Mark Drakeford Dodges Questions on WhatsApp Use During Pandemic
*By [Your Name]*
By [Your Name]
Mark Drakeford, the outgoing first minister of Wales, faced intense scrutiny in the Senedd on Tuesday over his use of WhatsApp during the pandemic. Refusing to provide details about the controversial messaging app, Drakeford cited his upcoming appearance at the Covid Inquiry as the reason for his silence.
The Senedd's Tories and Plaid Cymru accused Drakeford of avoiding accountability by sidestepping questions about WhatsApp. Claims surfaced last week that Drakeford frequently used the app, contradicting his earlier statements that he used it sparingly. The issue escalated when it was revealed that Welsh government staff were instructed not to use WhatsApp for official business.
During First Minister's Questions, Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies pressed Drakeford to clarify his use of WhatsApp for policy decisions. Drakeford, however, maintained that he would address these concerns at the Covid Inquiry, refusing to divulge any information in the Senedd.
The tension reached a boiling point when Davies insinuated that Drakeford had a credibility issue, prompting a sharp response from the first minister. Drakeford expressed his disdain for such accusations and reiterated his commitment to providing truthful answers in both the Senedd and the inquiry.
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth also challenged Drakeford on the deletion of WhatsApp messages by government officials, questioning the compliance with government regulations. Despite mounting pressure, Drakeford remained tight-lipped, citing his upcoming testimony at the inquiry as the appropriate forum for addressing these issues.
The inquiry itself has shed light on the controversial use of WhatsApp within the Welsh government, with former officials admitting to deleting messages against government policies. Concerns were raised about the pressure on staff to use WhatsApp for official communication, despite the app being banned on government phones.
In the aftermath of the tense exchange in the Senedd, criticism mounted against Drakeford for evading questions and failing to uphold transparency. The growing perception of the Welsh government's reluctance to face scrutiny has raised concerns about accountability and governance in Wales.
As the Covid Inquiry approaches, all eyes are on Mark Drakeford to provide clarity on his use of WhatsApp and the deletion of messages by government officials. The outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the integrity of Welsh democracy.
Hey, I'm Fateh Muhammad, a Lahore local with a passion for arts and politics. My journey led me through the halls of the National College of Arts, where I delved into the intricacies of both disciplines. Now calling Lahore home, I'm here to share my insights and perspectives on the dynamic intersection of art and politics. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together! Connect With Me .