Davies scandal rocks Welsh Assembly

29 Oct 98
The government may be forced into a messy reselection process for the Welsh Assembly following the shock resignation this week of the Secretary of State for Wales, Ron Davies.

30 October 1998

Mr Davies had not relinquished his potential role as First Minister of the new Assembly as Public Finance went to press, but his position looked increasingly untenable. Unfortunately for the government, the former minister was strongly identified with the creation of the Welsh Assembly.

The runner-up for the post in last month's selection process, vocal Cardiff West MP Rhodri Morgan – the well-respected chairman of the Public Administration Committee – is not the Labour Party's first choice.

And the newly appointed Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Michael, is not interested in standing for the Assembly.

His appointment has resulted in the promotion of health minister Paul Boateng to the Home Office. Mr Boateng has been replaced by John Hutton, formerly parliamentary private secretary to leader of the House, Margaret Beckett.

Mr Davies resigned after being robbed at knifepoint last week.

PFoct1998

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