News
Reform UK faces scrutiny ahead of Caerphilly rally as tensions rise in Wales
TENSIONS flared in Caerphilly on Saturday (Oct 18) as anti-racism campaigners and Reform UK supporters exchanged heated words ahead of Sunday’s high-profile rally featuring party deputy leader Richard Tice MP and Reform MP Lee Anderson.
Video footage shared online and seen by The Herald shows chanting and shouting between the two groups near Crescent Road car park, where Reform UK is due to hold its rally. Police were present at the scene and kept both sides apart.

In one clip, a protestor is heard leading chants of “We are a nation of sanctuary!”, drawing cheers from the left-hand crowd. Campaign group Stand Up To Racism Valleys claimed around 100 anti-racist protestors “vastly outnumbered” around ten right-wing demonstrators, describing the gathering as “a fantastic show of solidarity.”
The group said one man among the opposing crowd was linked to the far-right “White Vanguard” network — an allegation that has not been independently verified. Reform UK has not commented on the confrontation, and Gwent Police have not reported any arrests or injuries.
Party under pressure after TV controversy

The rally comes just days after Reform UK’s Welsh operation faced renewed scrutiny following an awkward exchange on S4C’s Y Byd yn ei Le programme.
During Thursday’s (Oct 16) broadcast, Gethin James, a former Senedd candidate expected to stand again next May, struggled to outline his party’s policies when pressed by presenter Catrin Haf Jones.
Asked what Reform was offering voters, Mr James replied: “Change.” When asked again what he meant by this, he said: “Look at things in a new way.”
Pressed further, he admitted: “We don’t have our policies out yet but they will be out soon.”
The exchange drew visible reactions from other panellists, including Plaid Cymru MS Delyth Jewell, Welsh Conservative MS Tom Giffard, and Labour MP Dame Nia Griffith, and was widely shared on social media.
Mr Giffard later described it as “the latest in a long line of disastrous interviews from soon-to-be Reform candidates,” adding that “Reform’s talent pool in Wales is Ozempic-thin.”
Ms Jewell said: “It was pretty clear that Reform have no answers to the issues affecting our communities and no policy proposals. The Caerphilly by-election is in five days’ time – people need answers now, not empty slogans.”
Reform UK has not responded publicly to the criticism but is continuing to campaign in Caerphilly, where internal polling suggests a tight race with Plaid Cymru.
High-stakes by-election
The Caerphilly by-election, triggered by the resignation of Labour MS Hefin David, is being closely watched across Wales as a potential indicator of Reform’s ability to convert national polling into votes.
Reform’s Welsh director David Thomas has urged supporters to turn out in force, calling Sunday’s rally “a major moment for our campaign.”
The party’s candidate, Llŷr Powell, has been joined by senior figures for door-to-door campaigning in the constituency.
Full list of declared candidates:
- Richard Tunnicliffe – Welsh Labour
- Lindsay Whittle – Plaid Cymru
- Llŷr Powell – Reform UK
- Gareth Potter – Welsh Conservatives
- Mike Hamilton – Welsh Liberal Democrats
- Amelia Womack – Green Party
- Steffan Thomas – Propel
Crime
70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach
A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.
Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.
The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.
Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.
Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.
Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.
“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.
The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.
Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.
“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.
When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”
Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”
As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”
A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.
Crime
Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order
A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.
The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.
The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.
It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.
A plea of not guilty was entered.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.
A reporting restriction remains in force.
Crime
Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site
A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.
Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.
The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.
Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.
Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.
The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.
The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.
The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.
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