Politics

Plans for crackdown on lying politicians unveiled

Published

1 year ago

February 21, 2025

A SENEDD committee unveiled plans to address deliberate deception by politicians but stopped short of recommending the creation of a new criminal or civil offence.

The standards committee called for in-house rules for Senedd Members to be strengthened and for an existing offence for candidates to be expanded to include deception.

Other recommendations included appointing non-politicians to make the committee, which is made up of Senedd Members from the main three parties, more independent.

In the 72-page report, the committee also recommended giving the standards commissioner powers to initiate investigations against Senedd Members without first needing a complaint.

As part of an inquiry on accountability, the committee published a separate report last month calling for a “recall” system to allow voters to remove Senedd Members between elections.

Under the proposals, Senedd Members would be required to correct the record and severe breaches of the code of conduct could lead to a “remove or replace” public vote.

However, the committee’s report is not the final word on the matter and the Welsh Government will formally respond to the 11 recommendations.

In July, Mick Antoniw, then-counsel general, the Welsh Government’s chief legal adviser, cut a last-minute deal to avoid defeat in a crunch vote on creating an offence of deception

Senedd counsel general Mick Antoniw — Labour MS Mick Antoniw

As a result, proposals tabled by Plaid Cymru’s Adam Price were withdrawn.

Mr Antoniw, now a member of the standards committee, committed to introducing legislation to disqualify politicians found guilty of deception through an independent judicial process.

Huw Irranca-Davies, the Deputy First Minister, reiterated this commitment in December.

During the inquiry, some witnesses warned that creating an offence would politicise the courts, lead to vexatious complaints and endanger free expression in the Senedd.

But others called for radical reform, with faith in democracy at an all-time low, calling for more independence to avoid the perception of politicians marking their own homework.

Hannah Blythyn, who chairs the standards committee, said strengthening rules for Senedd Members and candidates is critical at a time when public trust in politicians is low.

Hannah Blythyn, Welsh Government deputy minister for social partnership — Labour MS Hannah Blythyn

The Labour Senedd Member said: “Our report is putting forward recommendations to radically enhance our rules and make it clear to anyone who wants to hold public office that deliberately deceiving is not acceptable.

“By strengthening the law governing elections, toughening our code of conduct and giving more power and independence to those investigating complaints, we can start to rebuild public trust in our political institutions and support a parliament fit for the future.”

Sam Fowles, a barrister who is one of the architects of the initial proposals, welcomed the standards committee report but called for an independent tribunal to enforce the rules.

He said: “This report is, quite rightly, a rejection of the counsels of doom who say that demanding politicians are honest is just too difficult.”

But Dr Fowles, who has been involved in high-profile cases including the post office scandal and the prorogation of UK Parliament, stressed that the report is only the start of the process.

“The focus now switches back to the Welsh Government,” he said. “It has committed to a law which will genuinely penalise political liars before 2026.

“The standards committee has told them it can be done – the Welsh Government now needs to draft a law that isn’t just symbolic but genuinely effective.”

Jennifer Nadel, co-director of Compassion in Politics, a think tank which has been campaigning on the issue, warned that deliberate deception threatens democracy.

“This report puts Wales firmly at the forefront of the battle against political deception,” she said. “This proposal to make it a criminal offence for candidates to deceive the public, if adopted …, is a crucial first step in shoring up our democracy and restoring voters’ trust.”

But the journalist warned the report “falls short” of calling for Senedd Members to be subject to the same criminal sanction, instead relying on “beefing up” existing arrangements.

“We would like to see it go further in this respect,” she said. “Serving politicians should be under the same sanction for deliberate deception as candidates, not a lesser one.

“The Senedd is acting and we now call on Westminster to follow suit with a genuinely robust criminal offence to show it is serious about cleaning up politics.”

Plaid Cymru’s Peredur Owen Griffiths was in a minority of committee members in favour of a model that captures both Senedd Members and those standing for election.

South Wales East MS Peredur Owen Griffiths

Adam Price, Labour’s Lee Waters and Lib Dem Jane Dodds, observer members of the committee, argued the recommendations will be insufficient to meet the commitment.

Mr Price warned: “Self-regulation – with one group of politicians acting as judge and jury on the truth of another politician’s case – will not restore public trust, and is open to abuse.”

But he told the Senedd extending an offence for candidates to cover deception would make Wales the first democracy in the world to ban lying by politicians to win elections.

Ms Dodds said: “This report goes a long way in addressing major concerns that people have about the process of accountability in the Senedd…. Lack of action would prove to be a serious threat to democracy here in Wales.”

News

Accidental deaths in Wales rise by 43% as calls grow for urgent action

Published

5 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

More than 1,200 lives lost each year as charity warns of growing public health crisis

ACCIDENTAL deaths in Wales have risen by 43% over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people now dying each year, prompting calls for urgent action from the next Welsh Government.

New figures released by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) show that Wales now has a death rate 22% higher than the UK average, with preventable harm placing increasing pressure on the NHS and disproportionately affecting poorer communities.

Falls remain the leading cause of accidental death, accounting for nearly half of all fatalities. People in Wales are around 24% more likely to die from a fall than those elsewhere in the UK.

RoSPA has warned that the situation represents a growing public health crisis, as it launches its Stronger, Safer Wales manifesto ahead of the next Senedd election.

The charity is urging ministers to treat accident prevention as a national priority, arguing that many deaths could be avoided through relatively simple and low-cost interventions.

Accidental harm is also linked to a range of other risks, including rural road collisions, accidental poisonings, machinery incidents, and dog-related injuries.

The wider impact is significant, with preventable accidents costing the NHS billions, reducing workforce participation, and deepening inequality across Wales.

RoSPA is calling for a range of measures, including improved home safety standards, compulsory water safety education in schools, and stronger road safety interventions.

Among its proposals are mandatory eyesight tests for drivers every three years, better road markings to protect motorcyclists, and tighter regulation of unsafe or counterfeit products sold online.

The charity also wants to see national home safety programmes introduced to support vulnerable households, along with clearer responsibilities for local authorities in managing water safety risks.

Becky Hickman, Chief Executive of RoSPA, said the figures should act as a wake-up call for policymakers.

She said: “Wales is facing a clear and escalating crisis of accidental deaths, and the evidence shows the situation is worsening year on year.

“Behind every statistic is a life that could have been saved with practical, proven interventions.

“We are calling on the next Welsh Government to make accident prevention a national priority, because coordinated action will save lives, reduce inequalities and relieve pressure on the NHS.”

She added: “Accidents are not inevitable. With strong leadership and consistent standards across Wales, we can significantly reduce preventable harm.”

RoSPA says tackling the issue will require coordinated action across government, emergency services, local authorities and industry, but insists that the solutions are both achievable and cost-effective.

The charity’s manifesto is intended to shape future policy in Wales, with a focus on reducing avoidable deaths while easing pressure on overstretched public services.

Business

Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted

Published

14 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.

A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”

It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”

It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”

With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.

“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.

The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.

The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

16 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”