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.’