News

Calls for new Dŵr Cymru CEO to rule out supporting water privatisation in Wales

Published

10 months ago

September 3, 2025

THE WELSH Liberal Democrats have urged the incoming Chief Executive of Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water to give a clear commitment that he will not back any moves towards water privatisation in Wales.

Roch Cheroux, who takes up the post later this year, previously served as Managing Director of Sydney Water in Australia. His appointment has prompted questions from campaigners and political opponents about whether his views align with Dŵr Cymru’s not-for-profit model.

Concerns centre on comments Mr Cheroux made during a 2021 industry podcast in which he suggested that privatising Sydney Water would “not change very much” for households as long as regulation remained in place. Independent analysis in Australia later estimated that a sale could have added between £90 and £140 to the average household bill each year, while depriving the public purse of hundreds of millions of pounds in revenue.

***Roch Cheroux, now at Welsh Water, previously served as Managing Director of Sydney Water in Australia (Image: Sydney Morning Herald)***

During his tenure, Sydney Water became embroiled in political debate after leaked government papers showed ministers exploring “privatisation by stealth.” Critics argue that Mr Cheroux’s remarks at the time lent weight to those seeking to downplay potential risks. Others, however, point out that no actual privatisation went ahead and that he was operating within a politically charged environment rather than advocating policy himself.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats also highlight reports from Australia that Mr Cheroux’s departure from Sydney Water followed tensions with government and union criticism of management culture. They argue that his record raises questions over leadership style and suitability for a public-interest organisation.

***David Chadwick MP: Says new Welsh Water boss has a “questionable” record in Australia***

Party spokesperson David Chadwick MP said: “It is vital that the incoming CEO of Dŵr Cymru categorically rules out any return to water privatisation in Wales, given his questionable record in Australia. Welsh households already face the highest water bills in the UK despite some of the lowest incomes. At the same time, Dŵr Cymru has one of the worst environmental records of any water company, with our rivers increasingly choked by raw sewage.”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have linked their concerns to wider issues of governance at Dŵr Cymru. The company, which is owned by a not-for-profit membership body, paid its outgoing chief executive £892,000 in 2021 despite continuing criticism over sewage discharges and high bills. The party says it would push for stricter limits on executive pay and stronger financial regulation if elected to the Senedd next year.

Dŵr Cymru, which supplies water to around three million people across Wales and parts of England, remains one of the few major UK utilities not privately owned. Its model has long been defended as prioritising public benefit over shareholder profit. Mr Cheroux, who has also held senior water industry posts in France and South Australia, has yet to comment publicly on the calls from the Liberal Democrats.

The Welsh Government is expected to gain new regulatory powers over the water sector in the coming years, meaning the political and public scrutiny over Dŵr Cymru’s leadership and direction is likely to intensify.

Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

News

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

Published

4 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene

A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.

The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.

A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”

A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.

The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.