Welsh Sunday edition: Finance Minister refuses to back Programme for Government
Finance Minister splits from Government, miraiwae set to lead Plaid, and divisive smoking law is debated in the Senedd.
The Welsh Finance Minister has publicly refused to back the Government's commitments in the Programme for Government, walking back a pledge to avoid raising taxes.
Inadorable, who became Llafur's finance pick after defecting from Plaid Cymru shortly before the last election, split from the Welsh Government's official line in the Senedd's first debate of the session. It is another setback for embattled First Minister TheVeryWetBanana, already under fire for responding 'watch me' after being questioned by outgoing Plaid leader zakian3000 on his tax pledge.
The newly inaugurated ministry may be saved by multiple parties' commitments to participate in the drafting of the 'clean slate' budget, meaning that any tax rises will, at least theoretically, be done with the consent of most or all of the parties in the Senedd. Libertarian leader model-willem described the u-turn as 'not a good look'.
Plaid leadership election: miraiwae set to succeed zakian3000
Two candidates have emerged in the Plaid Cymru leadership election after the sudden resignation of zakian3000 last week.
BalaEryri and miraiwae have put themselves forward to become the leader of the largest party in the Senedd.
However, BalaEryri's campaign was beset with accusations of being 'too radical' from opposing parties and Plaid members alike. Coming under particular criticism was his 'de-Anglicisation' policy, calling for English to be removed from government documents, road signs, and ending compulsory education in English in favour of Welsh-medium instruction by 2030.
Prime Minister NicolasBroaddus joined the voices opposing the plan, saying "while I hate to repeat analogies from finance and management: 'nine women can't make a baby in one month'".
miraiwae, a former Wales Secretary, is the favourite to become the next Leader of the Opposition.
Vehicle smoking ban divides parties in Senedd
A proposed ban on smoking in vehicles has divided parties in the Senedd.
The Bill, introduced by Sheep Raving Lloony leader and health minister Muffin5136, would amend existing legislating prohibiting smoking in a vehicle with a minor present to ban smoking in vehicles in all cases.
It is Muffin5136's second attempt at legislating a smoking ban in vehicles, his first attempt having been resoundingly rejected by the House of Commons earlier this year.
Deputy First Minister Dyn-Cymru supported the Bill, implying that he would see smoking gradually eliminated in all cases, while his Llafur colleage Frost_Walker2017 opposed the Bill. Plaid were similarly divided, with leadership contender BalaEryri in favour and outgoing leader zakian3000 opposed.
The Welsh Libertarians and Abolish the Welsh Assembly Party were united in opposing the Bill.
With opinions split, it is likely that Volt Cymru will determine the Bill's success or failure. Volt leader Archism_ has not yet commented in the debate.
Lily Hail is the editor-in-chief of the Independent.