Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Davies declares himself a victim of prejudice

Paul Waugh
Tuesday 03 November 1998 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

RON DAVIES, the former secretary of state for Wales, prompted further speculation about his sexuality yesterday as he delivered a bitter attack on the media coverage of his political downfall.

In an emotional personal statement to a hushed House of Commons, Mr Davies said that the "twisted" reporting of the events that led to his resignation from the Cabinet had asserted lies and rumour as truth.

But in what was interpreted as his most explicit remarks yet on allegations about his sexuality, he announced: "We are what we are. We are all different, the products of our genes and our experiences. Members of Parliament are no different from the society we represent."

The Caerphilly MP apologised for the "severe error of judgement" that led to him being robbed after picking up a man in his car on Clapham Common, south London, last week.

Mr Davies also revealed that he had been bullied in childhood, a fact that was due last night to be covered in detail in a documentary by the Welsh language TV station, S4C.

Describing the affair as "unremittingly agonising", he said that the sadness of his resignation had been worsened by media intrusion.

"The whole of my adult life has been pored over for something which could be twisted to suit the present prejudice. Ultimately, this arbitrary abuse of power is not just an attack on me but on our rights," he said.

Mr Davies said that such coverage proved the need for a more "tolerant society" and warned that unless the media exercised its freedom more responsibly few people would be keen to stand for public office.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in