by DAVID NICHOLSON

BORIS JOHNSON was condemned today by trade unionists and Welsh Labour’s deputy leader Carolyn Harris following his election visit to north Wales yesterday.

Mr Johnson criticised education and health in Wales, claiming: “It would be so much better if the Senedd was run by Conservatives.”

GMB senior organiser for Wales Mike Payne said: “These are laughable claims, but we welcome the Prime Minister’s Damascene conversion to agreeing we should be investing more in schools and hospitals.

“If he is serious about improving schools and hospitals in Wales, he should reverse the austerity cuts imposed by his government and increase the block grant to Wales.”

Mr Johnson also remarked that he wants to see England and Wales working together better as one country.

Ms Harris said: “Finally, the cat’s out of the bag. This slip of the tongue by Boris Johnson shows the real Tory plans for Wales.

“Rather than basing decisions on the differing needs of each UK nation, the Tories in Wales would simply copy and paste policy from England.”

The PM was in north Wales to launch the Tories’ “new deal,” including a pledge for a dedicated minister for north Wales, despite that post already existing in the Welsh government.

He also faced criticism for reportedly saying that he would rather see “bodies pile high” than approve a third lockdown.

Ms Harris called on Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies and every Tory candidate for the Senedd to disown the remarks.  

“The Tory Senedd group leader must now immediately condemn the Prime Minister’s comments,” she said. “Indeed, every Tory candidate seeking votes should make it clear that Boris Johnson’s views are not welcome here in Wales.”