News

Councillor faces vote on job with Henry Tufnell MP

Published

1 year ago

February 14, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A SENIOR member of Pembrokeshire County Council will be able to speak and vote for himself in a forthcoming call for him not to be allowed to work for the local MP.

In a Notice of Motion submitted to the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Independent Group leader Cllr Huw Murphy appeared to target deputy leader of the Labour Group and Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies Cllr Joshua Beynon, the man who will present the county council’s budget.

In the registration of interests for the eight members of Leader Cllr Jon Harvey’s Cabinet, only Cllr Beynon lists a politician as an employer, in his case newly-elected Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell.

Cllr Murphy’s motion said: “While it is acceptable for Cabinet members to hold other employments, no serving county councillor should hold a Cabinet position within Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) while simultaneously being employed by a sitting Member of Parliament (MP) or Member of the Senedd (MS).

“Cabinet members hold executive responsibilities, and such dual roles risk potential conflicts of interest, particularly if Cabinet decisions conflict with the policies of their employer, often a political party. This concern is heightened in a council where most members are Independents.”

Cllr Murphy’s notice of motion was heard at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, where it was agreed the matter be referred to a future Constitutional Review Committee.

At Pembrokeshire County Council’s standards committee meeting of February 13, Cllr Beynon sought a dispensation to both vote and speak on the notice of motion, describing it as “a politically motivated effort to target my lawful employment as a Cabinet Member and a part-time parliamentary employee”.

“The assertion that such roles inherently create a conflict of interest is unfounded. My professional obligations are entirely distinct, and I have taken all necessary steps to ensure that no conflicts arise.”

He added: “To adopt such a motion would not only contravene established principles of fairness and freedom but also set a dangerous precedent of overreach by the council.”

At the February 13 meeting, chair Nick Watt said he had been a member of the committee since 2018 and had “never seen anything like this before”.

Cllr David Edwards – who moved Cllr Beynon be allowed to vote and speak on the matter – expressed his concerns: “I’m a bit concerned that what we seem to be addressing is an application by a member to be able to speak as a member of the county council just because he has a particular form of employment.”

He added: “I’m at a loss to see really why Cllr Beynon should need a dispensation to be able to work as a normal member. The motion, what it seeks to do is fetter the council leader as to his choice of who he has in his Cabinet; I find that a little bit difficult to get my head around as well.

“Having considered everything, I’m quite happy to support Cllr Beynon in what he’s seeking to do.”

He finished: “I find it difficult to see any reason to curtail a member’s rights to be able to speak on who should be appointed to any particular role in the authority.”

A voice of concern was raised by Moira Saunders, who said her only concern was “the public’s idea of what is happening,” adding there could be “a public worry about him [Cllr Beynon] voting and speaking on his own behalf”.

Members backed the proposal by five votes to one, with two abstentions.

Cllr Beynon will now be allowed to vote and speak on matters connected with this notice of motion.

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

12 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

Published

12 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

Published

12 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)