Tory MS in ‘partisan views’ social media row
THE policy director of the Welsh Conservatives is at the centre of a row after criticising third-sector officials for expressing “partisan” opinions on social media.
Darren Millar, the MS for Clwyd West, has tweeted at three prominent public affairs professionals, suggesting it was wrong of them to “like” postings by Welsh Labour politicians.
Jess Blair, director in Wales of the Electoral Reform Society, liked a tweet by Deputy Economy Minister Lee Waters in which he criticised Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Paul Davies for his party’s record on diversity. She also liked a tweet by First Minister Mark Drakeford that was critical of the UK Government’s Internal Market Bill.
Mr Millar tweeted at her: “What does @electoralreform think of you, as Director of @ERScymru, reposting partisan political propaganda on your social media account? Is this something they deem to be acceptable?”
After Emma Henwood, the policy and public affairs manager of Sport Wales, liked a tweet from Mr Waters in which he suggested Mr Millar could be controlling Paul Davies’ Twitter account, Mr Millar tweeted: “What does Sport Wales think of you liking politically partisan tweets like this? I can’t imagine that it would approve of someone in your position doing this.”
Rob Simkins, the policy officer of Universities Wales and a former President of the National Union of Students in Wales, has also been criticised by Mr Millar for his social media activity.
The committee of Public Affairs Cymru, the professional body to which Ms Henwood belongs, issued a statement which said: “We are disappointed to note that public affairs professionals were recently singled out on social media with an implicit threat to their career by a Member of the Senedd.
“A unique strength of the Senedd is the working relationship held between MSs and public affairs professionals, one of respect and professionalism.
“In our experience all parties in Wales have typically been open to engaging in a constructive and transparent manner. We hope to see this continue.
“It is the nature of public affairs that those engaged are politically interested and aware.
“These professionals are entitled to hold an opinion, and they should not find themselves pressured by those in a position of power from expressing it.
“To seek to silence someone from expressing an opinion by implying in doing so they may jeopardise their career is unhealthy for our shared Welsh democracy. Furthermore, it is a tactic to shut down debate, not engage in it.
“The public affairs sector is a vibrant and diverse community full of policy ideas with much to offer Wales.”
Cerys Furlong, chief executive of gender equality organisation Chwarae Teg, said: “It’s proven that women are often put off standing for political office and other positions of responsibility as a result of the way they are treated on social media.
“Women should be free to express their opinions without fear of being silenced.
“We know that better decisions, policy and legislation are made when decision-makers are representative of the electorate.
“We should encourage free speech and debate, and not seek to suppress it.”
Former Labour Minister Alun Davies said: “People should be allowed to express their views.
“I find Darren Millar’s approach deeply unattractive.”
Mr Millar responded: “I think it’s very unprofessional for public affairs professionals who represent their organisations at the Senedd and give evidence to committees to be tweeting their partisan political views like this.
“It doesn’t happen at Westminster. “I am exposing what I consider to be the rot in the public affairs sphere in Wales.”