REFORM UK Wales has announced its full list of candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin (Carmarthenshire) ahead of the Senedd election on Thursday, May 7.

Leading the list is Gareth Beer, the party’s Carmarthenshire chairman, a local businessman, father of four and Kidwelly town councillor. In the 2024 General Election, he came within around 1,500 votes of winning the Llanelli seat — Reform UK’s strongest result in Wales.

Beer said the party had assembled “a strong team of decent, hard-working people” ready to represent the county.

He said: “We have already started campaigning strongly across the constituency, and the reception we are receiving on the doorstep has been overwhelmingly positive.

“People have had enough of the lies they hear from politicians and want to give a new party a genuine chance to make real changes.”

He added that key issues raised by voters included NHS waiting lists, education standards, the economy and the cost of living.

Full candidate list

The Reform UK candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin are:

Gareth Beer – Businessman, Kidwelly town councillor and Carmarthenshire chairman for Reform UK.

Carmelo Colasanto – County and community councillor with a background in retail, compliance and multinational business operations.

Sarah Edwards – Retired dental professional and smallholder, known for campaigning on rural and environmental issues.

Christopher Brooke – Retired engineer and manager with more than four decades’ experience in manufacturing.

Alan Cole – Former senior corporate leader and business owner who has worked with small businesses across South Wales.

Michelle Beer – Marketing and PR professional and Reform UK county councillor for the Lliedi ward, elected in a 2025 by-election.

The party said the team brings experience from business, engineering, healthcare and public service.

Reform UK Wales said its campaign in Carmarthenshire would focus on reducing NHS waiting times, improving education, supporting small businesses and addressing the rising cost of living.

The party is positioning itself as an alternative to what it describes as the political “status quo” in Cardiff Bay.

Concerns grow over Withybush services as ministers insist decisions rest with health board

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has been accused of “ducking responsibility” and “hiding behind an unelected health board” amid growing concern over proposed NHS service changes in west Wales.

Samuel Kurtz MS and Paul Davies MS have criticised ministers following a formal response to their joint letter raising alarm about plans linked to Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Clinical Services Plan (CSP), which was approved at an extraordinary meeting in February.

The plan outlines significant changes to how services are delivered across the region, with implementation expected to begin in the next Senedd term and continue over several years.

In a reply dated March 26, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles confirmed that responsibility for planning and delivering NHS services lies with local health boards, adding that decisions on the CSP “rest with the health board.”

He also sought to reassure concerns about Withybush Hospital, stating that emergency department services were not included in the CSP decision.

However, the response has drawn sharp criticism from local politicians, who argue that the Welsh Government cannot distance itself from decisions affecting frontline care.

Paul Davies said: “This response is deeply disappointing but sadly not surprising. The Welsh Government is once again trying to pass the buck and avoid accountability by hiding behind an unelected health board.

“Let’s be absolutely clear – health boards are not independent actors. They are created, funded and directed by the Welsh Government. Ministers cannot wash their hands of decisions that will have such a profound impact on communities across west Wales.”

Samuel Kurtz echoed those concerns, warning that public confidence is being eroded.

“People in Pembrokeshire are rightly concerned about what these changes mean for local services, particularly at Withybush Hospital,” he said.

“Attempting to suggest that key services like the emergency department sit outside of these plans will do little to reassure the public, when we have seen services hollowed out and destabilised over the last decade.

“The Welsh Government must stop hiding behind process and start taking responsibility for the future of healthcare in our communities.”

The Herald understands that concerns remain widespread among residents and campaigners, particularly over the long-term future of hospital services in Pembrokeshire, with fears that centralisation could lead to longer travel times for urgent care.

Hywel Dda University Health Board has previously said the changes are designed to improve safety, sustainability and outcomes for patients, but the proposals continue to generate strong local opposition.

Party positions itself as ‘government-in-waiting’ ahead of May election

PLAID CYMRU has formally launched its campaign for the 2026 Senedd election, with leader Rhun ap Iorwerth declaring the vote a “historic opportunity” to end decades of Labour rule in Wales.

Speaking at the party’s national launch on Monday (Mar 30), he urged voters to “choose hope over division,” setting out Plaid’s ambition to become the largest party in the Senedd for the first time since devolution.

The election, due to take place on Thursday (May 7), is widely expected to be one of the most competitive in Welsh political history, with Plaid Cymru seeking to capitalise on growing dissatisfaction with public services and the cost of living.

Focus on health and families

At the centre of Plaid’s campaign is a pledge to improve NHS performance, with a particular emphasis on cutting waiting times and improving access to treatment.

The party also unveiled plans to expand childcare provision, including support packages it says could be worth up to £30,000 per family, alongside wider commitments to tackle child poverty and support working households.

Education reform was another key theme, with promises to raise standards and address long-standing concerns about attainment in Welsh schools.

Pitch for change

In his speech, Rhun ap Iorwerth framed the election as a clear choice between continuity under Labour and a new direction under Plaid Cymru.

He said the party was ready to govern and presented Plaid as a credible alternative capable of delivering practical improvements in people’s day-to-day lives.

Labour has led the Welsh Government since the Senedd was established in 1999, either alone or in cooperation with other parties.

Shifting strategy

Notably, Plaid Cymru’s campaign places less emphasis on Welsh independence than in previous elections, instead focusing on public services and economic pressures.

The Herald understands this reflects a deliberate effort to broaden the party’s appeal beyond its traditional base and attract voters concerned primarily with health, education and household finances.

Tight contest expected

Recent polling suggests the election could result in a fragmented Senedd, with no single party securing an outright majority.

Alongside Plaid Cymru and Welsh Labour, other parties are expected to play a significant role in determining the balance of power after May’s vote.

With just over five weeks until polling day, all parties are now expected to intensify their campaigns across Wales, as voters prepare to decide who will form the next Welsh Government.

Photos by Matthew Horwood