The Welsh Labour Government has come under scrutiny for its recent expenditure on the "Welsh Metaverse" project. Launched in May 2024, the initiative aims to showcase Welsh attractions in a virtual space, featuring elements like an historic castle and a cable car ride. A freedom of information request revealed the project's cost to be "less than £16,000," with an additional £30,000 allocated for promotion as part of the "Visit Wales" campaign, bringing the total to £46,000.
The project attracted only 4,800 visitors in its first two weeks, drawing criticism and calls for its termination from taxpayer advocacy groups due to perceived wastefulness amidst pressing public service needs.
Separately, Vaughan Gething, the Welsh First Minister, is facing a no-confidence vote in the Senedd on June 5, 2024. The motion, submitted by the Conservatives and supported by Plaid Cymru and the sole Liberal Democrat MS, follows controversies including accepting a £200,000 donation from a company owner with environmental convictions and the alleged deletion of WhatsApp messages during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially relevant to the UK COVID-19 inquiry.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, currently campaigning in Wales, has defended Gething, condemning the motion as political maneuvering. Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, criticized both the Conservatives and Labour, advocating for Welsh interests and highlighting Plaid's stance in the upcoming general election.