New MS says every constituent enquiry will be taken seriously as she opens doors to public

NEWLY elected Senedd Member Claire Archibald has pledged to be “available to all constituents” across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion after formally taking up her role representing the region.

Archibald, who was elected earlier this month, said she was “deeply grateful” to everyone who had placed their trust in her and promised to work hard on behalf of communities across west Wales.

In a statement issued following her election, the new MS said she intended to keep her offices open and accessible, with a focus on helping residents with day-to-day concerns.

Claire Archibald said: “I am honoured to have been selected as a representative for Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me.

“I want to be available to all constituents who need my support. My offices will be open, and every enquiry will be taken seriously. I will do my very best to help every single person here in our beautiful corner of Wales.”

Archibald said she entered politics because she believed Wales was “heading in the wrong direction” and wanted to help protect communities, family values and frontline services.

She added: “Above all, I want to make sure Cardiff Bay understands that rural communities matter too.”

Her comments are likely to resonate with many voters in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, where issues including healthcare access, farming pressures, transport links and cost-of-living concerns featured heavily during the Senedd election campaign.

Archibald joins the new intake of representatives following the first election held under Wales’ expanded Senedd system, with Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion now represented under the larger multi-member constituency model.

Taking office: Claire Archibald MS after being selected to represent Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion in the Senedd (Pic: Supplied).

Late councillor Mike Stoddart helped hold power to account for decades — now his daughter Tessa Hodgson leads the council he scrutinised

CLLR TESSA HODGSON’S election as Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council is historic for more than one reason.

Not only has the Lamphey councillor become the first woman to lead the authority, but her appointment also represents a remarkable full-circle moment in Pembrokeshire public life.

Cllr Hodgson is the daughter of the late Cllr Mike Stoddart — known to many readers as Old Grumpy — the fiercely independent councillor, campaigner and former journalist who spent years holding County Hall to account.

For decades, Mike Stoddart became one of the most recognisable and uncompromising figures in Pembrokeshire politics. Through forensic scrutiny of council spending, persistent Freedom of Information requests, and an unrelenting willingness to ask difficult questions, he built a reputation for challenging administrations of every political stripe.

Yet politics was only part of the family story.

Long before County Hall, the Stoddarts were newspaper people.

During the 1990s, Mike and his wife, Cllr Viv Stoddart — who still serves as a county councillor — were involved in running The Milford Mercury, the family newspaper business, where local journalism and public accountability went hand in hand.

The family earned a reputation for shining a light on local issues and asking awkward questions of those in power — an approach Mike later carried into council chambers with trademark determination.

In a twist few could have predicted, the daughter of one of Pembrokeshire County Council’s sharpest critics now finds herself leading the authority.

Cllr Hodgson was elected leader at the council’s Annual General Meeting on Friday (May 15), succeeding Cllr Jon Harvey, who did not seek re-election.

Following her appointment, she said: “It is a great honour to have been elected Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council.

“It is an important moment for the Council to elect the first woman to this position, but now the hard work begins.”

First elected in 2012, Cllr Hodgson has previously held Cabinet responsibility for social services, adult social care and safeguarding, and is expected to unveil her Cabinet in the coming days.

Her leadership will ultimately be judged on results rather than heritage.

But for many who remember the days of The Milford Mercury, and Mike Stoddart’s relentless battles with authority, there is something striking about the moment.

Pembrokeshire’s first female council leader comes from a family that spent decades questioning the people in charge.

Now, one of their own is in the hot seat.

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have unveiled their new shadow cabinet following the Senedd election on Thursday (May 7).

Party leader Darren Millar MS said the new team would “hold Wales’ new Plaid Cymru Government to account” while seeking to act as a “constructive opposition” in the Senedd.

Mr Millar said: “I am proud to unveil my new Welsh Conservative team in the Senedd.

“The team brings together a wealth of talent and experience. It will hold Wales’ new Plaid Cymru Government to account and work tirelessly for the people of Wales, speaking up on the issues that matter.

“We will be a constructive opposition party in the Senedd, seeking to work with others, where possible, to effect positive change across the nation.

“That will include continuing to make the case for lower taxes, an end to wasteful spending, and offering solutions to fix our public services.”

Under the appointments, Darren Millar remains leader of the Welsh Conservatives and also becomes Shadow Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans.

Paul Davies MS has been named Deputy Leader, Shadow Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Shadow Minister for the Welsh Language, Culture, Tourism and Sport.

Natasha Asghar MS becomes Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care, while Andrew RT Davies MS takes on the farming and environment brief.

Janet Finch-Saunders MS has been appointed Shadow Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy.

Peter Fox MS becomes Shadow Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities, while Sam Rowlands MS has been named Policy Director and Shadow Minister for Education, Families and the Constitution.