Local Member of the Senedd, Russell George will be missing a crucial vote in the Senedd today related to the draft budget for the upcoming financial year - as he's in Washington DC.
According to BBC Wales News, Russell George and fellow Conservative, leader Darren Millar will not be present at the Senedd, as they are attending the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC - where newly elected President Donald Trump is expected to deliver a speech.
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Other parties such as Plaid Cymru and Reform UK have criticised the absence, accusing the Conservatives of not effectively holding the government to account during this critical period.
Mr George provided a statement to the Powys County Times explaining his absence. He said:
“Today’s vote is to ‘note’ the contents of the draft budget, and is also a non binding vote on the Government, the final vote on the budget, will take place next month".
“I’m currently attending a long-standing commitment in the US, where I’ll be meeting a variety of politicians and other organisations.
“Next month, I can confirm that I will be voting against the Welsh Government budget, because I believe this is not a budget that benefits the people of Wales or us in mid Wales specifically.”
Both Mr George and Mr Millar are trustees of the Christian charity the Evan Roberts Institute.
