Allegations of Bullying within the Welsh Government in 2014

5. Topical Questions – in the Senedd on 15 November 2017.

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Photo of Andrew RT Davies Andrew RT Davies Conservative

(Translated)

2. Will the First Minister confirm whether he was aware of allegations of bullying within the Welsh Government in 2014, given that his response to a written question in November 2014 indicated that no allegations had been made? 63

Photo of Carwyn Jones Carwyn Jones Labour 3:10, 15 November 2017

I have nothing to add to the answers I gave yesterday, and I reiterate the invitation that I made then.

Photo of Andrew RT Davies Andrew RT Davies Conservative

I'm grateful for the answer you gave yesterday, First Minister, which did acknowledge that allegations had been made and had been dealt with, as you indicated in First Minister's questions. I would seek greater clarity on that acknowledgement by this question today, and I would be interested to know when the allegations were first brought to your attention that the former Minister Leighton Andrews and the senior special adviser Steve Jones have indicated—specifically indicated. I would be grateful to understand who investigated those allegations and also what conclusions and, importantly, what actions were taken either by you or by someone you delegated to deal with any subsequent follow-up points that were required from the report that they collated.

Photo of Carwyn Jones Carwyn Jones Labour 3:11, 15 November 2017

As a said, I have nothing to add to the answers I've already given, but I do again, of course, reiterate the invitation that was made yesterday, if anyone wishes to come forward with further information.

Photo of Jenny Rathbone Jenny Rathbone Labour

First Minister, is it possible to clarify how many people have raised concerns about bullying within the Government since you took office in 2009?

Photo of Carwyn Jones Carwyn Jones Labour 3:12, 15 November 2017

I didn't take office in 2005, but nevertheless—[Interruption.] You said 2009. I beg your pardon. In terms of the answer to the question, many of those will be human resources issues, which the Permanent Secretary will be better placed to answer.

Photo of Andrew RT Davies Andrew RT Davies Conservative

Can I raise a point of order?

Photo of Elin Jones Elin Jones Plaid Cymru

Well, say it quickly, before I—

Photo of Andrew RT Davies Andrew RT Davies Conservative

I'd be grateful if the Llywydd could give some direction as to exactly the point of asking questions when you do not elicit an answer from the Cabinet Secretary on specific matters that are of great public interest and a matter of public interest in that they've been on the record for some time and they relate to specific instances that are in the direct control of the First Minister. I would be grateful for what clarity you can give as to the purpose of that.

Photo of Elin Jones Elin Jones Plaid Cymru

That's not a point of order, and the First Minister has answered your question. 

Photo of Darren Millar Darren Millar Conservative

Llywydd, can I raise a point of order, please? 

Photo of Elin Jones Elin Jones Plaid Cymru

No. Moving on to the—

Photo of Darren Millar Darren Millar Conservative

My question is directly—

Photo of Elin Jones Elin Jones Plaid Cymru

I'm moving on to the next—[Interruption.] I'm moving on to the next question—Jane Hutt.