News

Laura Anne Jones defects to Reform as party surges in Wales

Published

8 months ago

July 22, 2025

A SENEDD Member has dramatically quit the Conservative Party and joined Reform UK, in a move being described as a “turning point” for right-wing politics in Wales.

Laura Anne Jones, who has represented South Wales East since 2021, made the announcement at the Royal Welsh Show on Monday (July 21). Her defection makes her the first Reform UK MS in the Welsh Parliament.

‘Conservatives are unrecognisable’

Jones said she could no longer defend the Conservatives on the doorstep, stating that the party had become “unrecognisable” from the one she joined more than 30 years ago.

“I’ve been a proud Conservative for most of my life, but the party has lost its way,” she said. “Reform UK offers the straight-talking, common-sense politics that people are crying out for.”

Her decision follows weeks of speculation, with Reform insiders claiming several Welsh Conservative figures are considering similar moves. The party is understood to be actively targeting disillusioned Tory voters and members across rural and working-class parts of Wales.

Reform rising in the polls

Recent polling shows Reform UK now polling between 24 and 29 per cent in Wales—matching or even outpacing Plaid Cymru and far ahead of Labour in some surveys. One recent poll placed Reform just one point ahead of Labour in the Senedd voting intention.

The shift comes as Labour support in Wales appears to be crumbling, with questions over the party’s leadership and its stance on issues such as farming, free speech and devolution.

With the Senedd due to expand from 60 to 96 members at the next election in 2026—under a new proportional voting system—smaller parties like Reform are expected to make significant gains.

A new force in Welsh politics

Reform UK’s appeal has grown in post-industrial communities and rural areas, particularly where voters feel left behind or ignored by both Labour and the Conservatives.

The party has gained ground in areas such as Bridgend, Wrexham and the South Wales Valleys, where traditional party loyalties have weakened. It has also attracted local councillors and grassroots campaigners disillusioned by mainstream politics.

Nigel Farage, Reform UK’s Honorary President, welcomed Jones to the party, calling her “a principled and courageous voice who will help put Wales back on the map.”

Not without controversy

Jones’ defection has not been without criticism. The Welsh Liberal Democrats described Reform UK as “a vehicle for failed Conservative politicians,” and said her record included previous scandals over WhatsApp messages and expense claims.

However, Reform UK officials say voters are more interested in the future than the past.

“The people of Wales are waking up,” one party source said. “They’re tired of broken promises. Reform is offering them a genuine alternative.”

2026 election in focus

With just under a year until the next Senedd election, and the introduction of proportional representation, Reform UK’s breakthrough could prove decisive.

The defection of a sitting MS gives the party its first foothold in Cardiff Bay—and may be the first of many.

Whether Reform can turn polling success into power remains to be seen, but one thing is now clear: the political map of Wales is changing.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

7 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

7 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

8 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.