ITV journalist, Gareth Hughes has a valid point when he questions how Carwyn Jones’ new Special Advisors or SPADs were appointed. He points out that when Rhodri Morgan took office as First Minister, one of his first decisions was to publicly advertise and recruit his Special Advisors. He says that this was to be commended and although there were some lapses from this principle later, Rhodri’s initial decision was the right one:
Surely, it is essential in a modern Wales that all post are subject to open recruitment. It is not a question of political correctness but practical politics. How else can one ensure that the best talent available is recruited. It must be in Carwyn Jones’s interest to have the best at his disposal. The days of who you know as a basis for a job should be over. As a party that sets great store on equal opportunities the Labour Party surely should adhere to high standards in its recruitement procedures.
It goes without saying that Carwyn Jones would want members of his own party around him. But has membership of the Labour party in Wales reached such a low level that the party leader knows them all intimately and knows all the talents within their ranks. I don’t think so.
No, this is the one example when following the previous leader’s lead would have been the right thing to do. But alas, this has not happened. His backroom cabinet are now in place without any public recruitment.
All-in-all it is not a great start.
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