territory of the old Gangani/Concani tribe (as described by the Roman interlopers). The Gangani are described as a “3rd wave Celtic tribe” who settled first in Ireland, them some settled on the Llyn peninsula.
I don’t think the flag similarity is anything but coincidence, but thought it was worth mentioning for its curiosity value

Alan Reilly 1
Alan Reilly 1
2 years ago
Reply to  Cynan

Diolch yn fawr/Go raibh maith agat.

I’d agree with you it’s likely a coincidence but interesting all the same.

Mandi A
Mandi A
2 years ago

Arglwydd, dyma siambl – so many other things YesCymru could have been doing on such an anniversary.

Cynan
Cynan
2 years ago

I had considered joining Yes Cymru at one point. But the internecine bickering and power games put me right off. And this latest “mass resignation with immediate effect” are the childish, spiteful and melodramatic actions of a bunch of egos who want the movement to fail. There is now no “central committee” in place. No grown-up handover of responsibility (or “power” as they would see it) just “F you! We’re off!” Does the movement NEED so many “committees”? Do we NEED AGMs and EGMs and proposers and seconder and minutes and stewards? Or is this just clutter that has attached… Read more »

Keith Evans
Keith Evans
2 years ago
Reply to  Cynan

I believe they had to resign on the 14th or be in breach of the constitution.Typical of them to make out it’s some noble victim act.

Gweirydd
Gweirydd
2 years ago
Reply to  Cynan

Hear hear. In 2018 a plan was put forward to use ‘instant digital communications’ between groups, with the central body relegated to being an administrative hub, and a facilitator. It was rejected, and control handed over to the people who’ve now left it in chaos.

Padi Phillips
Padi Phillips
2 years ago
Reply to  Gweirydd

Shame that proposal was rejected.

Cai Wogan Jones
Cai Wogan Jones
2 years ago

Is it lawful for the CC to delegate management powers to a third party? Who is this accountancy firm? What authority has been granted to them by the CC? How are they accountable to the membership and / or officers for their actions?

Basic governance questions. The membership is entitled to answers.

Last edited 2 years ago by Cai Wogan Jones
Cynan
Cynan
2 years ago

The fees of the membership will be paying for this accountancy firm.
The flouncing mass exit and committing organisation funds to pay for a 3rd party to carry out their abrogated responsibility (which also manages the finances from which they will draw payment) are the spiteful actions of a butthurt gang trying to destroy the organisation.
The membership WILL NOT get answers because the culpable party has set the charges, lit the fuse, and fled. Classic scorched earth policy.

Last edited 2 years ago by Cynan
hdavies15
hdavies15
2 years ago
Reply to  Cynan

Putting an organisation in the hands of an accountant is asking for the funds to be drained and any analysis of historic activity to be couched in highly ambiguous terms as accountants invariably protect the interests of those who appoint them. Won’t be surprised to read later in the year that YC is near skint and asking for more money from the genuine rank and file members. Tut.

Keith Evans
Keith Evans
2 years ago

I have been grouped as Transphobic and fascist by members of this CC and their online hench people.The difference between me and them ,is even if I hate their political beliefs their virtue signaling BS,and outright ignorant behaviour,if they truly believe in indy,I would sit at a table ,stand on a bridge or march with them.Thats REAL inclusivity!

j humphrys
j humphrys
2 years ago
Reply to  Keith Evans

It is!

Cynan
Cynan
2 years ago
Reply to  Keith Evans

It is an easy to throw slur, like so many slurs nowadays. It’s the nature of a world currently infected by a need to express “opinions” on how others live. For people not trans, many find it hard to understand. I’ve met a few trans people and I am sympathetic, because they are the last “acceptable” social outcasts. I don’t claim expertise, but I think it is just people trying to find a way to live with a mismatch between mind and body that life has dealt them, whilst being criticised, assaulted and mocked from all sides. My attitude is… Read more »

Wrexhamian
Wrexhamian
2 years ago
Reply to  Cynan

And that’s probably the attitude of most, if not all, local branch members. The divisiveness and name calling (“fash”, etc.) were coming from the central committee. The alleged harassment was branch members objecting to the way the new committee ran things.

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