Community

‘Give voters a greater say on replacing misbehaving politicians’

Published

2 months ago

November 19, 2024

CAMPAIGNERS called for voters to be given a say over who replaces Senedd politicians booted out of office for bad behaviour under a proposed system of recall.

Jessica Blair, director of the Electoral Reform Society (ERS) Cymru, supported calls for a recall system to allow voters to remove misbehaving politicians between elections.

But Ms Blair said voters should have a say over the replacement, warning an element of personal accountability will be lost with the Senedd’s new “closed-list” electoral system.

From 2026, people will vote for parties rather than individuals as Wales ditches first past the post in favour of a full form of proportional representation, with no by-elections being held.

Ms Blair said: “This idea of replacing someone with the next person on the list, it could be … from the voters’ perspective … seen as a party being rewarded for bad behaviour.”

Giving evidence to the Senedd’s standards committee, she added: “This shouldn’t be necessarily about parties keeping control, it should be about voters having their say.”

Labour’s Mick Antoniw pointed out it is the person, not the party, that has transgressed.

But Ms Blair said: “That could also reflect badly on the party or the way a party’s handled it, so I don’t think it’s necessarily as clear cut, as this is one person’s actions.”

She told the committee that three of the four UK Parliament by-elections triggered by recall petitions since 2019 were won by a different party.

She said: “Parties can be punished for an individual’s bad behaviour or it could be a reflection of changing political support post election. There doesn’t seem to be a real case for retaining that party’s seat, especially three years after an election, for example.”

The standards committee will make recommendations on how a recall mechanism should work in Wales as part of its inquiry on Senedd Members’ accountability.

Hannah Blythyn, who chairs the committee, asked witnesses whether the circumstances for recalling a Senedd member should be the same as Westminster.

Ms Blair suggested the triggers – a custodial sentence of less than 12 months, a suspension of at least ten sitting days, or an expenses offence conviction – make a good starting point.

Nia Thomas, ERS Cymru’s research officer, agreed rules should be the same for Senedd Members as councillors who can be removed if they do not attend meetings for six months.

Ms Blair added: “In any other job, you wouldn’t be able to do that? If I didn’t turn up to work … people would be like ‘what’s happening here?’, I think there has to be a line in the sand and I think a recall petition is probably appropriate in this instance.”

In an earlier evidence session on November 19, Clare Sim, of the Association of Electoral Administrators, warned against replicating Westminster’s “flawed” system of recall.

Ms Sim described the recall process as a massive administrative burden as she raised concerns about the cost to the public purse.

She argued recall petitions, which are open for six weeks in Westminster, should close once the threshold of 10% of the electorate signing has been met.

Mr Antoniw, the former counsel general, suggested a simple yes-no public vote on whether a politician should remain in office in place of a “pointless” two-stage process.

Colin Everett, chair of the Wales Electoral Co-ordination Board, said it could be a feasible alternative to reduce the administrative burden while protecting the voice of electors.

Ms Sim added that a minimum 25-day timetable would be required for a quasi by-election.

She warned of complications with the 32 constituencies used in July’s general election being paired to create 16 for the Senedd poll in 2026, with each returning six members.

She said: “We’re talking about potentially three-four authorities being involved … it’s far more complex than any other process anywhere else in the UK.”

Calling for consistency and simplicity, Mr Everett said electors would expect to be able to vote in person on a designated day or days, with a right to a postal or proxy vote.

He rejected suggestions the 10% threshold should need to be met in each of the paired constituencies, saying this would question why they were combined in the first place.

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service backs Register My Appliance Week

Published

23 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is supporting Register My Appliance Week (January 20–26) to help households stay informed about appliance safety and product recalls.

Millions of UK households are unaware of critical safety updates for their appliances, with over 40 million large appliances still unregistered. From brand-new purchases to second-hand machines, registering appliances ensures owners are alerted to any safety issues, extending their safe usage.

In the past year, MAWWFRS responded to 163 incidents involving white goods. Home Fire Safety Manager Wayne Thomas said:

“We all value how appliances have transformed our lives, but it’s essential to register them. Doing so is quick, free, and ensures you’re informed if a safety repair is needed. Just a few minutes spent registering can help you enjoy your appliances safely.”

The Register My Appliance portal, run by AMDEA, connects users with over 70 leading brands and accepts registrations for both new and older appliances.

Community

Young Musician Competition: Winners shine in prestigious event

Published

23 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX talented young musicians showcased their skills during the first round of the 2025 Young Musician competition, held at Bethesda Chapel in Narberth on Wednesday, January 15. The event, organized by the Narberth & Whitland Rotary Club, highlighted the exceptional abilities of these enthusiastic performers.

The evening’s instrumental category winner was harpist Alaw Elisa, representing Ysgol Bro Preseli. The vocalist winner, Max Morris, also represented Ysgol Bro Preseli, impressing the audience and judges alike with his outstanding performance.

Certificates were presented to the winners by Rotary Club President Paul, who expressed his gratitude to everyone involved. “A heartfelt thank you to the competitors, their teachers, parents, and the dedicated volunteers at Bethesda Chapel who made this event a success,” he said.

The Rotary Club looks forward to seeing these young musicians continue to excel as they progress to the next stages of the competition.

Talented winners: Alaw Elisa (Harp) and Max Morris (Vocalist) proudly represent Ysgol Bro Preseli. (Pic: Narberth & Whitland Rotary)

Community

Church in Wales grant sparks revival in youth ministryFor immediate release

Published

24 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

AN INNOVATIVE church project, funded by the Church in Wales, has sparked extraordinary growth in youth ministry, engaging more than 160 children across three coastal parishes. Just a year ago, only two children were involved.

The Faith Alive project from Bro Dwylan Ministry Area in the Diocese of Bangor combines regular family-friendly worship with hands-on activities for children and young people. A monthly Kids Club meets at the local community centre, offering Bible stories, arts and crafts, games, and a delicious picnic lunch provided by volunteers.

Alongside regular activities, the project runs seasonal events to involve people who may be new to church. Activities include summer rock-pooling sessions exploring God’s creation, led by Revd Andy Broadbent, who is also a marine biologist, Halloween celebrations focusing on Christian traditions, and interactive Christmas activities including nativity displays and craft workshops.

Funding has also enabled the creation of a welcoming family space at St Mary and Christ Church in Llanfairfechan, complete with comfortable seating, a Lego table, children’s toys, library, and art area.

The impact has been significant. Where previously only two children attended, the Ministry Area now regularly engages with over 160 children through its events, with additional hundreds reached through joint community initiatives. Several new families have become regular worship attendees.

Revd Andy says, “We wanted to create options for those new or familiar with church to join in as much or as little as they want while helping them to develop their faith. Thanks to Church in Wales funding families can now attend services that include easy-to-understand theology, and family-friendly worship with modern music and technology.

“It has given the congregation a real boost seeing that change is possible and that decline need not be the future. Our success story shows how targeted funding for innovative local ministry can revitalise rural churches and create more opportunities for young people to come to faith.”

Archbishop of Wales Andrew John says, “The success of Faith Alive shows what’s possible when we reimagine how we serve our communities. Bro Dwylan’s creative approach to ministry shows that churches can thrive through innovation and genuine engagement with families. This is exactly what Church in Wales funding aims to achieve – locally-grown initiatives that can inspire similar growth across Wales.”

Bishop of Bardsey David Morris says, “It has been wonderful to hear how the Faith Alive initiative, pioneered by the clergy and people of Bro Dwylan, has touched the lives of so many young people in local communities. We are hopeful the project will continue to grow in strength and impact, nurturing and deepening faith in the next generation.”

The Church in Wales’s Tier One funding stream provides grants of up to £10,000 for innovative local projects that can be replicated nationally, supporting the wider church’s mission to engage with modern communities.