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Reform UK comms chief caught using obscene slur about Welsh journalist

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Warning: This article contains highly offensive language.

REFORM UK’s head of communications, Ed Sumner, described one of Wales’ best-known political journalists with an obscene insult during an internal party WhatsApp discussion, leaked messages have revealed.

Screenshots seen this week show Sumner referring to investigative reporter and author Will Hayward as a “cunt” in a group chat involving several senior Reform figures earlier this year. The slur was used after Hayward questioned publicly on X why Reform UK had chosen not to name a Welsh leader ahead of the 2026 Senedd election.

In his post, Hayward argued that asking voters to support a party without knowing who would lead Wales was “disrespectful,” comparing it to entering a UK general election without knowing who the Prime Minister would be if a particular party won.

The internal chat included high-ranking Reform members such as Cllr David Thomas, the party’s Wales regional director, and Mark Reckless, former Brexit Party leader in Wales and now a key policy figure behind the scenes. Responding to Hayward’s comments, Reckless suggested the party should simply “ignore it/him.” Sumner replied: “Ignore him.” When Cllr Thomas asked what Hayward was like, Sumner responded with the offensive expletive. Thomas then reacted with a laughing emoji.

Nigel Farage is not believed to be a member of the WhatsApp group.

A senior Reform source, unhappy with the party’s handling of recent public rows, told us the messages represent “yet another embarrassment,” citing the recent Caerphilly by-election as an example of poor communication and management. The source said: “We let voters down. This is the last thing we needed.”

Hayward, who appears regularly on Times Radio, BBC and Sky News, and writes on Welsh politics for The Guardian, was informed of the remarks before publication.

Labour MS Alun Davies condemned the comments, calling them “pure poison” and saying they reveal “the sort of people at the heart of Reform.” He added that Farage should remove Sumner from his role, saying: “These people should not be anywhere close to our politics.”

The leak comes amid wider criticism of Reform UK’s approach to journalists. Earlier this month, Farage accused BBC Wales of political bias due to the previous career of the corporation’s interim director of nations, Rhuanedd Richards. A BBC spokesperson rejected the claim and said Richards is committed to impartiality.

Nation.Cymru also reported last week that a Reform-linked barrister attempted to pressure the outlet over previous coverage involving Sumner and the suspension of Reform MS Laura Anne Jones.

Last year, it emerged that Sumner had sent what were described as “hateful” and “sickening” messages to a Conservative group chat while working as a senior adviser, including derogatory comments on immigration, diversity, and sexuality, as well as jokes about a Member of the Senedd’s deceased father.

This same barrister was also reported to have approached The Guardian recently over its investigation into allegations about Nigel Farage’s conduct during his school years. Despite warnings that legal action would follow any report suggesting racist or antisemitic behaviour, The Guardian published its story on 18 November.

 

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

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A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

 

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Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

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A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

 

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Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

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YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.

 

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