The Stench of Sleaze Coming from the Conservative Party is Overwhelming

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS has claimed that “the stench of sleaze coming from the Conservative Party is overwhelming.” after reports that Alun Cairns was hired by a company just weeks before it secured a major UK Government contract.

Responding to reports by The Times that Alun Cairns MP was hired as a consultant for a company just weeks before it secured a major contract for the UK Government without competition, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS has claimed that “the stench of sleaze coming from the Conservative Party is overwhelming.”

It was revealed by the Times that Alun Cairns, MP for the Vale of Glamorgan and former Secretary of State for Wales, was hired as a paid advisor by the Welsh-based company BBI Solutions in July 2020.

A month after his appointment, the company won a major contract with the UK Government worth £75 million without competition.

The contract had already been subject to criticism after concerns over the accuracy of the testing kits provided and the involvement of Lord Bethell. Furthermore, before taking up the position Cairns was advised that, given his role, there was an “inherent risk it could be perceived his contacts might assist BBI Group unfairly”.

In response, the Liberal Democrats are calling for an investigation into how the contract was awarded and for communications between Cairns and government officials relating to the contract to be published, to reveal if Cairns’ appointment affected the outcome.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds, MS for Mid & West Wales, said:

“Public money should always go to the best companies, not those with friends in high places or who can afford to pay a Conservative MP for exclusive access. We need an urgent investigation into how this contract was awarded, including the publication of the communications of all those involved.

“The stench of corruption, cronyism and sleaze coming from the Conservative Party is overwhelming and the public are seeing through attempts by Boris Johnson and others to sweep it under the rug.

“The Conservatives try to brand themselves as the party of financial responsibility, but the truth is they are the party of contracts for mates and cash for access.

“It is absolutely vital that the Conservatives are not allowed to damage trust in our democracy any more than they already have. Any concerns about Covid contracts must be thoroughly investigated by an independent body.

Comments

Ed Davey writes: I want to rebuild our party and take on the Tories

we wrap up the Liberal Democrat leadership election, I wanted to thank the thousands of people who have taken part in hustings, sent in questions to the campaigns and engaged in this contest. It’s absolutely right that there is a robust process that properly tests our next leader, and makes sure that whoever wins on Thursday has been put through their paces by the party. Whatever happens later this week, I know that Liberal Democrats will come together and turn our hand to doing what we do best, getting out campaigning and standing up for communities up and down the country. If you haven’t returned your ballot yet then there is still time to vote for me so that we can rebuild our party on solid foundations, and campaign for a fairer, greener and more caring society. That’s my vision for the future of our party, and I know I’ve got the experience we need to deliver it. With your support, I want to rebuild our party and take on the Tories, and put ...

Jane Dodds - Aberpergwm Coal Mine Expansion Must be Stopped

he Welsh Liberal Democrats have reiterated their opposition to the expansion of Aberpergwm Coal Mine in Neath Port Talbot Council. Addressing a protest in front of the Senedd Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds stated that if we are to stand any hope of tackling climate change before it’s too late, the coal must be left in the ground. The protest in front of the Senedd in Cardiff saw multiple Welsh climate groups attend. The expansion of Aberpergwm Coal Mine has been at the centre of a row between the UK and Welsh Governments, with the Welsh Government claiming it does not have the legal authority to block the mine’s expansion, while the UK Coal Authority has insisted that the Welsh Government could in fact stop the development. The new license, which was approved by the Coal Authority in January will allow Aberpergwm Mine to extract another forty million tonnes of coal. The development could release up to 1.17 million tonnes of very strong g...

New Zealand Trade Deal Will Damage Rural Communities

Responding to the news that the UK Government has concluded the signing of a trade deal with New Zealand, removing trade barriers between the two countries, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have said the deal will cause damage to rural communities and the Welsh agricultural industry. Commenting Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader and Senedd Member for Mid & West Wales Jane Dodds said: "The UK Government has negotiated a trade agreement that will actively damage Welsh farming communities and will bring next to no tangible benefits to our local economies. "The Conservatives have proven that they are utterly unable to negotiate trade deals that boost the UK economy and unfortunately this agreement is no exception. The economic benefits are a drop in the ocean, and they will do nothing to mitigate the damage from the red tape and paperwork caused by Boris Johnson's shambolic EU trade deal. "Instead of delivering Global Britain, this Government is selling Welsh farmers...

Welsh Liberal blogs

Search This Blog