Welsh Conservatives comment on the newly-appointed chair of National Independent Safeguarding Board

Commenting on the news that the Welsh Government has appointed the former Head of Safeguarding for Cwm Taf University Health Board as Chair of the new National Independent Safeguarding Board and that two of the Board’s six members have a history of activism for the Labour Party, acting Welsh Conservative Health spokesperson, Darren Millar AM, said:

“I’m nothing short of astonished at this latest tactless move by the Welsh Labour-led Government.

“It beggars belief that Welsh Ministers feel that it is appropriate to appoint an individual who held a key position at a health board at the centre of a safeguarding scandal to such an important role.

“I am also concerned that a third of the membership of this Board have a history of activism with the Labour Party; it stinks and gives the appearance of cronyism.

“Decisions like this are bewildering and will add insult to injury for those whose lives have been permanently affected by the maternity failings at this beleaguered health board.

“These appointments should be made independently of politicians to ensure that they are robust and truly independent.”