People in Wales have reacted to the news that Mark Drakeford has a chalet in Pembrokeshire and many couldn't care less. The First Minister has revealed that he has owned a property in West Wales for over two decades, but has said it is not a second home.
Mr Drakeford was answering questions as he stood alongside Plaid's Adam Price to announce the latest element of their attempt to reduce the demand for second homes in rural parts of Wales. Both party leaders were then asked if they had a second home.
Mr Price said that as an MS for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, he had a home in his constituency and a property in Cardiff. Meanwhile, Mr Drakeford said he, or his family, had owned what he called a chalet in Pembrokeshire for 27 years, and had also used second homes.
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Referring to the property in Pembrokeshire, Mr Drakeford said: "Under the existing legislation and the legislation we're talking about today, it's not counted as a second home if it's somewhere you can't occupy the year round. Most people will be familiar listening to this, if you have a caravan you can occupy it between March and October but not the rest of the year.
"I have had, or our family has had, I think it will be 27 years this year, a chalet in Pembrokeshire which is occupied on the same terms. You can occupy it some of the year but not the rest of the year. I have got somewhere I'm able to go. I was there this weekend and hopefully there quite a bit more over the summer".
He was asked if he'd continue to use holiday homes, he said: "Yes, definitely, I was brought up going to Kiln Park in Tenby for our holiday so quite certainly I have, and many years in that way". Asked if he will still make use of one, he said he didn't have a second home "in the terms we're talking about today," adding that it is not an attack on anyone wanting to come to Wales and this was not motivated by people wanting to come here.
Following Mr Drakeford's comments, hundreds of people took to WalesOnline's Facebook page to express their views on the matter. While some accused the First Minister of being "a hypocrite", most of those who chose to comment said they had no issue with him owning the Pembrokeshire property and told those who disagreed to stop moaning.
Many commenters said that the chalet was clearly not a second home and was therefore not worthy of any criticism. Get the latest political news from WalesOnline sent straight to your inbox for free by singing up to our newsletters.
"A chalet is definitely NOT a second home," said Aarron White. "A second home is seven stone houses in a terrace right smack in the middle of my village where no one lives most of the year When the youngsters of my village don't have homes to bring up a family in, they don't want to live in a chalet thank you!"
Amanda Jesson agreed, writing: "If it's a purpose built holiday chalet, I don't see the problem, the same with caravans. It's when people buy homes which decrease the properties to buy, rent etc for people who live or work in the area that problems arise." Angela Jones said the chalet was "hardly a second home," while Sarah Williams wrote: "Give him a break".
There were some who chose to comment who disagreed, however. Some accused the First Minister of "exploiting a loophole" and claimed it "is one rule for them and another for us".
Martin-Price Paul-Morgan remarked: "What, does he keep chickens in it? Hypocritical or what." He added: "I am sure they will find a way to wriggle out of calling it a second home."
Emlyn Hallett wrote: "This man makes rules to suit his own agenda, it's a holiday home, pay your taxes," while Stephen Hudson claimed it was "the first loophole exposed." Meanwhile, Kaye Spry wrote: "It's them and us. All the way. Wake up people."
However, many others said the First Minister should be left alone, with some praising him for the job he had done throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Supporters referred to him as "trustworthy" and an "honest man" and told those criticising him to "stop moaning".
Dave Crooke wrote: "I love Mark Drakeford. He kept us all safe in the pandemic, I have absolutely no issue with him having a second home in Pembrokeshire and if I’m honest I think he deserves three or four houses. Diolch yn fawr Drakey."
"Trouble is when a genuine, truthful and trustworthy politician comes along people don’t value it," added Brendan Kelly. "People moaning about actual second homes issue when someone tries to do something he is attacked. His chalet is not a second home and neither is his shed on his allotment."
Kay Cartwright said Mr Drakeford had been "an honest man" while Diane Davies wrote: "Go and enjoy your weekends with your family Mark. You deserve precious time all you do for us." Jeff Bunce added: "Mark Drakeford deserves to have somewhere to rest up. Who has forgotten when Boris was partying, Mr Drakeford was living in a shed to protect his family."
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