Welsh Tory leader will miss key budget vote for Donald Trump prayer breakfast

Wales: Darren Millar, the Welsh Tory leader, is missing a crucial budget vote. He’s attending a prayer breakfast in Washington D.C. This means he won’t be in the Senedd for the two-hour budget debate or to question First Minister Eluned Morgan.

Russell George, another Tory MS, is also at the breakfast. This event happens every February, and this year it’s on February 6. The President usually attends, so Trump is expected to be there.

The budget vote in the Senedd is important. It’s not binding, but it’s the first debate on the £26 billion Welsh budget. Labour needs support to pass it next month, and they’re in a tough spot.

Labour holds half of the 60 seats in the Senedd. They need help from another group to pass the budget. If they don’t, Wales could lose between £1 billion and £5 billion in funding.

Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives won’t support Labour’s budget. Even Lib Dem Jane Dodds is unsure. If everyone is present, Labour might not have enough votes to pass the budget.

Millar’s absence could help Labour. Sometimes, parties agree to “pair” votes, so one absent member cancels out another’s absence. But no such agreement has been made yet.

Millar is open about his faith. He’s involved with charities that require a few hours a week. He’s also managing the Pocket Testament League UK, which takes up more time.

After becoming leader, Millar is reviewing his commitments. He faced criticism for missing committee duties in 2013 for the same event.

A Welsh Conservative spokesperson said today’s vote is just to note the draft budget. They plan to vote it down, believing Labour has the wrong priorities.

Millar had a prior commitment in the U.S. He’s meeting high-profile politicians to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Wales.

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