Plaid suspends councillor amid Covid misinformation claims

Plaid Cymru has suspended one of its county councillors over allegations that he shared online material casting doubt over aspects of Covid-19 and mass vaccination.

Its understood that Cllr Gruffydd Williams, who represents the Nefyn ward, has also been referred to the Public Services Ombudsman for the posts that were shared on his personal Facebook page – several of which have been flagged up by the social networking site as false information.

Plaid Cymru confirmed it had suspended his party membership pending an investigation over the spread of “misinformation”.
With Cllr Williams claiming “there are too many questions that remain unanswered” and the “need for a reasoned debate,” the linked posts on his Facebook page include some casting doubt over the effects of Covid-19 and the need for lockdowns or vaccines.

The links include articles and videos by Mike Yeadon, who describes claims that the majority of the population is susceptible to Covid as “false” and clips suggesting that the number of people dying is “the same as it would be any other year” – contrary to accepted medical advice and published data.

Cllr Williams told S4C’s Newyddion of his concern  that “everyone was heading for vaccines on the basis of propaganda and fake statistics,” urging the need for a “full and frank debate” on vaccination involving those of differing opinions.
But in a statement today, the party said there was “no place for misinformation,” and that elected representatives “have an important role to play in this regard.”

A Plaid spokesperson added: “During a global pandemic, distributing messages which endanger public health must be avoided at all cost.
“Everyone has a responsibility to protect the NHS, and elected representatives in particular have an important role to play in this regard.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, Plaid Cymru’s sole focus has been on protecting lives and livelihoods and the roll out of the vaccine offers hope of better times ahead.

“There is no place for misinformation in Plaid Cymru or in wider society.

“Councillor Gruffydd Williams’ membership has been suspended pending the conclusion of an investigation.”
Cllr Williams was first elected in 2012 as an independent before joining Llais Gwynedd soon thereafter.
However, he later defected to Plaid Cymru in 2015 before defending the seat in 2017.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has attempted to contact Cllr Williams for comment who, despite his suspension from the party, is set to remain as a county councillor for the Nefyn ward.
The Public Services Ombudsman has also been approached to comment.

A spokesperson for Gwynedd Council’s Plaid Cymru group added: “We are fully committed to the national effort to protect public health during the COVID19 pandemic. We take our responsibility, as community leaders, very seriously.
“We encourage the public to comply with Welsh Government level 4 rules to stay at home, maintain social distance, wash hands regularly and work from home if possible.

“We also urge Gwynedd residents to take advantage of the opportunity to receive the vaccination from the Health Service. By doing this we save lives and alleviate the burden on our hospitals.
“During a public health crisis, everyone has a part to play in protecting our community’s health.
“If individuals have different personal views, this does not reflect the official view of the Group nor that of other Plaid Cymru Gwynedd Councillors.
“As a Group, we encourage all individuals to play their part in protecting public health.”

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter