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Sir Keir Starmer ‘quite a problem’ for Eluned Morgan says Rhun ap Iorwerth

06 Oct 2024 3 minute read
Rhun ap Iorwerth. Photo Matt Alexander/PA Media Assignments

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has described Sir Keir Starmer as“quite a problem” for First Minister Eluned Morgan.

Reacting to Sue Gray’s new appointment as envoy for the regions and nations earlier, Rhun ap Iorwerth wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Three months into Keir Starmer’s premiership, it’s clear he cares little about Wales.

“Labour promised change, but removing Tory chaos and replacing it with a different kind of Labour chaos still means chaos.

“Appointing an Envoy for the Nations and Regions smacks of a Prime Minister determined to concentrate his efforts on London and the south east, leaving the rest to the odd visit and photo-op by a senior official whenever it’s electorally convenient.

“And how must Labour in Wales, the Labour Welsh Secretary (Jo Stevens) and the Labour First Minister feel?

“No wonder Eluned Morgan doesn’t want me to mention Keir Starmer in the Senedd – he’s quite a problem for her, as Wales clearly is to him. This is cynicism of the highest order and frankly insulting to the people of Wales.”

Leaders

It was confirmed on Saturday night (5 October) that the Prime Minister will meet with mayors and leaders of the devolved nations this week as he pledged “no more talking shops of the past”.

Downing Street announced that Sir Keir will gather with leaders in Scotland on Friday in a meeting that will focus on opportunities for investment in the UK.

It comes ahead of the International Investment Summit later this month to which local leaders and the heads of the devolved governments have also been invited.

He said he is “determined to bring forward a new era of stability, trust and partnership with businesses, investors, devolved governments and local leaders to boost the economy, and restore the UK’s reputation one of the best places in the world to do business”.

Sir Keir said the Government is “delivering our promise to convene the first Council of the Nations and Regions”.

He added: “No more talking shops of the past. Genuine, meaningful and focused partnership to change the way we do business, redefine our position on the world’s stage and unlock the whole of the UK’s untapped potential to make everyone, everywhere better-off.”

Quit

Sue Gray quit as the Downing Street chief of staff on Sunday morning, citing fears she was “becoming a distraction” to the government.

In a statement on Sunday, Ms Gray said she was “pleased to have accepted a new role as the Prime Minister’s envoy for the regions and nations”, and Sir Keir thanked her for her support.

Last month, it was leaked to the BBC that Ms Gray was earning more than the Prime Minister, amid a series of briefings against her as chief of staff.

The broadcaster was told that Ms Gray was earning £170,000, which would put her on £3,000 more than Sir Keir.

Her departure comes less than 100 days since Sir Keir walked into Downing Street as Prime Minister, and the Conservatives have described the situation as “chaos”.


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Alwyn
Alwyn
25 days ago

Look on the positive side Rhun! Wales, Scotland and the mayoralities get the benefit of a first-class action-oriented civil servant ( oh that there were more like her in Cathays Park!) who is likely to work well with Eluned Morgan and Jo Stevens to move Wales forward. She’s not accustomed to being linked with failure. Instead of moaning sbout her, why don’t YOU arrange to meet her and discuss your priorities – and red lines! with her. That way, we get more effective government

Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
25 days ago

Morgan the Red of old Ireland now rules the UK, how did that happen…!

Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
25 days ago
Reply to  Mab Meirion

It is all very well winning elections in such spectacular fashion with such a small percentage of the population voting for you…

Something of a magician is this chap…

I hope it is not just another rope trick…

So far the giants have nicked the poor old folks magic beans, if that is how this chap’s mind works then we are sadly and badly let down Clark of Kent…

Jack
Jack
25 days ago

Can’t see any problem for Welsh Labour – its focus is on Wales, not Westminster. PC would have much more of a problem as they are not of the same party so cultures would clash.

Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
25 days ago

Rhun has a three headed matriarch on his hands, almost a royal flush…

Gender balance !

Welshman28
Welshman28
25 days ago

Think of this how you want but it certainly rubs the FM’s and Jo Stevens noses into the dirt and creates his own access to people that are dictated to by Welsh politicians / government making his decisions forced as he wants

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