Cabinet Minister Kemi Badenoch has ignited a political firestorm after dismissing the Welsh Government as merely a "Labour-run local authority" during a contentious discussion about the future of Wales' steel industry.
Constitutional Clanger Sparks Fury
The Business Secretary made the controversial remarks while being questioned by Welsh Affairs Committee chairman Stephen Crabb about engagement with Welsh ministers regarding Tata Steel's plans for Port Talbot. Her characterisation of the devolved administration has been condemned as demonstrating a fundamental misunderstanding of the UK's constitutional settlement.
"It's a Labour-run local authority, and I'm a Conservative UK Government minister," Badenoch stated, adding that differences in political affiliation shouldn't prevent collaboration but acknowledging "friction" in their relationship.
Welsh Politicians React with Outrage
The comments prompted immediate backlash from Welsh politicians across the political spectrum. Labour's Jo Stevens described the remarks as "disgraceful," while Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville Roberts accused Badenoch of treating Wales with "barely disguised contempt."
Even Conservative MP Stephen Crabb expressed surprise at the terminology, highlighting the significant powers held by the Welsh Government that far exceed those of any local authority in England or Wales.
Steel Industry Crisis Background
The exchange occurred against the backdrop of ongoing concerns about Tata Steel's plans that could lead to up to 2,800 job losses at Port Talbot. Critics argue that the UK Government has failed to properly engage with Welsh ministers on developing alternatives to protect jobs and preserve steelmaking capacity in Wales.
Welsh ministers have proposed a more gradual transition to greener steel production that could save thousands of jobs, but claim their suggestions have been largely ignored by Westminster.
Constitutional Expertise Questioned
Badenoch's comments have raised serious questions about the government's understanding of and respect for the devolution settlement. As Business Secretary, her portfolio includes significant engagement with devolved administrations, making the apparent confusion particularly concerning.
The Welsh Government exercises powers over health, education, and economic development that are equivalent to those of the Scottish Government, making the "local authority" comparison fundamentally inaccurate and, to many, deeply offensive.
This incident represents another flashpoint in the often-strained relationship between the Conservative UK Government and the Labour-controlled administration in Cardiff, with implications for cross-border cooperation on critical economic matters.
