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First minister's 'Carwyn Connect' tour seeks public views Welsh government defends 'Carwyn Connect' tour
(about 4 hours later)
People are being invited to put their views directly to the first minister in a series of "Carwyn Connect" events. The Welsh government has defended a series of "Carwyn Connect" events, in which people are invited to put their views directly to the first minister.
Carwyn Jones will begin his tour in Merthyr Tydfil on 16 July and Rhyl on 22 July with other locations to follow.Carwyn Jones will begin his tour in Merthyr Tydfil on 16 July and Rhyl on 22 July with other locations to follow.
He said he wanted people to share their ideas on how to "build a more prosperous Wales". The Conservatives said it was a "cynical abuse of taxpayers' money" that the public was "being asked to fund Labour's re-election campaign".
But the Conservatives said it was a "cynical abuse of taxpayers' money" that the public was "being asked to fund Labour's re-election campaign". Ministers said each event's estimated £1,000 cost represented "good value".
A Tory spokesman added: "It doesn't take a cynical disposition to question Carwyn's decision to wait until the last year of this term to 'connect' with voters. It's a sham." Mr Jones said he wanted people to share their ideas on how to "build a more prosperous Wales".
But a Tory spokesman called the events a "sham".
"It doesn't take a cynical disposition to question Carwyn's decision to wait until the last year of this term to 'connect' with voters," the spokesman added.
'Copying'
Responding to the criticism, the Welsh government said the estimated cost of each event would be around £1,000 "which we believe represents good value for money".
"All good governments listen to the people they serve," a spokesman said.
"These events, which will take place across Wales, give people the chance to meet the first minister, face to face, to talk through the matters which affect their daily lives - that should be welcomed, not derided."
Plaid Cymru accused ministers of following its lead.
Its AM Simon Thomas said: "This tour by the first minister should really be called Carwyn Copies - because he is copying the successful approach by Plaid Cymru Leader Leanne Wood and the shadow cabinet for public meetings across Wales.
"In the last few weeks Leanne has been in Llandrindod Wells, Wrexham, Carmarthen and Cardiff."
While in opposition, David Cameron held a series of "Cameron Direct" public events, followed by "PM Direct" events after he came to power at the 2010 general election.While in opposition, David Cameron held a series of "Cameron Direct" public events, followed by "PM Direct" events after he came to power at the 2010 general election.
Also on Thursday, Finance Minister Jane Hutt will meet housing and education staff in Caernarfon and Rhyl later as part of her "Budget Tour".Also on Thursday, Finance Minister Jane Hutt will meet housing and education staff in Caernarfon and Rhyl later as part of her "Budget Tour".