News

Laura Anne Jones defects to Reform as party surges in Wales

Published

11 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.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

19 minutes 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

11 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

11 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.