THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE of the Celtic Freeport has stepped down less than two years after taking up the post.

Luciana Ciubotariu left her role on Wednesday (Apr 16), the Celtic Freeport confirmed.

No reason for her departure has been given. However, a spokesperson for the Celtic Freeport Board thanked Ms Ciubotariu for her work and said the organisation would provide an update on the recruitment of a new chief executive in due course.

Ms Ciubotariu, who previously served on the senior management team at Thames Freeport in London, joined the Celtic Freeport in May 2024. She oversaw the project during its early development and through key stages of approval.

Her departure comes only weeks after Neath Port Talbot Council agreed to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the UK Government, Welsh Government, Pembrokeshire County Council and Celtic Freeport Company Limited.

That agreement was designed to formalise Neath Port Talbot Council’s role as the accountable body for the freeport as the scheme moves into what has been described as its delivery phase.

The Celtic Freeport was officially launched in November 2024. It is a partnership involving Associated British Ports, Neath Port Talbot Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Port of Milford Haven.

Freeports are designated zones within the UK where different economic rules apply, including tax incentives for qualifying businesses, with the aim of encouraging investment and job creation.

In a statement, the Celtic Freeport said: “During her time as Chief Executive, Luciana led the organisation through the approval of its Full Business Case and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Government and Welsh Government.

“This will unlock £25 million of public investment for the Celtic Freeport and represents a significant milestone in the wider investment programme across the region.

“The Celtic Freeport Board would like to thank Luciana for her contribution to the development of the Celtic Freeport and wishes her every success in the future.

“Further updates regarding the recruitment of a new CEO will be shared in due course.”

Residents invited to honour people who make the town proud

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL is calling on residents to nominate local people for its Citizens’ Awards 2026.

The annual awards recognise individuals who make a positive difference in the community and help make Milford Haven a place people feel proud to call home.

In a public appeal, the council asked: “Who makes you feel proud of Milford Haven? Please let us know. It’s time to celebrate those who really need to be celebrated.”

Residents are being encouraged to put forward the names of people they believe deserve recognition for their contribution to the town.

The council has also made clear that previous award recipients cannot be considered for further awards.

A full list of past winners can be found on Milford Haven Town Council’s website.

Liz Saville Roberts says Prime Minister must go after claims Peter Mandelson failed security checks before being cleared by Foreign Office officials

SIR KEIR STARMER is facing fresh calls to quit after reports emerged that Lord Peter Mandelson initially failed security vetting before being appointed Britain’s ambassador to the United States.

Plaid Cymru has now joined the growing chorus demanding the Prime Minister’s resignation, with the party’s Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts accusing him of presiding over a scandal that strikes at the heart of trust, judgement and accountability in government.

The row erupted after reports claimed UK Security Vetting refused Mandelson clearance during the Developed Vetting process, only for officials at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to step in and override that decision. Days later, Mandelson was informed that he had passed.

Saville Roberts said the affair suggested political convenience had been allowed to trump proper scrutiny. She said the public had been misled and argued that if documents are now being kept back from Parliament, the damage to confidence in government will only deepen.

The controversy is especially serious because Starmer had previously insisted due process had been followed and that Mandelson had received independent security clearance for the role. Those assurances are now under intense pressure, with opposition parties demanding a full explanation of who knew about the failed vetting, and when.

Downing Street has responded by claiming that neither the Prime Minister nor ministers were told Mandelson had been granted Developed Vetting against official advice until earlier this week. A government spokesperson said the decision was taken by Foreign Office officials, not politicians, and said Starmer had ordered officials to establish the full facts before updating the House of Commons.

But the political fallout is intensifying fast. Mandelson’s appointment had already been mired in controversy because of his past links to Jeffrey Epstein, and the latest revelations have raised still more questions about why such a high-profile diplomatic posting was handled in this way.

For Plaid Cymru, the issue is no longer just about Mandelson. It is about whether the Prime Minister can still be believed when he says standards were upheld. With Westminster already braced for further document releases and more questions in Parliament, Labour now finds itself battling claims of a cover-up as well as a catastrophic failure of judgement.