Labour’s Public Services Minister – Leighton Andrews – today gave the clearest indication yet that his party are planning to tie up a deal with Plaid Cymru after the election in May.
Speaking in a session of the Communities, Equality & Local Government committee today, Mr Andrews is reported as believing that “a Labour-Plaid deal will be the only way to reorganise councils” in Wales.
Both Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats have repeatedly propped up a Welsh Labour Government since 2011 – helping budgets to pass which have deprived the Welsh NHS of around £1 billion.
Now the Labour Minister responsible for the controversial plans to force councils to merge has admitted that he may have to seek a deal with Plaid Cymru.
Responding to the comments, Shadow Minister for Local Government, Janet Finch-Saunders, said that only the Welsh Conservatives would give local residents the final say on council mergers.
She said:
“Leighton Andrews’ comments on local government reform tell us all we need to know about the cosy relationship between Labour and Plaid.
“Everything is being set up for a grubby deal after the election and for all their talk of change, Plaid can’t be trusted not to prop up Labour yet again.
“Only the Welsh Conservatives will give local residents the final say on council reorganisation.
“Where councils can work together, share services and save money, they have the backing and support of Welsh Conservatives – but only with the consent of local people.
“Labour’s arrogant approach to council reorganisation tramples on that principle of consent, and places local identity under threat.
“If you want to stand up to Labour’s marker-pen assault on Welsh communities and save your local council, then you have to vote for the Welsh Conservatives in May.”