6. Welsh Conservatives Debate: Minister for Health and Social Services

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:19 pm on 22 March 2023.

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Photo of Sam Rowlands Sam Rowlands Conservative 4:19, 22 March 2023

Diolch, Llywydd. What we've seen in recent weeks is a disjointed position on the issue of accountability, because the Minister has acknowledged the issues in the health service, but has chosen to not be accountable for them. And for north Wales, it has been the independent board members, those who've been highlighting the failings, who've been holding the executive to account—it is they who the Minister has chosen to hold accountable for the failings, not herself. Indeed, today we read in the Daily Post that the former chairman of the board, the one attempting to sort things out on the ground, was also being ignored, and I quote,

'A range of longstanding shortcomings and concerns were escalated formally...not just to the then CEO but also to the Minister and the Director General. Those escalations and the basis for them were simply ignored by government.'

Llywydd, I think all of this starts to bring into question the seriousness in which this place is held in the eye of those who elect us, because we know the phrase, 'with great power comes great responsibility'. As more powers have been moved to the Senedd over the years, and with many seeking further powers, the responsibility on elected representatives and the willingness to be held to account also increases. I for one certainly don't want to weaken the inherent trust that our electorate put in us by electing us to this place to deliver on what they need. That is why we must show respect to those who elect us, and take responsibility when things go wrong. That is why, again, I move the motion before us today. Diolch yn fawr iawn.