The Welsh Conservatives have come under fire after their leader, Darren Millar, and fellow Tory Senedd member Russell George missed a crucial vote on the Welsh Government’s draft budget to attend a prayer meeting in the United States.
The absence of the two senior Welsh Tories helped Labour secure a narrow victory in the Senedd on Tuesday, preventing what could have been a politically embarrassing defeat for the government. While the vote was largely symbolic, it was seen as a key test for Labour’s handling of public finances in Wales.
Labour wins vote amid Tory no-show
With Labour holding exactly half of the Senedd’s 60 seats, the party would have been unable to pass the budget had the opposition parties united against it. However, the absence of Mr Millar and Mr George, combined with the decision of Welsh Liberal Democrat Jane Dodds to abstain, ensured Labour’s victory.
The vote to “note” the draft budget passed by 29 votes to 26, with one abstention. A final vote on the budget is due to take place next month, where opposition parties will have another opportunity to challenge Labour’s spending plans.
Plaid Cymru: ‘Tories have given up’
Plaid Cymru was quick to criticise the Welsh Conservatives, accusing them of neglecting their role as the main opposition party.
Speaking in the Senedd, Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said:
“It is remarkable that the leader of the Conservative group couldn’t be here today of all days, choosing a breakfast in America instead. They’ve clearly given up even on being an opposition party.”
Heledd Fychan, a Plaid MS, echoed the criticism, emphasising the importance of turning up for key votes.
“If you are to take your role as opposition seriously, you turn up and vote on days like this.”
Tory defence: ‘Longstanding commitment’ in US
A spokesperson for the Welsh Conservatives defended Mr Millar’s absence, insisting that his trip to the US had been planned well in advance.
“There is a vote today to ‘note’ the draft budget. It is not the final vote, which will be next month. The Welsh Conservative group will certainly be voting it down because we believe Labour have the wrong priorities.”
The spokesperson added that Mr Millar was meeting “a number of high-profile politicians” during his visit to Washington, where he was attending the National Prayer Breakfast, an event where former US President Donald Trump was expected to speak.
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The Welsh Tories also attempted to turn the focus onto UK Labour, accusing Sir Keir Starmer of allowing “around a hundred Labour activists to campaign abroad against President Trump.” They suggested Mr Millar’s visit was part of an effort to “rebuild relationships between the US and Wales.”
Labour defends budget as ‘radically different’
During the debate, Welsh Finance Secretary and former First Minister Mark Drakeford defended Labour’s draft budget, describing it as a departure from the tough spending choices of previous years.
“In sharp contrast to this time last year, I have been able to provide an uplift to every part of the public service here in Wales. Every department of the Welsh Government receives an increase in both capital and revenue funding. Key areas, such as the NHS, local government, education, transport and climate change will all benefit from this additional funding.”
What happens next?
The final budget vote, expected next month, will be the real test for Labour’s spending plans. If Jane Dodds abstains again, the budget is likely to pass. However, if the opposition parties can unite and ensure all their members are present, Labour could face a serious challenge.
With public services, economic priorities, and infrastructure investment at stake, the row over the Welsh Tories’ absence has only intensified political tensions in the Senedd. Whether the Conservatives can repair their standing as an effective opposition remains to be seen.
