Community

‘Give voters a greater say on replacing misbehaving politicians’

Published

1 year 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

Wales launches plan to become ‘Carer Aware’ nation

Published

3 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Consultation invites unpaid carers across the country to shape new national strategy

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has unveiled plans to make Wales a “Carer Aware” nation, with a new public consultation launched today (Monday, Feb 2) aimed at improving recognition and support for the country’s thousands of unpaid carers.

Ministers say the move is designed to ensure people who look after relatives, friends or neighbours are identified earlier and treated as partners in decisions about the care of their loved ones.

A draft National Strategy for Unpaid Carers has been developed with input from hundreds of carers and representative groups across Wales. It sets out eight key priorities, including better recognition of carers’ roles, improved access to respite and short breaks, stronger wellbeing support, and measures to prevent young carers from carrying too much responsibility.

Under the proposals, carers of all ages and backgrounds — including disabled carers and those in minority communities — would be able to access clear, local information and help when they need it.

Officials say earlier identification is critical, so carers can receive advice, financial guidance and emotional support from the start of their caring journey, rather than only at crisis point.

The strategy also stresses the need for sufficient alternative care arrangements to allow carers time to rest and protect their own health.

Dawn Bowden, Minister for Children and Social Care, said many carers do not even see themselves as carers.

“Too often, unpaid carers go unrecognised – even by themselves. They’re simply ‘looking after mum’ or ‘helping out a friend’, but caring can have a profound impact on people’s finances, careers, health and wellbeing,” she said.

“We want Wales to be a place where carers are identified early, where they know their rights, and where they’re treated as partners for the person they care for.

“This consultation is important in shaping a strategy which takes into full account how carers feel and how they’re supported. I’d encourage everyone with an interest to provide their views.”

The consultation is open now and runs until April 13, with responses helping to shape the final strategy and future support services across Wales.

People can take part online via the Welsh Government website.

Community

Flood alert issued for Pembrokeshire coast this evening

Published

4 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Luke Sinclair

Pembrokeshire residents are being urged to prepare for possible flooding along the coastline between St Dogmaels, Cardigan and Amroth, after Natural Resources Wales issued a Flood Alert.

The alert warns that rising water levels could pose a risk to homes, vehicles and livestock, and advises people to take precautions now. Authorities are reminding residents to follow their flood plans, check on family, friends and pets, and ensure essential items and documents are protected.

Residents are also advised to keep mobile phones charged, know how to turn off electricity, gas and water supplies, and prepare a small emergency bag with items such as medication, warm clothing, baby and pet care essentials, and insurance documents. Vehicles, livestock and equipment should be moved from areas likely to flood if possible.

Safety warnings are clear: do not drive or walk through floodwater. Just 30 cm (1 foot) of water can carry a car away, and 15 cm can knock a person off their feet.

For more information, residents can visit Natural Resources Wales – Flood Warnings, check river and sea levels online, or contact Floodline on 0345 988 1188 (quick dial 503013). Updates are also available via @NatResWales on social media.

Community

Lottery boost for HMS Erebus exhibition in Pembroke Dock

Published

5 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Heritage Centre secures £57,015 to mark 200 years since famous polar exploration ship was built in the town

THE PEMBROKE DOCK HERITAGE CENTRE has secured £57,015 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to create a major new exhibition celebrating the extraordinary story of HMS Erebus, one of the most famous exploration vessels ever built in Wales.

The exhibition, titled HMS Erebus: From Dockyard to Discovery, will open to the public on Monday 8 June 2026, marking exactly 200 years since the ship was launched at Pembroke Dock’s Royal Dockyard.

Constructed in 1826 by local shipwrights, Erebus stands as a powerful symbol of the town’s maritime heritage and the exceptional craftsmanship that once made Pembroke Dock a centre of naval excellence. From its origins in a small Welsh dockyard, the vessel went on to play a central role in some of the most significant expeditions of the nineteenth century.

She later served on the pioneering Ross Antarctic expedition before joining Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated Arctic voyage, where both ships and crew were lost. The dramatic rediscovery of the wreck beneath Arctic waters in 2014 reignited global interest in one of exploration’s greatest mysteries.

For the first time, rare artefacts recovered from the wreck — on loan from the Royal Navy Museum — will be displayed to the British public, offering visitors a direct and tangible connection to life on board and the harsh realities of polar exploration.

The new exhibition will also place Erebus within the wider story of the Georgian dockyard community that built her, highlighting Pembroke Dock’s role in Britain’s naval expansion and the skilled workforce that shaped its history.

Visitors can expect bilingual interpretation, digital interactives, an immersive Arctic diorama with a scale model of the ship, and dramatic underwater footage of the wreck site provided by Parks Canada. The displays will also link historic exploration with modern conversations about climate change and the fragility of polar environments.

Community engagement is central to the project. Local schools will help co-produce elements of the exhibition, while oral histories and shared memories will ensure the story reflects both the past and the present community.

Andrew White, Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund – Wales, said: “This project will help people better understand Pembroke Dock’s vital role in maritime history while creating new opportunities for communities to engage with their heritage in meaningful and inspiring ways. Thanks to National Lottery players, this exhibition will bring an internationally significant story back to the place where it began, ensuring it is shared with future generations.”

John Evans, Patron of Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, said: “We are thrilled to receive this support. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can preserve and celebrate a story of national and international importance, while re-establishing Pembroke Dock as a place of discovery, craftsmanship and exploration. By reconnecting HMS Erebus with the community that built her, we hope to inspire pride, learning and long-term cultural and economic benefit for the town.”

HMS Erebus: From Dockyard to Discovery opens on Monday 8 June 2026.