Dan Peters 24 October 2018

Minister embroiled in 'Oliver Twist' row

Welsh local authorities have called on the First Minister to consider sacking his colleague in charge of councils after he labelled councillors ‘Oliver Twists’.

Cabinet secretary for local government Alun Davies had said ‘a lot’ of councillors had asked him for ‘more’.

But Welsh Local Government Association deputy leader, Cllr Rob Stewart, said Mr Davies’ comments were ‘inappropriate’ and accused him of ‘belittling those who are arguing for proper levels of funding to support those treasured services such as education, social care, housing and transport for the most vulnerable communities across Wales’.

Cllr Stewart continued: ‘The remarks from the cabinet secretary are deeply unfortunate and inappropriate, particularly bearing in mind that he is supposed to be the voice of local government around the Welsh Government Cabinet table.

‘We call on the First Minister to distance himself from the comments of the cabinet secretary and consider whether or not it is appropriate for him to remain in the Cabinet in his current position.

‘We make no apologies for asking for more resources from Welsh Government to save those services provided by hardworking teachers, youth workers, librarians and care workers that protect the communities of Wales.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Supporting Family Time Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £29,071 - £32,046 pro rata to hours worked
We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to recruit Sessional Supporting Family Time Workers to join our dedicated team. As a seven-day-a-week Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Business Manager

Durham County Council
£ 39,481- £43,149
Permanent Contract, Full Time 37 hours per week Term Time Only Required to start 1/12/2026 (Or sooner if possible).   Required from December 2026 (Or Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Nursery Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,016 - £26,847 pro rata
Required from 2 November 2026 to 16 July 2027.  15 hour per week, Mon - Fri 8.45am-11.45am, term time only plus 2 weeks. The Governors of Wolsingham Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer

Durham County Council
£25,614- £26,016 (Pro Rata)
Permanent contract- Part Time- 27.5 hours per week (9
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner