Paul Davies MS – the Leader of the Opposition in the Welsh Parliament – has today (September 29) questioned the First Minister over a number of policy statements given to the Welsh media before they were presented to Members of all parties in the Chamber.

The most recent was just last week, when the First Minister announced plans for local lockdowns that affected hundreds of thousands of people in South Wales.

Speaking later, Welsh Conservative Mr Davies said: “Now more than ever in Wales’ devolved democracy, transparency is vital.

“The people of Wales have elected 60 Members to represent them, and whether they voted for the Welsh Conservatives or other parties, it is crucial that we are all given the time to scrutinise and debate the decisions made by the Welsh Labour-led Government.

“It is not in any way acceptable for members of the press to be given important policy announcements before being presented in this Chamber. To do so flouts democracy and the trust people here have put into their Parliament.

“I hope the First Minister and his party take this on board, and respects our citizens and our devolved democracy, because while a free and informed press plays a critical part in government and governance, it is not the substitute for it.”