Health Minister survives vote of no-confidence

It has been a difficult day for the Health Minister, Lesley Griffiths, who has now survived a no-confidence vote in the Senedd.

The motion was tabled by opposition parties, who demanded to know how much the Health Minister knew about emails exchanged between her officials, and the author of a report into a controversial reorganisation of hospital services.

Lesley Griffiths refuted claims that her officials had any influence over the document, which was presented as an independent report which suggested changes to hospitals.

The opposition parties said she failed to answer their questions when she made an urgent statement on the issue in the Assembly last week, and tabled a motion of no-confidence.

This morning, the Health Minister faced questions from members of the Health Committee where she explained her position, along with her officials and the report's author Professor Marcus Longley.

Both the Health Minister and Professor Longley continued to defend themselves, maintaining that the report was the independent work of Professor Longley.

However, their arguments came under criticism from Conservative and Plaid Cymru. Shadow Health Minister, Darren Millar AM said Lesley Griffiths' argument "remains utterly unconvincing", while Plaid said:

This evening, Lesley Griffiths faced a vote of no-confidence, which although not binding, would have led to calls for her resignation.

Despite support from the Conservatives, Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats, the motion was defeated 29 votes to 28.