News

Historic by-election win and growing local power leave Welsh parties on alert

Published

1 year ago

May 2, 2025

Is Reform UK heading for the Senedd?

REFORM UK has shocked Westminster and sent tremors through political circles this week after securing its first-ever parliamentary by-election win in Runcorn and Helsby — by just six votes. Labour’s once-safe seat fell after a dramatic recount, and the result has triggered a wave of commentary and speculation across the UK.

But here in Wales, a bigger question now looms: is Reform on the march towards the Senedd?

Nigel Farage’s party isn’t stopping at parliamentary ambition. As celebrations broke out in Widnes and Greater Lincolnshire — where Dame Andrea Jenkyns swept into the mayoral office by over 40,000 votes — senior figures in Reform were already turning their attention to Wales.

A serious Senedd strategy

Reform UK is now openly targeting the 2026 Senedd elections. Their goal? To take advantage of the new electoral system and secure a sizeable bloc of seats in Cardiff Bay. With the chamber expanding from 60 to 96 members and moving to a closed proportional list system, the conditions are ripe for smaller parties to make major gains — especially those with growing national visibility and momentum.

Reform insiders have spoken of ambitions to win “20 to 40 seats” in the new Senedd. Their strategy includes setting up local associations, holding regional events across Wales, and recruiting candidates well ahead of the vote — a far more professional operation than in 2021, when they stood in just a few constituencies.

Crucially, the new system will reward strong second-place showings and broaden representation. With Reform finishing a close second to Labour in three major English mayoral contests this week, the signs are clear that their support base is not only wide but growing — particularly among those disillusioned with both Labour and the Conservatives.

Welsh political identity under pressure

In Wales, where national identity and devolution have traditionally shaped politics, Reform will face different challenges. But their messaging around immigration, cost of living, and public services has already struck a chord in Leave-voting and economically disadvantaged areas — including parts of South Wales, the North East, and coastal constituencies like Clwyd South and Delyn.

In those areas, Labour is watching nervously. Some internal polling, leaked to national media earlier this year, suggested that Reform could overtake Labour in parts of the former “red wall” in Wales. With support from both ex-Tories and working-class voters fed up with economic decline and political promises, Reform is pitching itself as the party of blunt answers and bold change.

Pembrokeshire in the frame?

So far, Reform has made limited inroads in West Wales — but that could change. Issues like NHS centralisation, rural crime, post-Brexit farming policy, and housing unaffordability have created fertile ground for anti-establishment sentiment.

Whether Reform can tap into that frustration depends on its ability to build local operations, recruit credible Welsh candidates, and engage seriously with devolved policy — not just reheated Westminster soundbites. That will be a major test for a party often accused of being too “English-focused.”

The verdict

Farage said this morning that Reform had “bitten quite hard” into Labour’s heartlands and claimed to have supplanted the Conservatives as the “main opposition party.” While that may be premature, what’s clear is that the political establishment is scrambling to respond to a new force that is no longer a protest vote.

In Wales, the challenge for Labour and Plaid Cymru is urgent. For now, Reform’s victories are in England — but their ambitions lie firmly across the border too.

Come 2026, Welsh voters may be offered something they haven’t seen before: Reform UK on the ballot for their Senedd. And based on this week’s results, it would be unwise to write them off.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

6 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

16 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

16 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.