By Tony O’Reilly-
The COVID inquiry is taking allegations that First Minister of Wales, Vaughan Gething,(pictured) deleted potentially crucial messages during the pandemic “very seriously,” according to a representative. The embattled Welsh leader may be required to provide further evidence to the inquiry amid fears he intentionally deleted messages pertinent to its work.
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Concerns escalated after leaked text messages from a 2020 ministerial group chat revealed Mr. Gething stating he was “deleting the messages in this group” to avoid them being caught by the Freedom of Information Act. Despite previously testifying under oath that any lost WhatsApp messages were accidentally deleted by Senedd IT staff during a security rebuild, this leak casts doubt on his account.
The controversy intensified when the COVID inquiry’s secretary wrote to Andrew RT Davies, the Welsh Conservative leader, indicating that the inquiry is investigating the article published by Nation Cymru on May 7 regarding Mr. Gething’s WhatsApp messages. “The inquiry takes allegations of destruction of potentially relevant materials very seriously and will take any steps it considers appropriate, including issuing requests for written statements pursuant to Rule 9 of The Inquiry Rules 2006,” the letter stated.
In response, Mr. Davies emphasized the need for transparency: “Families who lost loved ones during the pandemic expect answers from the Labour Welsh Government. Vaughan Gething has not set the record straight on his deletion of COVID messages, and it’s very encouraging that the inquiry takes these allegations seriously.”
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Welsh Secretary David TC Davies echoed these sentiments on social media, calling for Mr. Gething to be recalled to the inquiry. He urged Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to address the issue during his visit to Wales.
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth accused Mr. Gething of evading accountability: “The fact that the UK COVID inquiry is giving serious consideration to recalling Vaughan Gething as a witness is a grave matter. The public expects their First Minister to give full and accurate accounts of their actions, particularly in a matter as sensitive as this.”
The scandal surrounding Mr. Gething deepens as he faces a confidence vote in the Welsh Senedd on June 5, following the collapse of a co-operation deal with Plaid Cymru earlier this month. This vote comes amid a series of controversies, including accepting a donation from a man convicted of environmental offenses and the sacking of Senedd member Hannah Blythyn over alleged media leaks, which she vehemently denies.
Adding to the complexity, the leaked message suggests that Mr. Gething’s actions may have been known and potentially condoned by other ministers within the Welsh Government. If he lied to the COVID Inquiry under oath, it undermines trust in his statements to the Senedd, raising questions about the transparency and integrity of his administration.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is meeting with Mr. Gething, has thus far expressed support for the First Minister, stating that Mr. Gething is “doing a good job.” However, the mounting evidence and political pressure may force a re-evaluation of this stance as the inquiry progresses.
This scandal underscores the critical need for accountability and transparency in government actions, especially during a public health crisis. The inquiry’s findings could have significant implications for the political landscape in Wales and beyond.
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