Welsh Senedd memebrs have approved the nomination of Catherine Mealing-Jones for Crown appointment as the new Auditor General for Wales.

The role is an essential, independent role in Welsh public life which ensures that public bodies manage their finances with efficiency and transparency to the highest standards of governance.

A public servant with over 30 years’ experience in public service including Director of Growth at the UK Space Agency and Chief Executive of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, Catherine is also a Chartered Public Finance Accountant.

“It’s an honour to be nominated as the new Auditor General for Wales and to have the opportunity to build on the great work of Adrian Crompton during his time in the role,” Catherine Mealing-Jones told The Pembrokeshire Herald. 

“Public services across Wales are facing real and growing pressures, so addressing them requires sustainable long‑term solutions and fresh approaches to ensure that all the people of Wales continue to receive the services they rely on.

“My priority will be to work closely with public sector partners to support their efforts to deliver for communities, maximise value for public money, and strengthen public trust through the highest standards of decision‑making, transparency and accountability.” 

“On behalf of the Finance Committee, I’m delighted to see Catherine appointed to this important role,” commented Peredur Owen Griffiths.

“She has shown a deep commitment to public service throughout her distinguished career, and has demonstrated the key attributes required of this position.

“The panel and the Committee were impressed with her experience and integrity, and feel she is very well-equipped to continue and develop the critical work undertaken by the Wales Audit Office.”

Catherine is expected to take up the post in July, when the current Auditor General, Adrian Crompton, stands down from office.

Party says transport and prevention key to improving health in west Wales

THE GREEN PARTY says tackling the root causes of ill-health must be a priority for the next Senedd following the publication of a new report on rural healthcare.

The report from Llais highlights the difficulties faced by many residents in rural west Wales when accessing health services. Campaigners say the findings will come as little surprise to communities who have long fought to protect local hospital services.

Members of the Green Party attended the Bronglais Mega Hug protest on February 7, supporting calls for stroke services to remain at Bronglais Hospital.

Amy Nicholass, the Ceredigion Penfro Green Party lead candidate in May’s Senedd election, said transport remains one of the biggest barriers to accessing healthcare in rural areas.

“Transport is recognised by Llais as one of the most important factors in accessing health services – or rather the lack of adequate transport, especially public transport,” she said.

“In the Green Party we have recognised this as an issue for a long time and we have policies that will address these problems.”

Nicholass also said the report highlights growing public demand for a stronger focus on preventing ill-health rather than simply treating illness once it occurs.

“Prevention is much cheaper than cure,” she said. “Prevention involves much more than what we might think of as healthcare. It means people having decent homes, healthy affordable food, and relationships, work or education that support good mental health.”

The party says that if elected to the Senedd in May, its representatives would push for healthcare services to remain closer to local communities while also tackling wider social factors affecting public health.

Speaking at the Bronglais protest, Nicholass added: “Every time consultations have happened – in 2012, 2022 and again in 2025 – residents in this rural part of Wales have felt sidelined. Judging by the crowd, we won’t be silenced and we won’t be sidelined.”

THE ROYAL WELSH Agricultural Society (RWAS) and the National Sheep Association (NSA) are collaborating to launch a new Welsh Sheep Village at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

Located on the site of the former NSA Pavilion, the village will celebrate the Welsh sheep industry’s importance. Including trade stands and educational activities, it’s designed to showcase innovation and good practice to farmers, whilst helping the wider public understanding of sheep farming and the vital role it plays in shaping our landscape and heritage.

Called Cynefin – Welsh for “habitat” or “place of belonging” – the village will reflect the deep connection between land, sheep farming, and community in Wales.

RWAS chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones, said: “Sheep farming and the generations of farmers who have worked the land have shaped our Welsh landscape. We are delighted to be working closely with the NSA to introduce this exciting new concept which celebrates our rich farming history.

“The sheep section already covers almost four acres of our showground, so it’s evidently a major part of the Royal Welsh Show. We host one of the largest and most diverse collection of sheep breeds of any show in the world and have world-class shearing and wool handling competitions.

“The new Sheep Village, alongside the Meirion Shearing Centre, the exhibition halls and the sheep ring, will further elevate the industry’s status.”

Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive, added:“Cynefin, the sheep village, is a new concept that gives NSA and RWAS an opportunity to introduce a fresh approach on how we profile sheep farming at the Royal Welsh Show. 

“One of the most valuable things we can do for the industry is to play our part in explaining and showcasing sheep farming to the public and celebrate the great innovation and technology that we use. 

“We have a great industry which is far more progressive than many realise and our approach to producing food and fibre works well alongside managing our landscape, providing for nature and maintaining rural communities and economies. 

“If we can do more to showcase this, then our new partnership venture at the Royal Welsh Show will be worthwhile.”

The popular NSA Bar and Restaurant will also form part of the new village, together with a new open air courtyard offering a welcoming space for farmers and showgoers to meet and relax.