The Ice Man Cometh

Bevan Foundation
ViewsMay 24th, 2013

The annual visits by the Secretary of State for Wales to the Assembly to introduce the Queen’s Speech are a key part of the Assembly year.

They are also very much influenced by the persona of the person doing the presenting. Cheryl Gillan’s recent attendance were always courteous, usually a little nervy, and weren’t overtly political as some other orations. For example, Peter Hain could be highly political and fractious, especially during the run up to the 2006 Government of Wales Act, where he clearly appeared combative and somewhat divisive. This was in stark contrast to how Paul Murphy used to play it: facts at his elegantly manicured finger tips, all charm and delight, like being visited by an elderly uncle bearing an annual birthday present.

The new incumbent of Gwydr House had served a long apprenticeship to Cheryl Gillan and knew what a difficult place the Assembly could be, having served there briefly as AM for North Wales between 2002 and 2003. David Jones, however, was never particularly comfortable there as an AM. This aversion was equally true of his performance this week. Though the structure was solid enough and his speech was polished, it was not a warm or welcomed performance. Indeed, Plaid leader Leanne Wood even went as far as to suggest in a world where the Assembly had law making powers that the annual visit by the Secretary of State for Wales should be scrapped. This suggestion was met by something of a glare.

Other contributors were even bolder. Ann Jones was especially ferocious in attacking David Jones for repeatedly criticising the fire sprinklers measure she piloted during the last Assembly; while Lynne Neagle could barely contain her contempt for elements of the UK Government programme and the way in which it was being presented. All of which clearly rankled with the Secretary of State, who was shown little or no courtesy for his rank, and no allowance for it being his first time fulfilling that particular duty. Indeed, he looked frosty and more than a little contemptuous at points, surveying proceedings with an icy stare.

Even his allies in the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties in the Assembly who supported the Queen’s Speech framed their support in those legislative terms rather than directly for a Secretary of State who didn’t seem happy. Indeed, once the debate was over he was up and out of the Chamber at a speed only rivalled by the exit pace of Trish Law when she was an Assembly Member.

And thus ended an annual debate which is more of a convention than a necessity. On all sides a good time seemed to have been had, except by the Secretary of State himself, and the yearly brawl was over. None of it changed anything despite high tempers and high rage. As ever it was, like Macbeth’s reflection on life, “full of sound and fury / Signifying nothing.”

Daran Hill is MD of Positif Politics. He is also a Trustee of the Bevan Foundation.

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