There were an awful lot of “thank yous” during the speeches of Sir Keir Starmer and Eluned Morgan as they visited Transport for Wales’ Taff’s Well depot. The two political leaders thanked each other, the staff, their respective teams, their counterparts, it was the epitome of politeness. The number of cameras pointed at them, during this highly choreographed visit, was a very obvious reminder their every move was under scrutiny.<\/p>\n
Visits like this are planned in minute detail, who will stand where, are there any potential banana skins – literal or otherwise, who speaks first, who says what.<\/p>\n
And the relationship between key Labour figures from London and their Welsh counterparts has been far from smooth sailing for two administrations which wear the same rosette. Eluned Morgan, Wales’ First Minister, has had her spats with Jo Stevens<\/a>, the Welsh secretary. The First Minister has also hit the headlines for failing to back the Prime Minister when asked, repeatedly, on national radio<\/a>.<\/p>\n Today, while clearly on her best behaviour, there were a couple of notable quips. When part of a group Q&A Eluned Morgan couldn’t resist a dig at English-only policy differences.<\/p>\n Directly addressing UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander from the platform, she said: “I don’t think that’s the case in England, is it”, when she explained free bus passes are available from the age of 60 here in Wales.<\/p>\n It would be no surprise to know that Keir Starmer’s awful popularity figures aren’t wildly different in Wales. When you talk to Labour activists and campaigners they admit the UK Labour record is harming them on the doorsteps (along with Welsh Labour’s record).<\/p>\n For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation,<\/em> sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here<\/u><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n‘Don’t go taking the glory for our stuff’<\/h3>\n