Labour's Mark Drakeford forced to admit failing to tell the truth Covid inquiry WhatsApps
Mark Drakeford was forced to correct the record
PA
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford was today forced to correct the record after being caught out misleading politicians over Covid WhatsApp messages.
At Tuesday’s FMQ’s, Drakeford claimed he does not use WhatsApp and could not promise that messages were not lost before the Welsh Government was aware of what the Covid inquiry required.
However, evidence has since come to light of a screenshot of a WhatsApp account labelled ‘Mark Drakeford’ - despite the FM stating he does not use WhatsApp.
Welsh Conservative Leader Andrew RT Davies MS said: “It is welcome that the First Minister has corrected the record after not being clear in the Senedd yesterday.
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“However, more questions remain about how many Welsh Government devices used WhatsApp during the pandemic and by who.
"Crucially we need to know how many were deleting messages in the early stages of Covid when life and death decisions were being made in Wales, especially over care home testing.”
The comments follows a row in Scotland as former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has refused to say whether she had erased any messages.
WhatsApp messages between UK Government officials and Senedd ministers have been used as key evidence in the Covid inquiry.
In a letter to the Llwydd correcting the error, Mark Drakeford said: "I have reviewed my exchange with the leader of the Welsh Conservatives during First Minister’s Questions yesterday (7 November) and I would like to clarify that I have WhatsApp downloaded on my Senedd-issued mobile phone.
The Welsh First Minister is now facing more questions after correcting the record
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"I do not use it regularly to send messages. I would appreciate it if the Record could be amended on this particular point.
“I reiterate that the Welsh Government did not use informal means of communication to make decisions during the pandemic, in sharp contrast to the evidence the UK Covid-19 inquiry has taken in recent weeks.
"We continue to co-operate fully with the UK Covid-19 inquiry and will disclose all material requested, including WhatsApp messages.
“I am copying this letter to Andrew RT Davies.”