Senedd VAR

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What is Senedd VAR?

This page will record all instances in which Members of the Senedd have points taken away in the “Professionalism” category of the Senedd Service Index.

Much as VAR works in football (or as it’s supposed to, anyway), to score negative professionalism points, the MS has to have done so in a “clear and obvious” way. For example, poor reasoning (-2 points) would need to make up most of an MS’s contribution to a question or debate.

There is some leeway. Throwaway remarks with the usual back and forth between opposing parties are fine as long as they don’t cross the line.

TO ANYONE TAKING ISSUE WITH SENEDD VAR: READ THIS FIRST

  • Accurately recording an elected official’s words or actions (in this case, parliamentary proceedings and official records), or offering an honest opinion or interpretation of them, isn’t defamation or abuse.
  • Anything an MS says or does on the record (and, sometimes, off the record) is in the public interest. Expect scrutiny. If you can’t handle that, politics might not be the right fit for you. Swallowing your pride and resigning is better than wasting our time and money because you got into something you can’t handle.
  • It’s highly likely that every single MS, from every party, will eventually appear on this list. Don’t take it personally. The number of times an MS appears here, and why, matters more.
  • Don’t shoot the messenger (which counts in its own right as “poor reasoning”). 
  • Always remember that pointing out poor reasoning can itself be an example of poor reasoning (“the fallacy fallacy”).
MemberDateTypeReasonPointsDescriptionLink
08/10/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
08/10/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
07/10/26Debating SkillsWhataboutery-2“Whatabout Francesca O’Brien’s comments on welfare” in debate on housing.Link
07/10/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Immigration policy.Link
07/10/26Debating SkillsStrawman-2Exaggerared Reform’s position to “not liking anyone born outside the UK”.Link
07/10/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Immigration policy.Link
07/10/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Immigration policy.Link
07/10/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Immigration policy.Link
07/10/26Debating SkillsWhataboutery-2Questioned John Clark’s nationality in debate on foreign nationals and social housing.Link
07/10/26Debating SkillsStrawman-2Shifted argument over HMOs to Reform’s prejudices.Link
07/10/26UnreliabilityUnprofessional Conduct-5Used misleading statistics in the Senedd chamber; called as a point of order.Link
07/10/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Immigration policy.Link
07/10/26Debating SkillsFalse Dilemma-2Use of public money by WRU means the government has to intervene.Link
07/10/26Debating SkillsSpeaking for too long-1See link.Link
07/10/26Debating SkillsAppeal to Emotion (Pity)-2Accused Deputy Minister of “harming children”.Link
07/10/26Debating SkillsFalse Dilemma-2Capital spending on hospital estates takes money away from healthcare.Link
07/10/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
07/10/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
06/10/26UnreliabilityInconsistent Voting-3Voted against her own motion (accidentally).Link
06/10/26Debating SkillsSpeaking for too long-1See link.Link
06/10/26Debating SkillsSpeaking for too long-1See link.Link
06/10/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
06/10/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
06/10/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
06/10/26UnreliabilityUnprofessional Conduct-5Unparliamentary language; accused First Minister of lying.Link
06/10/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
06/10/26Debating SkillsAppeal to Authority-2Envoked Margaret Thatcher in a question on poverty.Link
06/10/26Debating SkillsAppeal to Authority-2Envoked Nye Bevan in a question on free childcare.Link
06/10/26Debating SkillsStrawman-2Universal childcare means “free childcare for millionaires”.Link
06/10/26Debating SkillsWhataboutery-2Accused Reform of hypocrisy on Welsh representation abroad.Link
06/10/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Foreign policy.Link
06/10/26Debating SkillsWhataboutery-2“Whatabout Sinn Fein” in question on international spending.Link
06/10/26Debating SkillsFalse Dilemma-2International spending takes money away from elsewhere.Link
06/10/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
05/10/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
01/10/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
01/10/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
01/10/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
30/09/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
30/09/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
30/09/26UnreliabilityInconsistent Voting-3Voted with the government to amend a Reform-tabled motionLink
30/09/26Debating SkillsSpeaking for too long-1See link.Link
30/09/26Debating SkillsSpeaking for too long-1See link.Link
30/09/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Foreign policyLink
30/09/26Debating SkillsStrawman-2Plaid is pursuing Russian foreign policy by wanting to secede.Link
30/09/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Foreign policyLink
30/09/26Debating SkillsAppeal to Popularity-220 mph is unpopular, therefore it’s wrong.Link
30/09/26Debating SkillsSpeaking for too long-1See link.Link
30/09/26Debating SkillsSpeaking for too long-1See link.Link
30/09/26Debating SkillsSpeaking for too long-1See link.Link
30/09/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Postal services.Link
30/09/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Postal services.Link
29/09/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
29/09/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
29/09/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Immigration.Link
29/09/26Debating SkillsFalse Dilemma-2Can’t focus on independence and public services at the same timeLink
29/09/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Defence policy.Link
29/09/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3VAT.Link
29/09/26Debating SkillsFalse Dilemma-2Can’t focus on independence and public services at the same timeLink
29/09/26Debating SkillsStrawman-2Plaid is pursuing Russian foreign policy by wanting to secede.Link
29/09/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3National Security.Link
29/09/26Debating SkillsFalse Dilemma-2Spending on trees in Uganda vs nursing places.Link
29/09/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Defence policy.Link
29/09/26UnreliabilityUnprofessional Conduct-5Tried to justify breaking parliamentary rules of order.Link
29/09/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
28/09/26UnreliabilityUnprofessional Conduct-5Deliberately misrepresenting bilingual education.Link
28/09/26UnreliabilityUnprofessional Conduct-5Deliberately misrepresenting bilingual education.Link
28/09/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
28/09/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
24/09/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
24/09/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
24/09/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
23/09/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
23/09/26UnreliabilityUnprofessional Conduct-5Threatened doctors with imprisonment for performing gender surgery.Link
23/09/26Debating SkillsAppeal to Tradition-2Henry Tudor, Rourke’s Drift, WW2 etc.Link
23/09/26Debating SkillsFlag-Waving-2UK “greatest nation in the history of the world”Link
23/09/26Debating SkillsSlippery Slope-2Independence “doomed to fail”.Link
23/09/26Debating SkillsRefused to take an intervention-1See link.Link
23/09/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
23/09/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
23/09/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
23/09/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Nuclear energy.Link
22/09/26Debating SkillsWhataboutery-2“Whatabout Saunders Lewis” in a debate on defence industry ethicsLink
22/09/26Debating SkillsFalse Dilemma-2Free childcare coming at the expense of ALN fundingLink
22/09/26Debating SkillsWhataboutery-2“Whatabout Reform’s donations” in response to allowLink
22/09/26Debating SkillsWhataboutery-2Used Nation of Sanctuary “gotcha” quotes from Sarah Cooper-Lesadd.Link
17/09/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
17/09/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
16/09/26Debating SkillsWhataboutery-2Accused Reform of hypocrisy on workers rights.Link
16/09/26UnreliabilityUnprofessional Conduct-5Unparliamentary language; accused Health Minister of lying.Link
16/09/26Devo-ConfusionBuck-passing-1Cwm Taf health visitor dispute “a matter for the health board”Link
16/09/26Debating SkillsSpeaking for too long-1See link.Link
16/09/26Debating SkillsFlag-Waving-2British Empire was “morally sophisticated”.Link
16/09/26Debating SkillsFalse Dilemma-2“Either/or” interpretations of the British Empire’s impact.Link
16/09/29Debating SkillsPersonal Attack-2Sarcastic congratulations to Sarah Cooper-Lesadd on her “latest defection”.Link
16/09/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
16/09/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
16/09/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
15/09/26Debating SkillsFalse Dilemma-2Independence taking priority over healthcare.Link
15/09/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Telecommunications (emergency alerts).Link
15/09/26UnreliabilityUnprofessional Conduct-5Arrested for assault & coersive behaviour.Link
15/09/26UnreliabilityCrossing the floor-5Defected to Plaid Cymru from Reform UKLink
14/09/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
14/09/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
14/09/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
09/09/26Devo-ConfusionConfusing Senedd with Welsh Government-2Social media post implying Reform are in Welsh Government.Link
16/07/26Debating SkillsShooting the Messenger-2Shared social media post NUJ claims intimidates journalists at work.Link
16/07/26Debating SkillsShooting the Messenger-2Shared social media post NUJ claims intimidates journalists at work.Link
16/07/26Debating SkillsShooting the Messenger-2Shared social media post NUJ claims intimidates journalists at work.Link
16/07/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
15/07/26Debating SkillsSlippery Slope-2Deposit Return with glass will lead to major brands “reconsidering” Wales.Link
15/07/26Debating SkillsSlippery Slope-2Deposit Return with glass will lead to major brands “reconsidering” Wales.Link
15/07/26Debating SkillsSlippery Slope-2Deposit Return with glass “will fail”.Link
15/07/26Debating SkillsRefused to take an intervention-1See link.Link
15/07/26Debating SkillsSpeaking for too long-1See link.Link
15/07/26Debating SkillsFalse Dilemma-2Youth unemployment is because of spending on “virtue signalling”.Link
15/07/26Debating SkillsSpeaking for too long-1See link.Link
15/07/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
15/07/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Pensions.Link
15/07/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
15/07/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
15/07/26Debating SkillsStrawman-2Public money spent on “tree planting abroad” over health.Link
15/07/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
14/07/26Debating SkillsSpeaking for too long-1See link.Link
14/07/26Debating SkillsPersonal Attack-2Used a quote from a medical magazine to attack Gwyn Williams’ character.Link
14/07/26Debating SkillsCircular Reasoning-2Anti-Racist policies are racist.Link
14/07/26Debating SkillsWhataboutery-2Brought up Dan Thomas’ Conservative membership in discussion on M4.Link
14/07/26UnreliabilityUnprofessional Conduct-5Raised a personal grievance in the Senedd chamber.Link
13/07/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
13/07/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
08/07/26Debating SkillsSpeaking for too long-1See link.Link
08/07/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
08/07/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
08/07/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
08/07/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
08/07/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
07/07/26Debating SkillsShooting the Messenger-2Considers BBC questioning Nigel Farage over donations “misleading”.Link
07/07/26Debating SkillsRefused to take an intervention-1See link.Link
07/07/26Debating SkillsFalse Dilemma-2Opposed Barnett/funding reform because of international spending.Link
07/07/26Debating SkillsStrawman-2Catastrophised alternative funding models for Wales (i.e. lose state pension).Link
07/07/26Debating SkillsFlag-Waving-2HS2, coal, steel, slate etc.Link
07/07/26Debating SkillsFlag-Waving-2Opponents to Plaid’s motion “want Westminster to ignore us”.Link
07/07/26Debating SkillsRefused to take an intervention-1See link.Link
07/07/26Debating SkillsFalse Dilemma-2More powers over rail means road maintenance would be ignored.Link
07/07/26Debating SkillsSpeaking for too long-1See link.Link
07/07/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
07/07/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3VAT.Link
07/07/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
07/07/26Debating SkillsWhataboutery-2Criticism of UK finance talks met with “What about Reform crypto donations?”Link
06/07/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
02/07/26Debating SkillsShooting the Messenger-2Threatened legal action against Nation.Cymru; formal complaint rejected.Link
02/07/26UnreliabilityCommittee absence without a substitute-1See link.Link
01/07/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Immigration.Link
01/07/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Immigration.Link
01/07/26Debating SkillsStrawman-2Nation of Sanctuary spending takes money away from the elderly.Link
01/07/26Debating SkillsAppeal to Tradition-2Cited religion in support of Nation of Sanctuary.Link
01/07/26Debating SkillsAppeal to Tradition-2Cited religion in support of Nation of Sanctuary.Link
01/07/26Debating SkillsAppeal to Tradition-2Cited religion in support of Nation of Sanctuary.Link
01/07/26Debating SkillsAppeal to Tradition-2Suggested major religions were against helping strangers.Link
01/07/26Debating SkillsRefused to take an intervention-1See link.Link
01/07/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Immigration.Link
01/07/26Debating SkillsFalse Dilemma-2Good immigration vs bad immigration.Link
01/07/26Debating SkillsWhataboutery-2Brought up Dan Thomas’ pro-immigration comments at Barnet Council.Link
01/07/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Immigration.Link
01/07/26Debating SkillsAppeal to Emotion (Anger)-2“I’m offended that you’re offended”.Link
01/07/26Debating SkillsAppeal to Popularity-2Used polling data to support a policy change.Link
01/07/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
01/07/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
01/07/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Energy transmission.Link
30/06/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
30/06/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Courts.Link
30/06/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
30/06/26Debating SkillsSlippery Slope-2Greyhound racing ban in Wales means a horse racing ban is imminent.Link
30/06/26Debating SkillsAppeal to Tradition-2Horse racing with jumps is justified because it’s traditional.Link
24/06/26Debating SkillsFalse Dilemma-2Climate change “not a government priority” because of no in-year spending changes.Link
24/06/26Debating SkillsStrawman-2Public borrowing would be spent on “tree planting in Uganda” over health.Link
24/06/26Debating SkillsShooting the Messenger-2Attacked Nation.Cymru’s coverage of Reform UK.Link
23/06/26Debating SkillsSpeaking for too long-1See link.Link
23/06/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
23/06/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
23/06/26Debating SkillsFlag-Waving-2Surprised Plaid Cymru “calls itself the party of Wales”.Link
23/06/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Defence.Link
23/06/26Devo-ConfusionLocal Government Matter-1School transport.Link
23/06/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Nuclear energy.Link
23/06/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3VAT.Link
17/06/26UnreliabilityInconsistent Voting-3Voted for an amendment which criticised Reform UK.Link
17/06/26Debating SkillsWhataboutery-2Plaid’s support for 20mph raised during international spending debate.Link
17/06/26Debating SkillsFlag-Waving-2Disappointed “United Kingdom” wasn’t mentioned in a debate.Link
17/06/26Debating SkillsFlag-Waving-2Implied Plaid Cymru are “not true nationalists”.Link
17/06/26Debating SkillsStrawman-2Cutting international spending “turns our backs on the world”.Link
17/06/26UnreliabilityUnprofessional Conduct-5Seen taking part in a walk-out.Link
17/06/26UnreliabilityUnprofessional Conduct-5Seen taking part in a walk-out.Link
17/06/26UnreliabilityUnprofessional Conduct-5Seen taking part in a walk-out.Link
17/06/26UnreliabilityUnprofessional Conduct-5Flouncing/led a walk-out.Link
17/06/26UnreliabilityUnprofessional Conduct-5Used poor literacy skills as a punchline.Link
17/06/26Debating SkillsRefused to take an intervention-1See link.Link
16/06/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Control of drugs.Link
16/06/26Debating SkillsFalse Dilemma-2Gave “either/or” uses for the Welsh flag.Link
16/06/26Debating SkillsWhataboutery-2Responded to Reform’s attack on immigration with “Nathan Gill”.Link
16/06/26Debating SkillsSlippery Slope-2Tied immigration to "inevitable" violence.Link
16/06/26Debating SkillsAppeal to Emotion (Fear)-2Graphic description of violent crime.Link
16/06/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3National Security.Link
16/06/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Immigration.Link
16/06/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Immigration.Link
10/06/26UnreliabilityInconsistent Voting-3Voted for an amendment which criticised Reform UK.Link
10/06/26UnreliabilityInconsistent Voting-3Voted for an amendment which criticised Reform UK.Link
10/06/26UnreliabilityInconsistent Voting-3Voted for an amendment which criticised Reform UK.Link
10/06/26UnreliabilityInconsistent Voting-3Voted for an amendment which criticised Reform UK.Link
10/06/26UnreliabilityInconsistent Voting-3Voted for an amendment which criticised Reform UK.Link
10/06/26UnreliabilityInconsistent Voting-3Voted for an amendment which criticised Reform UK.Link
10/06/26UnreliabilityInconsistent Voting-3Voted for an amendment which criticised Reform UK.Link
10/06/26UnreliabilityInconsistent Voting-3Voted for an amendment which criticised Reform UK.Link
10/06/26UnreliabilityInconsistent Voting-3Voted for an amendment which criticised Reform UK.Link
10/06/26UnreliabilityInconsistent Voting-3Voted for an amendment which criticised Reform UK.Link
10/06/26UnreliabilityInconsistent Voting-3Voted for an amendment which criticised Reform UK.Link
10/06/26Debating SkillsStrawman-2Cherry-picked extreme Reform UK views on childcare.Link
10/06/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
10/06/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Postal services.Link
09/06/26Debating SkillsSpeaking for too long-1See link.Link
02/06/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Nuclear energy.Link
02/06/26Devo-ConfusionNon-Devolved Matter-3Nuclear energy.Link
02/06/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
02/06/26Debating SkillsReminded to ask a question-1See link.Link
19/05/26Debating SkillsStrawman-2Out of context quote used to frame Plaid Cymru as anti-English.Link
11/05/26Debating SkillsShooting the Messenger-2Blamed the media for Labour’s 2026 election results.Link
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