Politics
Welsh Tories lead debate criticising Labour in Westminster

THE CONSERVATIVES criticised the UK Government’s record six months on from the general election, accusing Labour of doing “not a dickie bird” to stand up for Wales.
Darren Millar, leader of the Tories in the Senedd, said people were told Labour governments at both ends of the M4 would be great for Wales in the run up to July’s election.
But he warned: “What we’ve actually ended up with is a double whammy: broken promises and failing policies … alongside a passive, silent Labour Welsh Government unwilling to offer a squeak of criticism or lift a finger to defend the interests of the people of Wales.”
Leading a Tory debate, he said the new UK Government has hit farmers with inheritance tax, taken winter fuel allowance from pensioners and hiked national insurance for businesses.
Mr Millar told the Senedd that Welsh railways remain underfunded as he accused Labour of settling for “scraps” despite previously calling for billions of pounds from HS2.

Peter Fox, the Tory shadow rural affairs secretary, warned farmers have to deal with Labour governments “who either do not care or do not understand the needs of rural communities”.
Mr Fox, a farmer and former council leader who has represented Monmouth since 2021, criticised changes to agricultural property relief by the UK Government.
“It’s not a loophole,” he said. “It’s a carefully designed policy … to protect Britain’s family farms from being broken up.”
His colleague Natasha Asghar, who represents South Wales East, described a -45% approval rating for Keir Starmer’s government as “a tad generous”.

She said: “If this is just what the first six months of Sir Keir’s premiership look like, I sincerely dread to imagine what the next six months have in store for all of us.”
John Griffiths criticised the “usual la-la land” contribution from the Conservatives, pointing out the party did not get a single MP elected in Wales.
He said: “I think their real problem … is people’s memories are not as short as they think they are. When they talk about all these issues – not standing up for Wales, allegations about sleaze – people well remember those long Tory years, the 14 years of austerity.”
Lee Waters, a fellow Labour backbencher, told the Senedd: “This is like being stuck in a bad sixth-form debate.”

He said people in the UK lived through the “horror story” of a Tory party “at war with each other, embarrassing our country and making us a laughing stock abroad”.
Arguing Labour inherited a mess, Mr Waters accused the Conservatives of “playing footsie” with Elon Musk and “shamefully seizing” on rhetoric about grooming gangs.
Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan hit out at Conservative “hypocrisy” in tabling the debate and accused Labour of betraying voters since July’s election.
Ms Fychan raised the examples of the “cruel” two-child benefit cap, cuts to the winter fuel allowance and increases in national insurance contributions.

Her colleague Llyr Gruffydd accused Labour of breaking a promise, made in opposition, not to change inheritance tax rules on agriculture in its very first budget.
He said: “The unique nature of farming businesses means that the loss of relief will severely threaten the viability, and even, potentially, the survival, of many businesses.
“It’s not like forcing somebody just to sell off some assets; you’re forcing people, potentially, to sell off their livelihoods and the livelihoods of their future generations.”
Mark Drakeford criticised “dreadful” contributions from the Tory benches, saying: “You put a penny in the slot and out comes the speech. There’s not a minute’s thought behind it.”
Pointing out that Labour won 27 of 32 seats in Wales, the finance secretary said: “A result that the leader of the opposition … described as ‘lacklustre’.

“How much he must dream of a lacklustre performance by his own party, even though he sees exactly such a performance every day all around him.”
The former First Minister said the Conservative motion in front of the Senedd concentrated entirely on matters outside the Welsh Parliament’s responsibility.
Following the debate on January 15, Senedd Members voted 26-24 against the motion with Labour’s amended version agreed by the same margin.
News
Welsh Lib Dems call for expansion of free childcare across Wales

THE WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS have pledged to make childcare a central pillar of their platform ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections, with a bold new commitment to offer 30 hours of free childcare per week for all children aged nine months to four years old.
During a visit to Meithrinfa Y Pelican nursery in Cardiff on Thursday (Apr 4), party leader Jane Dodds MS set out the plans ahead of the party’s Spring Conference. She said tackling high childcare costs was essential not only to ease the cost-of-living crisis for families, but also to support the Welsh economy.
“The extortionate cost of childcare is one of the biggest challenges families face,” Dodds said. “It’s not only impacting child poverty rates, but it’s also dragging down our economy and preventing parents – especially women – from pursuing the careers they want.”
Dodds highlighted the party’s recent success in securing £30 million through budget negotiations to expand the Flying Start programme. This funding will provide childcare for all two-year-olds in Wales and increase the hourly rate to support providers. However, she said this was just the beginning.
“If we are in a position to shape government policy after the next election, we will go much further,” she added.
During the visit, nursery staff outlined the challenges facing childcare providers, including rising National Insurance contributions, increased energy and water bills, and general inflation. Many nurseries have had to raise their fees simply to maintain minimum staffing levels.
Dodds emphasised that a vote for the Welsh Liberal Democrats next year would be a vote to reduce childcare costs, help families through the cost-of-living crisis, and stimulate the Welsh economy.
“Every child deserves the best possible start in life, no matter their background,” she said.
News
Neyland councillor threatens legal action under Equalities Act

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL is once again under scrutiny following a strongly worded letter from Councillor David Devauden, who has accused the Town Clerk of discrimination and threatened multiple legal actions.

In an email sent to fellow councillors and members of the public on Tuesday (Apr 1), Cllr Devauden alleges breaches of the Equalities Act 2010, as well as libel and harassment, in connection with ongoing disputes within the council.
Claims of discrimination and legal threats
The email alleges that the Town Clerk, Libby Matthews, has engaged in what Cllr Devauden describes as “the illegal practice of discrimination” against himself and fellow councillors Brian Rothero and Steve Thomas. He claims the Clerk has refused to respond to correspondence and has shown bias in favour of certain councillors.
“This is called OPENNESS, something we, as a Council, were proud to proclaim but failed to act on,” he wrote.
Drawing on his past experience as a part-time paralegal, Cllr Devauden stated he specialised in libel and discrimination law and accused the Clerk of misandry and malicious communications. He claims the complaints against him lacked evidence and were nothing more than “a misandristic rant.”
Ultimatum to Clerk
Cllr Devauden issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Libby Matthews, demanding her resignation “with no compensation and no benefits.” He warned that if she did not comply, he would pursue a case under the Equalities Act 2010 and other legislation.
“If you resign immediately then I will cease taking legal action against the Council,” he stated, though he added he could not guarantee the same for civil proceedings relating to social media posts alleging sexual harassment and excessive email communications.
He also warned of intended complaints to police under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, and stated his intention to pursue a libel case under the Human Rights Act 1998 if the allegations made against him are not substantiated with evidence.
Tensions continue to mount
The letter follows weeks of controversy surrounding the council, including the co-option of the Clerk’s mother to the council, accusations of secrecy, and increasing public dissatisfaction with council leadership.
As of now, the Town Clerk has not publicly responded to the letter.
Upcoming tribunal
The Pembrokeshire Herald has found that Cllr David Devauden is due to face a tribunal under reference APW/005/2024-025/CT, brought by the Adjudication Panel for Wales.
The hearing relates to alleged breaches of paragraphs 4(b), 4(c), 6(1)(a), 6(1)(d), and 6(2) of the Code of Conduct, which outline the following responsibilities:
- 4(b): Councillors must show respect and consideration for others.
- 4(c): Councillors must not use bullying behaviour or harass any person.
- 6(1)(a): Councillors must not conduct themselves in a manner likely to bring their office or authority into disrepute.
- 6(1)(d): Councillors must not disclose confidential information contrary to legal or policy obligations.
- 6(2): Councillors must not make vexatious, malicious or frivolous complaints against others.
The relevant authority is Neyland Town Council. Further details about the hearing are expected to be released in due course.
More referrals expected
A source close to the council has indicated that further referrals to the Adjudication Panel for Wales may be forthcoming, although this has not yet appeared on the public tribunal list.
Former councillor Andrew Lye also stated he has made a police complaint regarding what he describes as bullying by Cllr Devauden. He has expressed frustration over a lack of response from Dyfed-Powys Police and is considering referring the force to the Ombudsman over their handling of the complaint.
The Pembrokeshire Herald will continue to monitor developments and report on the outcome of any legal action or council response.
News
Cost of living crisis hitting older people hard, warns Commissioner

NEW data from the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has revealed growing concern among older people across the country about the rising cost of living, with many being forced to cut back on essentials such as heating and food.
The findings come as household bills are set to rise again this week, sparking fears that older people will be pushed into further hardship, with serious risks to their health and well-being.
Polling carried out on behalf of the Commissioner shows that 90% of older people in Wales are now concerned about energy prices — a rise of nearly 20% compared to last year. Concerns over food prices have also grown, with 82% saying they are worried — up 14% on last year’s figures.
The survey also revealed that 70% of older people have reduced spending on heating their homes, and 60% have cut back on food.
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said the figures paint a bleak picture.
“These findings highlight that there are significant concerns about the cost of living amongst older people across Wales, and that many feel they have no option but to cut back on essentials such as energy or food in order to pay their bills,” she said.
“It’s important to remember what this means in reality – that older people are unable to afford to heat their homes properly or may find themselves going hungry, which both put people’s health at risk.”
She added: “With prices for many things set to rise again this week, these concerns are likely to increase, and people may be forced to cut back even further, creating greater financial pressures, as well as stress and anxiety, which also impacts upon well-being.”
The Commissioner also warned that the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment has worsened the situation, removing a vital source of support for many older people.
“These issues make it more likely that older people will find themselves in vulnerable situations and in need of care and support, which not only have a significant impact on individuals, but also add avoidable costs and pressures to already stretched public services.
“It is vital that the governments in Westminster and Cardiff Bay recognise this and take action to provide support to protect older people from harm.”
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