GoPros and Gourmet: Welsh Ministers Spend Big

In the latest display of government spending that makes your Microsoft Azure bill seem modest, the Welsh Labour Government racked up nearly £1.5 million on company cards during the 2022-23 financial year—an eye-watering 81% increase from the previous year’s £821,871. With expenses that raise a few eyebrows, it’s no wonder the use of these procurement cards is now under scrutiny.

Take the lavish dinners at Manhattan’s Zou Zou’s Restaurant, where bills of £7,949 and £15,933 were conveniently filed under "promotional activities." We can only assume this restaurant has been directly awarded the Welsh Government's “entertaining” contract—bypassing traditional procurement laws, of course. After all, when it comes to spending nearly £16k on Mediterranean dishes, who needs competitive tendering?

Not to be outdone, £5,158 was dropped at Soho House in West Hollywood—classified under "exhibitions and events,"—while a quick £178 at a Texas BBQ joint and £625 on Montreal limos ensured that the global tour was complete. Meanwhile, the procurement of GoPro cameras (to the tune of £2,912) suggests that documenting corporate hospitality in glorious high-definition is a priority.

The Welsh Government has defended the spending, claiming the cards are rigorously monitored with senior management approval and regular audits. But with splurges on restaurants, wine, and watersports gear, many are left questioning just how rigorous this monitoring really is.

In the end, these expenses are justified as part of the return to pre-pandemic promotional activities. Because, as we all know, nothing promotes Wales better than a Texas BBQ and a limo ride through Montreal.