Price calls on Drakeford to investigate ‘misogynistic’ recording calling Senedd member ‘a cow’

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price has called on the First Minister Mark Drakeford to investigate a recording that includes “inappropriate and misogynistic” language about a Senedd member.

A recording was circulated on the internet which it has been suggested originates from a Labour Party meeting.

It includes “inappropriate and misogynistic language” about Plaid Cymru Senedd Member for South Wales West, Bethan Sayed.

A voice is heard on the recording saying: “Bethan Sayed…the cow that she is…”

Adam Price also said that the recording raised concerns about “the proper stewardship of public funds by a Welsh public authority”.

He said that if the recording does come from a senior party member then the First Minister should “demand their resignation with immediate effect”.

The full recording has been published here on the ‘Save our Schools’ Facebook page.

‘Validity’

“I know that you will agree with me that language of the nature referenced above directed towards an elected Member of the Senedd should never feature anywhere, let alone in the discourse of the political and public spheres,” Adam Price said.

“The pork barrel politics and corruption scandals of the Westminster Tory elite has rightly been widely criticised across the political spectrum in Wales over recent times, but the transcript shared raises serious questions about whether the Labour Party is also abusing its dominant position in our nation’s communities.

“The interests of our people and communities at large should determine the allocation of public funds, not narrow partisan interests and a desire to settle political scores.

“I therefore ask that you, in your role as Leader of the Labour Party in Wales, undertake to ensure a swift investigation is conducted to ascertain the validity of the recording and, if confirmed, to ensure the necessary action is taken to send a clear signal that misogynistic comments of this nature by anyone, against anyone, is not condoned and has no place in public life in Wales.

“Similarly, it is essential that you send a clear signal that seeking narrow party advantage through the misuse of public spending decisions would represent a flagrant and totally unacceptable abuse of power.

“If it is confirmed that the person making these comments is a senior office holder and a member of your party then I expect you to demand their resignation with immediate effect.”

‘Preferences’

Bethan Sayed, MS for South Wales, who was named in the recording, said she found the tine to be “despicable”.

“Many comments made in this recording suggest worrying and deeply improper practices at the top of Neath Port Talbot Labour-run council, and I call for a full investigation into this issue, as a matter of urgency,” she said.

“No decisions should be made based on political preferences. This is deeply worrying, as it could directly impact communities across NPT, undermine democracy, and people’s faith in the Council long term.

“Plaid Cymru will be writing to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales to ask them to investigate these matters fully”.