Natasha Asghar poses with ‘blanket’ and effigy of Lee Waters following censure
Emily Price
A Tory MS has posed with a “blanket” alongside anti-20mph protesters and a crude effigy of Lee Waters in an apparent act of defiance after being formally reprimanded by the Senedd.
In September, shadow transport minister Natasha Asghar was found in breach of the code of conduct for depicting the 20mph default speed limit as a “blanket” policy.
The complaint was submitted by Lee Waters – the former deputy minister who introduced the controversial speed limit.
Following the speed limit’s roll out last year, Ms Asghar has continually referred to it as a “blanket” policy despite there being exceptions and it only affecting built-up areas.
‘Absurd’
During an official slap on the wrist in the Chamber, the Tory shadow minister refused to back down saying it was “purely absurd” to suggest she had brought the Senedd into disrepute.
She has since appeared to stand her ground – posting photos to her Facebook page posing with a woollen blanket whilst meeting with disgruntled road users outside the Welsh Parliament.
In one photo she can be seen smiling alongside a homemade Guy Fawkes style effigy of Lee Waters holding a gold steering wheel.
In another image the stuffed representation of the Labour MS can be seen draped in a blanket with a sign that reads: “Don’t call me a blanket.”
An image of a blanket attached to the Senedd’s railings featuring a 20mph sign and the words: “This is a blanket – can also be used to keep pensioners warm”, was also published to Ms Asghar’s Facebook page.
In the caption she wrote: “Plenty of blankets at the anti-20mph protest today to keep us nice and warm!
“No matter the weather, protesters continue to gather and make their voices heard. Pleasure as always to catch up with the group. Keep up the great work.”
Further images shared by a member of the United Voices Senedd Lobby Group show the Tory MS sat on the floor with her arm around the Lee Waters effigy.
Posting to Facebook, the member wrote: “Lovely little gathering on the steps for Guy Fawkes night. Sadly no dynamite but nice to see Natasha with a blanket and trying to strangle Liar Waters.”
Demonstration
We asked Ms Asghar if the photo op was a demonstration against her recent reprimand.
She said: “It’s always an absolute pleasure to meet with the anti-20mph protesters who gather regularly outside the Welsh Parliament come rain or shine.
“Thankfully the protesters turned up to the latest protest armed with plenty of blankets as the weather had taken a turn and it was rather chilly.
“I’m hoping now we’re in winter, blankets will be a regular feature at these important gatherings.”
Disrepute
In October, the Conservative leader in the Senedd Andrew RT Davies was also judged to have brought the Welsh parliament into disrepute for characterising the default speed limit as a “blanket” policy.
Mr Davies shrugged off the reprimand saying the description was a matter of opinion.
His seat in the Senedd Chamber remained empty whilst the official censure was read out.
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Lets see, 1,2,3……..450000. Yep. They still got it.
any VofW there?
It’s childish and idiotic, and almost as childish and idiotic as complaining about the use of the word “blanket” to describe a default speed limit.
It’s only default in built up areas. The Tories childish antics led to many think it’s all roads on social media. And her she is still being stupid
I notice her blanket doesn’t cover anyone besides herself. Is that a tacit acknowledgment that her comments also come up short?
Nah, as usual she’s just thinking about herself, stuff everyone else.
If all the protestors spent less time on protesting and just tried to leave 5 minutes earlier for their journeys, there would be nothing to protest about.
I left a little later this morning and got stuck behind every possible red traffic light. It doesn’t mean that I am going to grab a blanket and protest tomorrow morning about the senedd blanket policy on providing traffic lights to keep us safe on the roads.
No, I will learn from this experience and just get up from bed 5 minutes earlier.
Dim gair o Gymraeg ar gyfyl eu harwyddion. Blanket little Englanders i gyd. Jest eisio teithio yng nghynt drwy Gymru. Oni chlyw nhw riddfannau cenedl gaeth?
Pathetic infantile behaviour. She’s demeaning her position as an MS. Wales’ answer to 30p Lee.
Bring on the exclusion of AMs who tell lies
Perhaps Natasha Ashgar should stop digging. If being censured for breaching the Senedd code of conduct was bad enough, surely this stunt with her kindergarten classmates deserves more than a slap on the wrist.
This is the introduction of that from Lee Water’s speech/presentation in Australia August 15th 2024 at Sydney town hall for them streets for people mob….
“Lee will share his journey of implementing 30 km/h (20 mph) as the default urban speed limit across Wales”
Did he use the B word? No.
You have to feel pity for someone who lacks the awareness to know when they may embarrass themselves in public and end up doing it. Pathetic petulance unbecoming of a member of our Parliament who is not fit to be there.
I really don’t get this politician. Thought she was going to go for Mayor of London. Now hitting the big time!