As the Electoral Commision decides to refer Peter Hain's case to Scotland Yard, Mr Hain, we're told, will "resign as Work and Pensions Secretary this afternoon".
He plans to "clear his name".
Does this mean he's still Welsh Secretary then?
No it doesn't; just a bit long-winded for the headlines perhaps.
Now what were those odds on his successor?
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Very pleased, feel that justice has been done, as for a successor, I haven't got a clue, cos his successor doesn't have to be competent but just a Gordon Brown loyalist.
Standing down to clear his name? Does he really expect people to believe this? I’m reminded of the Welsh proverb “Yr euog a ffy” – the guilty flee! Surely, if he had nothing to hide, he’d remain in the cabinet and hold his head up high. Very fishy, if you ask me.
As for a successor for the post of Secretary of State for Wales, that’s a difficult one, assuming that the position is to be combined with another portfolio. However, in my opinion, it should go to an MP representing a Welsh constituency and with Welsh familial connections (not necessarily having been born in Wales).
He should have "stepped aside" immediately this came out. His actions now seem forced and done most unwillingly.
Lots of DWP staff happy today.
Peter Hain, Secretary of State for Wales and Minister for Works and Pensions, has resigned. It was inevitable that he should resign as his position had become untenable. We shed no crocodile tears as the people deserve politicians who are not only competent but have integrity and are morally beyond reproach. Although the ramifications of the story have yet to be investigated and brought to light there are sufficient indications already which give rise to suspicion and unease. It now behoves Gordon Brown to select a new Secretary of State for Wales (if we are to have one) and his choice of a suitably qualified member of the government is in question. In a "government of all the talents" may we suggest Adam Price MP/AS as the successor to Mr Hain? God forbid that it should be Don Touhig MP. It is doubtful however that Mr Brown will make a decision which is controversial and open to criticism.
I wondered the same and then realised that I was watching Channel 4 News. Should've relied on the ±«Óătv to give me the full story.
I'm left wondering if Hain could've saved his reputation if he'd made this gesture sooner.
I wondered the same and then realised that I was watching Channel 4 News. Should've relied on the ±«Óătv to give me the full story.
I'm left wondering if Hain could've saved his reputation if he'd made this gesture sooner.
What ashame that a single mistake in the delcaration of funds has resulted in his resignation. Peter Hain was honest about his mistake from the start, and that shows what an honourable man he is. It's ashame.
A real shame. Aside from the good job Peter has been doing in Wales, in very testing circumstances - he was half way through some absolutely crucial work at the DWP on welfare and pensions reform. I have every confidence he will be back in the cabinet when he clears his name. I'm also sure that ASW workers (and those similarly wronged by their employers) won't forget his contribution during his time as Minister at the DWP.
come on then... whats the latest on his successor in Wales?
I wonder what has triggered this now, given that he hasn't really been under pressure for the last couple of days? I wonder if he knows what the result of the investigations are going to be???
As we're so important to our friends in Westminster, I'm sure a high calibre Welsh candidate will be announced shortly....
So GB has decided to bring in the Old Guard back in from the cold, for Wales the choice of Paul Murphy as Secretary of Wales is bad news for a devolved Wales. GB should have given the job to the rising stars Brennan/Francis etc.
So Paul Murphy again, why not a younger, more one wales,devolution friendly one?
Why not a woman?
Brown isnt really interested in Wales either is he.
Interests of the Donors
Now that the police are questioning the donors I wonder if their interests are also going to be declared
Devolution has left constitutional black holes for those with a self interest which has been concealed for fear of upsetting the devolution policy. GB is not stupid; I wonder if Paul Murphy was appointed to bring transparency to the situation and clean up other instances whereby an elite is able to demonstrate a blatant and total disregard for the law.
The question has to be asked, was this money for concealment of the failure of devolution to bring public services up to acceptable standards? What else is going to emerge and are they going to get it all over and done with ASAP?