News

Reform councillor hits the ground running in Carmarthenshire

Published

6 months ago

June 9, 2025

Michelle Beer outlines first initiatives and vows to bring fresh energy to West Wales politics

REFORM UK councillor Michelle Beer has wasted no time settling into her new role after a shock by-election win in the Lliedi ward of Llanelli — launching a series of community initiatives and pledging to be “visible, accessible, and accountable” to local people.

Less than two weeks after her election to Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Beer has begun holding meetings with residents, responding to casework, and setting out her plans for the ward — including a new monthly litter-picking scheme and a pledge to host open-door surgeries.

Her first public surgery is due to take place on Monday, July 7 at Llanelli Town Hall from 10:00am to 11:30am.

“This isn’t about party politics — it’s about people,” said Cllr Beer. “Lliedi deserves a councillor who shows up, listens, and works hard. I’m already speaking with residents, local businesses, community groups and public service teams to understand where the problems are and how we can start addressing them together.”

Political shockwaves

Beer’s win — Reform UK’s first council seat in Carmarthenshire — has caused ripples beyond the ward. Her 42.6% share of the vote not only unseated Labour from a previously safe patch but has also raised questions about whether Reform’s support could now spread to other parts of South Wales.

“This result wasn’t just a protest,” a local Reform supporter told The Herald. “People feel let down by the status quo and are responding to someone who speaks plainly and turns up.”

Some Labour activists privately admit they were “caught off guard” by the scale of the swing, which saw their candidate pushed into second place with just 23.4% of the vote.

From ministry to council chamber

Cllr Beer’s journey into politics is far from conventional. A former marketing consultant and mother-of-four, she stepped away from business to attend the Bible College of Wales and support her family, including her husband Gareth — a Reform UK parliamentary candidate in 2024.

Now, she says, her focus is squarely on community service and delivering on local issues, not national debates.

“I’ve always believed in servant leadership,” she said. “That means being present, being transparent, and making decisions in the interests of the people who put their trust in you.”

Ward priorities

Top of her list are improvements to street cleanliness, stronger links with community policing teams, and exploring how local services can better support families and older residents.

She also plans to work closely with fellow Lliedi councillor Rob James — an independent — and says cross-party cooperation is essential: “I’m not here to argue for the sake of it. I want to work with anyone who puts Lliedi first.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.