Politicians told off after fiery Senedd exchanges

Lee Waters and Natasha Asghar had many heated exchanges in the Senedd chamber over the past few years

Two politicians have been reprimanded over comments they made in the Senedd last Wednesday.

Lee Waters, deputy transport minister at the time, clashed with the Welsh Conservatives' transport spokesperson.

Mr Waters accused Natasha Asghar of encouraging "hate" towards politicians, whilst Ms Asghar accused Mr Waters of "arrogance".

Deputy Presiding Officer David Rees said the exchange "did not reflect well" on the Senedd.

The row centred on claims of misinformation relating to the controversial 20mph policy.

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During the debate Mr Rees told the politicians that members "should ensure their voices are kept at a reasonable level, and that contributions are respectful of all others".

Mr Rees oversaw proceedings in the absence last week of the Presiding Officer Elin Jones.

He has now written to both, and BBC Wales has seen a copy of the letter sent to Ms Asghar the day after the exchange took place.

In it Mr Rees says: "Having reflected on the full exchange, I am writing to both you and the deputy minister to express my view that it did not reflect well on the Senedd as an institution, or on either of you as members.

"I fully support the role of spokespeople in pursuing robust scrutiny of Welsh ministers and the Welsh government.

"However, I consider that the tone and manner of your contributions on this occasion were, from the outset, unnecessarily personal in nature and directed towards the deputy minister as an individual, as opposed to the substance of Welsh government policy in areas within his remit."

In turn, Natasha Asghar has written to the deputy presiding officer and presiding officer claiming a "line was crossed" by Mr Waters during the exchange.

Lee Waters, best known for delivering the 20mph default speed limit in built-up areas, left government as part of the new first minister's reshuffle on Thursday.

In his ministerial role he repeatedly clashed with Ms Asghar.

In 2022 he apologised to her after accusing her of making "hysterical" comments.

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