News

Former councillor banned for four years after racist voice note

Published

6 months ago

June 20, 2025

Edwards brought council into disrepute, tribunal rules

FORMER Pembrokeshire County Councillor Andrew Edwards has been disqualified from public office for four years following a tribunal ruling that found he breached the Code of Conduct by sending a racist voice note and making disrespectful remarks about members of the public.

The Adjudication Panel for Wales ruled unanimously this week that Mr Edwards, who represented Haverfordwest Prendergast until his resignation in 2023, had brought his office—and that of the council—into disrepute.

The decision, dated June 18, 2025, follows a referral from the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. Investigators found that Mr Edwards had sent a racist voice message to his then partner via WhatsApp, as well as disclosing confidential council business and making disrespectful comments about members of the public.

The tribunal, held by remote video link, concluded that Edwards had failed to show respect to others and had seriously undermined public trust.

The written judgment states: “The Case Tribunal concluded by unanimous decision that the former Councillor Edwards should be disqualified from acting as a councillor for any authority for a period of four years.”

The disqualification applies across Wales and prevents Edwards from standing for any council position until June 2029.

The voice note at the centre of the investigation was widely circulated in March 2023, prompting national outrage. In the recording, Edwards used a racial slur and made inflammatory comments about ethnic minorities. He later claimed to have no memory of recording the message and suggested it might have been tampered with, although this was never proven.

The incident led to his resignation from both the council and the Conservative Party.

The Herald understands that Edwards did not contest the tribunal’s findings. The case was determined on written representations and no appeal has yet been lodged with the High Court, although he has the right to seek leave.

The tribunal made no recommendations to Pembrokeshire County Council, but the authority and its Standards Committee have been formally notified of the ruling.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

1 hour 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

2 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

2 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.