A visit to Pembrokeshire’s county hall recently for local scouting groups, who got to fire questions at Wales’ First Minister, has sparked an irate response from Conservative councillors, who were disappointed that no parliamentary members from their party were invited to the event, held to mark UK Parliament Week.

Members of Pembrokeshire’s Beavers, Cubs and Scout groups got the chance to meet decision makers at Pembrokeshire County Council as well as a special guest First Minister Mark Drakeford who attended the event virtually.

The special event held during UK Parliament Week took place at County Hall in Haverfordwest to focus on democracy and how it works with more than 35 young people and 15 Leaders attending.

Questions were put to the First Minister, and further discussion was had with Cabinet Members and Councillors, along with the Council Chairman and the Chief Executive.

Supported by the Children and Young People’s Rights Office and their Democracy Champions training resources, a number of interesting questions were posed throughout the evening.

PCC Chairman Cllr Thomas Tudor thanked everyone for their attendance, including the Leaders of the various associations, stating: “It was an honour to Chair the meeting for UK Parliament Week at County Hall where enthusiastic Explorers, Sea Scouts, Scouts, Beavers and Girl Guides were in attendance.

Scouting groups at County Hall
Scouting groups at County Hall (Pic supplied)

“They had the opportunity to question First Minister Mark Drakeford via Teams as well as County Councillors, Town Councillors, Officers and Cabinet Members on a range of issues.

“The thought provoking questions were amazing which led on to very interesting debates, and I certainly learned a tremendous amount from this brilliant event,” added Cllr Tudor.

However, Cllr Di Clements, Leader of PCC’s Conservative Group said it was ‘shameful’ that no parliamentary members from the party she represents were involved.

Di Clements
“It’s unsurprisingly shameful that PCC have soured the spirit of Parliament week by not inviting a single elected Pembrokeshire Parliamentarian to this event on the basis that they are members of the Conservative party,” said Cllr Di Clements (Pic supplied)

“It’s unsurprisingly shameful that PCC have soured the spirit of Parliament week by not inviting a single elected Pembrokeshire Parliamentarian to this event on the basis that they are members of the Conservative party, and instead giving members of Pembrokeshire Labour free-run to attend this event as they see fit, including an unelected candidate,” remarked Cllr Clements.

“Make no mistake, not inviting any political party other than Labour to this event was nothing short of an attempt by PCC to indoctrinate the next generation into their own biased views, rather than giving them the opportunity to hear from all sides of the political spectrum,” she added.