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

Cllr marks 10th blood donation and urges others to give blood

Published

3 hours ago

May 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE councillor has urged more people to become blood donors after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.

Cllr Thomas Tudor said he was pleased to receive the recognition and encouraged anyone who is able to donate to come forward.

He said: “If you can give blood, please do so.”

The Welsh Blood Service says hospitals in Wales need around 350 blood donations every day to support patients in need.

A single donation can help up to three patients, as blood can be separated into different components and used in different ways to help people recover.

The service is calling for donors from all backgrounds, including first-time donors and those who have given blood before, to help maintain supplies for hospitals across Wales.

Giving blood is described as quick, simple and safe, and remains one of the most important ways members of the public can help save lives.

Anyone wishing to find out more can contact the Welsh Blood Service on 0800 252 266, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 7:00pm, or Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. They can also email [email protected].

Caption:

Cllr Thomas Tudor giving blood after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.

Community

Tenby lifeboats called out five times in ‘exceptionally busy’ week

Published

16 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Volunteer RNLI crews dealt with reports of people cut off by the tide, a vessel with engine failure and a possible kitesurfer in difficulty

TENBY lifeboat crews have been called out five times in a week, dealing with a series of incidents around the south Pembrokeshire coast.

The latest launch came just before 5:30pm on Sunday (May 3), when the inshore lifeboat was sent to Monkstone Point following a report that people may have been cut off by the tide.

As the volunteer crew arrived on scene, it was confirmed that the people were fishing and did not require assistance. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

The call-out was the station’s fifth shout of the week.

On Friday (May 1), the all-weather lifeboat launched shortly after 10:00am after the occupants of a 21ft pleasure boat reported engine failure between Lydstep and Giltar.

The lifeboat arrived around ten minutes later and found the vessel at risk of drifting onto rocks. The crew decided the safest option was to tow it back to Saundersfoot.

With the tide out, the vessel was moored in the bay and those on board were taken ashore using the lifeboat’s Y-boat, where they were met by Tenby Coastguard Rescue Team. The lifeboat returned to station at 11:25am.

On Wednesday (Apr 29), the inshore lifeboat was launched shortly after 4:30pm after a report that a kitesurfer appeared to be in difficulty between Tenby and Caldey Island. The crew searched the reported area and extended the search towards Giltar Point, but no one in difficulty was found.

Earlier in the week, both Tenby lifeboats were launched at 6:15pm on Monday (Apr 27) after a report that two people may have been cut off by the tide at Gilman Point, near Pendine.

The all-weather lifeboat arrived first, with choppy conditions slowing the inshore lifeboat. Coastguard rescue team members on the cliffs above directed the crew to two people on rocks.

The Y-boat was launched and the pair confirmed they were in difficulty. They were taken aboard and brought ashore at Pendine, where Coastguards were waiting. The inshore lifeboat also collected the casualties’ bags before returning them ashore.

The busy week came as three Tenby RNLI volunteers — Eddie, Alice and Jack — successfully completed their ALB tier one pass-out on Sunday.

Tenby Lifeboats RNLI congratulated the trio, saying: “Well done guys.”

Community

Whitland street food festival draws thousands for biggest event yet

Published

17 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Record crowds, live music and over 100 traders make bank holiday celebration a major success

THOUSANDS of visitors descended on Whitland on Sunday (May 3) as the Whitland Street Food Festival returned to Parc Dr Owen for what organisers described as its biggest and best event to date.

The annual festival, organised by Together Hendygwyn Gyda’n Gilydd CIC, brought together food traders, performers and community groups from across West Wales, with strong ticket sales suggesting attendance in the thousands.

Record scale and strong turnout

More than 30 street food vendors and over 80 market stalls filled the site, offering everything from Welsh produce and artisan goods to international cuisine, sweet treats and speciality drinks.

A large big-top tent provided covered seating for festivalgoers, while crowds gathered across the field to enjoy live music, entertainment and family attractions throughout the day.

Pre-event figures suggested over 1,300 tickets had already been sold, with some estimates rising closer to 1,800 — continuing the festival’s growth as a major regional attraction.

***Hit attraction: The Queen Hall’s famous cheese stall was at the event***

Music and entertainment headline the day

The event featured a full programme of live performances, culminating in a headline DJ set from BBC Radio 1 DJs Rickie and Melvin.

Local acts also played a central role, with performances from 4th Street, The Western Shires, P’tcheaow, The Home Shores and Just Dylan. Community groups including Ysgol Dyffryn Taf and Whitland & District Male Choir also took to the stage.

Visitors were entertained beyond the music, with live circus shows and interactive activities from Big Top Mania, alongside a popular hot wing challenge.

Family focus and community spirit

The festival placed a strong emphasis on being family-friendly, with a free bouncy castle, inflatable assault course and dedicated toddler area attracting younger visitors.

Across the site, a mix of families, groups and visitors from neighbouring counties created a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with many staying into the evening as entertainment continued.

Pure West Radio broadcast live from the event, interviewing traders, performers and attendees, capturing what many described as a “buzzing” and “fantastic” day.

***The event had a carnival atmosphere (Pic: Pure West Radio)***

Supporting local business and causes

Organisers said the festival was designed to celebrate local food, businesses and community spirit, while supporting independent traders and raising funds or awareness for local causes.

Charity presence on the day included Wales Air Ambulance, which hosted an awareness stand alongside the commercial stalls.

Whitland, a small Carmarthenshire town, has seen the festival grow into a key annual event, drawing visitors from across West Wales and providing a boost to the local economy.

Looking ahead

With strong attendance, a packed programme and widespread community involvement, the 2026 festival is expected to build further momentum for future events.

Organisers are likely to review this year’s success as they look ahead to an even bigger return in 2027.