News
Paul Davies confirms bid to become next Senedd Llywydd
Senior Conservative MS says he has the experience and procedural knowledge needed for the role
PAUL DAVIES has confirmed that he will put his name forward to become the next Llywydd of the Senedd following growing speculation after the Welsh election.
The former leader of the Welsh Conservatives and long-serving Member of the Senedd said he had decided to stand after discussions with colleagues and encouragement from others.
In a statement issued on Sunday (May 10), Davies said he believed he had the experience needed to champion the Welsh Parliament and oversee proceedings fairly.
He said: “There has been much speculation since the election about who will take on the role of the next Llywydd in the Senedd.
“I want make it clear that, after consultation with colleagues and having been urged to do so by others, I will be putting my name forward to be the next Presiding Officer.
“I have the experience to champion the Welsh Parliament and have a clear understanding of its Standing Orders and procedures.
“As the Temporary Presiding Officer in the previous Senedd, and as a former Committee Chair and Business Manager in the Welsh Parliament, I have the necessary skills to take on this important role.”
The role of Llywydd is one of the most senior positions in the Senedd, with responsibility for chairing debates, maintaining order in the chamber and ensuring parliamentary rules are followed.
Davies, who represents Ceredigion Penfro, has been a prominent figure in Welsh politics for many years and previously served as leader of the Welsh Conservatives.
Sam Kurtz disappointment
Davies’ announcement also comes against the backdrop of disappointment within Welsh Conservative circles after Sam Kurtz failed to win a seat.
Kurtz, the former Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS, had been placed second on the Conservative list in Ceredigion Penfro behind Davies.
That decision was controversial locally, with many party supporters believing Kurtz had built a stronger personal following in Pembrokeshire and was one of the party’s most visible and energetic campaigners in west Wales.
His failure to return to the Senedd is likely to be seen as one of the most significant Conservative casualties of the new electoral system, particularly given his profile in rural affairs, farming, tourism and local campaigning.
There is already speculation about Kurtz’s next move, including rumours that he could seek to stand for Parliament in the future.
However, speaking to The Herald at the declaration, Kurtz was tight-lipped about his plans and even suggested he may return to journalism.
Before entering politics, Kurtz worked in local journalism, including at The Pembrokeshire Herald and the Western Telegraph.
Davies said he was saddened that Kurtz had not been returned, describing him as a hard-working colleague who had given strong service to Pembrokeshire and west Wales.
The announcement comes as parties continue discussions following the historic 2026 Senedd election, which resulted in no overall majority and a dramatically reshaped Welsh political landscape.
Crime
Hakin man stole Tesco goods to fund drink and gambling addictions
A 35-YEAR-OLD man stole almost £800 worth of goods from Tesco Extra in Haverfordwest to fund his alcohol and gambling addictions, a court has heard.
Five thefts from same store
Luke Brunton, 35, visited the store on five separate occasions between February and May 2025, taking items including pillows, duvets, Lego sets, Pokémon cards, alcohol, crisps and a saucepan set.
The first theft took place on February 27, when Brunton stole four packs of pillows, a double duvet, a cool pillow, a cuddle cushion, a Batman Lego set and a BMW Lego set, worth £167.50.
On March 1 he returned and stole Pokémon cards valued at £144. Three days later, he stole Baileys, vodka, Jack Daniel’s, three pillows, crisps and a saucepan set, worth £192.69.
The final offence took place on May 21, when Brunton again stole alcohol, pillows and toilet roll. The value of those items was not given to the court.
Addictions reduced
Brunton, of St Lawrence Close, Hakin, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week, where he pleaded guilty to five charges of theft.
The court was told the offences also breached a conditional discharge imposed by Kent Court for previous theft matters.
His solicitor, Michael Kelleher, said: “At the time, he was drinking to excess and was also gambling to excess.
“The shoplifts funded those habits, both of which were addictions.”
Mr Kelleher said Brunton’s drinking and gambling had significantly reduced since the offending.
Brunton was sentenced to a 24-month community order. He must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 66 hours of unpaid work.
He must also pay £761.79 compensation to Tesco, a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.
Crime
Uxbridge motorist banned after Pembrokeshire drug-drive stop
Driver was heading home after visiting former girlfriend when police stopped him on the A477
A WEST London motorist has been banned after being caught driving on the A477 in Broadmoor with a cocaine metabolite and cannabis in his system.
Danny Small, 32, was stopped by police carrying out routine checks at around 11:30am on January 28.
After providing a positive roadside drug swipe, Small was taken to a police station, where blood tests showed he had 157mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system. The legal limit is 50mcg.
He also had 2.9mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2mcg.
Small, of Little London Close, Uxbridge, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, where he pleaded guilty to two drug-driving offences.
Probation officer Julie Norman told the bench that Small had been visiting his former girlfriend in Pembrokeshire and was driving home to Uxbridge at the time of the offence.
Ms Norman said Small was a regular cannabis and cocaine user.
“This helps treat his undiagnosed ADHD,” she said.
“He didn’t think the drugs would still have been in his system, as he’d consumed the drugs several days earlier. But drugs can often remain in the system for several weeks.”
Small was sentenced to a 12-month community order, during which he must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
He was fined £80 and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs. He was disqualified from driving for 15 months.
News
Uxbridge motorist banned after Pembrokeshire drug-drive stop
Driver was heading home after visiting former girlfriend when police stopped him on the A477
A WEST London motorist has been banned after being caught driving on the A477 in Broadmoor with a cocaine metabolite and cannabis in his system.
Danny Small, 32, was stopped by police carrying out routine checks at around 11:30am on January 28.
After providing a positive roadside drug swipe, Small was taken to a police station, where blood tests showed he had 157mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system. The legal limit is 50mcg.
He also had 2.9mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2mcg.
Small, of Little London Close, Uxbridge, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, where he pleaded guilty to two drug-driving offences.
Probation officer Julie Norman told the bench that Small had been visiting his former girlfriend in Pembrokeshire and was driving home to Uxbridge at the time of the offence.
Ms Norman said Small was a regular cannabis and cocaine user.
“This helps treat his undiagnosed ADHD,” she said.
“He didn’t think the drugs would still have been in his system, as he’d consumed the drugs several days earlier. But drugs can often remain in the system for several weeks.”
Small was sentenced to a 12-month community order, during which he must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
He was fined £80 and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs. He was disqualified from driving for 15 months.
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