News
All the candidates in Mid and South Pembrokeshire – who has got your vote?
Stephen Crabb (Conservative Party)

Stephen Crabb, the Conservative candidate for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, brings extensive experience and a strong local connection to his campaign. Crabb, who has served as the MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, emphasises his commitment to local issues and his track record of delivering results for his constituents. His platform includes a focus on economic development, particularly through initiatives like the Celtic Freeport, which he claims will bring significant investment and job opportunities to the area.
Crabb is also committed to improving local infrastructure. He highlights his efforts to secure better broadband services and town center regeneration projects, which he believes are crucial for boosting the local economy and improving the quality of life for residents. His campaign stresses the importance of local industry, including farming and tourism, and he pledges to continue supporting these sectors
Healthcare is another major focus of Crabb’s campaign. He positions himself as a defender of local health services, criticising the Welsh Labour government for what he describes as cuts to essential services. He promises to fight for better healthcare access and to ensure that local hospitals and clinics receive the funding and support they need.
Crabb also highlights his efforts to address environmental issues, including securing funding for coastal protection and promoting renewable energy projects. He aims to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, ensuring that new developments do not harm the natural beauty of Pembrokeshire.
Henry Tufnell (Labour Party)

Henry Tufnell, the Labour candidate, presents a platform focused on change and renewal. He criticises the Conservative government’s handling of the economy and public services, arguing that their policies have led to economic mismanagement and declining living standards. Tufnell promises a fresh start with a Labour government that will prioritise the needs of ordinary people over corporate interests.
Tufnell’s campaign emphasises the importance of cooperation between the UK and Welsh Labour governments. He believes that a unified Labour approach can bring better outcomes for Pembrokeshire, particularly in terms of economic development and public services. He advocates for policies that support local businesses and create good jobs, aiming to revitalise the local economy and reduce unemployment.
Healthcare is a central issue in Tufnell’s campaign. He promises to tackle the long waiting times and accessibility issues that residents face under the current system. By working closely with the Welsh Government, Tufnell aims to ensure that everyone in Pembrokeshire has timely access to high-quality healthcare services.
Education and social services are also key components of Tufnell’s platform. He pledges to invest in schools and social care, ensuring that these services are well-funded and can meet the needs of all residents. Tufnell believes that by strengthening these essential services, Pembrokeshire can become a more equitable and prosperous community.
Alistair Cameron (Liberal Democrats)

Alistair Cameron, the Liberal Democrat candidate, is campaigning on a platform of sustainable development and support for local industries. Cameron emphasises the need for quality local jobs that offer fair wages, and he believes that investing in green industries is the key to achieving this goal. He advocates for the development of offshore wind and green hydrogen projects off the Pembrokeshire coast, which he argues will create sustainable employment opportunities and help combat climate change.
Cameron also focuses on improving healthcare access. He highlights the frustrations many residents face with long waiting times and difficulty accessing GPs, NHS dentists, and hospital treatments. Cameron promises to fight for better healthcare services and ensure that residents can get the care they need without excessive delays.
Support for established local industries like tourism and farming is another priority for Cameron. He believes that these sectors are vital to the local economy and that they need more support to thrive. Cameron advocates for policies that make it easier for local businesses to trade with the EU, arguing that better trade relationships can help these industries grow and prosper.
Education and social services are also important to Cameron’s campaign. He pledges to work towards better funding for schools and social care services, ensuring that they can meet the needs of all residents. Cameron believes that by investing in these areas, Pembrokeshire can become a more vibrant and supportive community.
Cris Tomos (Plaid Cymru)

Cris Tomos, representing Plaid Cymru, focuses on strengthening Welsh autonomy and supporting local Welsh culture and language. Tomos advocates for better local governance, arguing that local communities should have more control over their own affairs. He believes that this will lead to more effective and responsive governance, better reflecting the needs and priorities of Pembrokeshire residents.
Tomos emphasises the importance of sustainable development, advocating for policies that promote environmental sustainability and protect natural resources. He supports initiatives that balance economic growth with environmental protection, ensuring that new developments do not harm the local environment. Tomos also aims to promote renewable energy projects, which he believes can create jobs and help combat climate change.
Healthcare is another key issue for Tomos. He promises to fight for better healthcare services and ensure that all residents have access to high-quality care. Tomos argues that the current system is failing many people, and he pledges to work towards a more efficient and effective healthcare system that meets the needs of everyone in Pembrokeshire.
Education and social services are also important to Tomos’s campaign. He advocates for better funding for schools and social care services, ensuring that they can provide the support that residents need. Tomos believes that by investing in these areas, Pembrokeshire can become a more equitable and prosperous community.
James Purchase (Green Party)

James Purchase, the Green Party candidate, focuses on environmental sustainability and social justice. His campaign emphasises the need to address climate change and promote renewable energy. Purchase advocates for policies that support the development of renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar power, arguing that these initiatives can create jobs and reduce carbon emissions.
Purchase also highlights the importance of protecting natural habitats and biodiversity. He supports measures to conserve local wildlife and natural landscapes, ensuring that Pembrokeshire’s natural beauty is preserved for future generations. Purchase believes that environmental protection and economic development can go hand in hand, and he advocates for sustainable development practices that do not harm the environment.
Social justice is another key component of Purchase’s platform. He pledges to fight for policies that reduce inequality and ensure that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Purchase advocates for better funding for public services, such as healthcare and education, and he believes that these services should be accessible to all residents, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Stuart Marchant (Reform UK)

Stuart Marchant represents Reform UK, focusing on reforming public policies and governance. His campaign includes reducing government bureaucracy and promoting free-market principles. Marchant argues that reducing the size of government and cutting red tape can lead to more efficient and effective governance, benefiting businesses and individuals alike.
Marchant also emphasises the importance of direct democracy and accountability. He advocates for measures that increase transparency in government decision-making and give citizens more control over their own affairs. Marchant believes that by empowering local communities, Pembrokeshire can become a more dynamic and responsive region.
Hanna Andersen (Women’s Equality Party)

Hanna Andersen from the Women’s Equality Party focuses on gender equality and social justice. Her campaign emphasises the need to close the gender pay gap and ensure that women have equal opportunities in all areas of life. Andersen advocates for policies that promote gender equality in the workplace and support women in achieving their full potential.
Andersen also highlights the importance of improving healthcare access for women. She argues that women often face unique health challenges and that the healthcare system should be more responsive to their needs. Andersen pledges to work towards better funding for women’s health services and ensure that all women have access to high-quality care.
Social justice is another key component of Andersen’s platform. She advocates for policies that promote equity and inclusion, ensuring that all residents have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Andersen believes that by addressing systemic inequalities, Pembrokeshire can become a more just and equitable community.
Vusi Siphika (Independent)

Vusi Siphika is running as an independent candidate, focusing on specific local issues and aiming to represent constituents without party-political constraints. Siphika’s campaign is less defined in terms of specific policies, but independent candidates typically emphasise direct community engagement and tailored local solutions. Siphika likely advocates for a more grassroots approach to governance, ensuring that the voices of all residents are heard and considered in decision-making.
Community
Fresh concern after new animal shootings in Milford Haven
RSPCA says police are also investigating after further reports in same town
FRESH concerns have been raised in Milford Haven following reports of new animal shootings in the town.
The RSPCA has confirmed it is aware of further incidents and said Dyfed-Powys Police are also believed to be involved.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “This is concerning and our hearts go out to anyone who has been affected by these incidents.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018 and refer to incident number 01751732 or please contact the police who are also investigating.”
The latest reports follow earlier incidents in the Hakin area, where cats and wildlife were targeted with an air gun.
Earlier this month, the RSPCA issued an appeal after a cat died after being shot for a second time. A pigeon was also put to sleep after being found with an airgun pellet injury, while several cats had previously been shot in the area.
The charity said anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine under the Animal Welfare Act.
Deliberately injuring or killing wild birds is also a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The RSPCA added that cats and wildlife are particularly vulnerable because they are often outside with nobody to protect them.
Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01751732, or contact Dyfed-Powys Police.
Farming
Anna Nicholl MS calls on Welsh Government to value farmers as equal partners
CEREDIGION Penfro MS Anna Nicholl has welcomed the Welsh Government’s broad ambition to strengthen rural resilience and sustainability, but has warned that farmers and local communities must be involved in shaping the detail if policies are to work in practice.
Speaking during a Senedd debate on June 23, Ms Nicholl referred to a recent visit to a farm in Pembrokeshire with the Farmers’ Union of Wales, where she heard first-hand about the significant challenges facing the sector.

She highlighted examples of farms working with Farming Connect to reduce emissions, boost biodiversity and increase profits at the same time.
Ms Nicholl welcomed some of the Government’s stated priorities, including tackling bovine TB, reforming nitrate vulnerable zone regulations and cutting red tape, saying they had given the industry “fresh hope”.
But she pressed ministers on how they would work with farmers when drawing up the detail of future policy.
In response, the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability said the Sustainable Farming Scheme was being refined following feedback, with an emphasis on working with the sector, making the system easier to navigate and offering greater long-term certainty.
Ms Nicholl said: “It’s clear that change is needed to respond to the climate and nature crises, but that change must happen with our rural communities, not against them.
“It’s not just farming that matters here – it’s about keeping our food system strong, supporting local businesses, and securing jobs in our rural areas.
“Farmers in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire want to see a system that is fair, simple to navigate, and provides real financial security, while also tackling the nature and climate crisis.
“It’s positive to hear that the Government is talking about less bureaucracy and more partnership. I look forward to seeing that happen in practice now.”
Photo caption: Anna Nicholl MS, Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion Penfro, on a farm visit in north Pembrokeshire arranged by the Farmers’ Union of Wales.
Local Government
Tenby Spectacular row continues as organisers say key question remains unanswered
Round Table says legal clarity over pedestrian access is still holding up event plan
TENBY ROUND TABLE has welcomed Pembrokeshire County Council’s statement that it wants the Tenby Summer Spectacular to go ahead, but says one key legal question remains unanswered.
The council said on Wednesday (Jun 24) that it had not requested or directed that the event should be cancelled, and that it wanted to see the Spectacular proceed if safety requirements could be met.
But organisers say they are still waiting for a detailed response from council officers on how pedestrian access to the licensed event area at Tenby Harbour can be lawfully managed.
Tenby Round Table said volunteer members were “working tirelessly” to prepare the information needed to finalise the Event Management Plan.
However, it said the final version could not be completed until the question of lawful pedestrian access had been answered by Pembrokeshire County Council.
In a statement, Tenby Round Table said: “We welcome Cllr Miller’s statement. We obviously share his desire to see these events go ahead, they are important for the community and for the charities that benefit from them.
“We would like to clarify the position of where we are in the process however. Volunteer members of Tenby Round Table are working tirelessly to prepare all the information required to finalise our Event Management Plan.
“The reason we cannot produce the final version of this is the one outstanding question, how pedestrian access to the licensed event area will be lawfully managed, which only PCC can answer.
“A detailed response to this, backed up with a legal framework, is what we have been waiting for nine months for from PCC.”
Round Table said its most recent email on the issue was sent on Monday and had not yet been acknowledged or answered.
It said that email was itself chasing a response which had already passed an extended deadline.
The statement added: “This response is the single most important element currently holding up our EMP submission and our ability to confirm the events can proceed.
“We would very much welcome Cllr Miller’s and Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall’s encouragement of the relevant PCC officers to respond by the deadline set, as to date this press release has been our only communication from PCC since our announcement.”
Earlier, Pembrokeshire County Council Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said the authority had supported the Spectacular for nearly 15 years and had not sought its cancellation.
He said: “The Spectacular is a much-loved event with significant number of attendees. As a result, we have an important duty to make sure the event can take place safely to address the concerns formally raised by the Responsible Authorities under the Licensing Act, which include the blue light services.
“Tenby Harbour is a working harbour and a key community asset – and just as every year this event needs to be licensed, and the organisers need to provide important information on how they plan to safely manage the event.”
Cllr Miller added: “As a council, we very much want this event to go ahead but we have to make sure the event is safe for the public, with the right safety measures in place.
“Once the organisers provide the required information, the Licensing Sub-Committee, currently scheduled for July, will consider the event application, in exactly the same way they consider the large number of other events which occur across Pembrokeshire each year.”
Local member Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall also said she wanted to see the Spectaculars go ahead.
She said: “It is important for locals and visitors alike to celebrate Tenby, have fun and raise money for worthy causes.
“I am really encouraged from meetings that I have had with senior officers that everyone is ready to do all that they can to enable these events to go ahead.”
The future of this year’s Tenby Spectaculars now appears to rest on whether the outstanding legal question over pedestrian access can be resolved in time for organisers to submit their final Event Management Plan ahead of the Licensing Sub-Committee hearing expected in July.
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