First Minister's cross-party call on council shake-up fails to impress opposition

Carwyn Jones' will have some work to do to build the cross-party consensus he says is needed ahead of any reorganisation of local councils. Opposition parties have criticised the First Minister for failing to make his position clear despite being given the Williams report before Christmas.

Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said 'the ball is firmly in the court of Carwyn Jones and Welsh Labour.' Plaid Cymru's Simon Thomas said his party will engage with firm proposals but said 'it's not our job to provide political cover for this.' And Welsh Lib Dem Leader Kirsty Williams said

Without a majority, Carwyn Jones would need the support of at least one of the parties for any changes. The Williams Commission says a plan should be in place by Easter. Given the mood of the parties in Cardiff Bay, that's looking optimistic to say the least.