REFORM UK has faced criticism after a prominent Welsh political journalist said he was prevented from attending the party’s Senedd election manifesto launch.

Will Hayward, a well-known commentator on Welsh politics, revealed that he had been unable to attend the event despite making repeated requests for accreditation.

Hayward said he had attended and questioned the leaders of Plaid Cymru, Welsh Labour and the Welsh Conservatives at their respective campaign launches earlier in the same week, but was not granted access to Reform’s event.

The journalist said he had contacted the party to request details and accreditation in the usual way but did not receive confirmation allowing him to attend.

The situation has prompted political criticism from the Welsh Liberal Democrats, who accused Reform of hypocrisy over its stance on free speech and media scrutiny.

The party said the decision to block journalists from attending a major campaign event raised concerns about transparency during an election campaign.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats pointed to Reform’s previous criticism of Bangor University earlier this year, when party figures warned that institutions could face funding consequences after some students declined to participate in a political event involving the party. Reform representatives at the time said they were defending free speech.

Commenting on the manifesto launch issue, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said preventing journalists from attending campaign events was inconsistent with those claims.

She said: “Reform love to present themselves as defenders of free speech, but the moment a journalist might ask difficult questions they appear to resort to censorship.

“It is not free speech if you only allow people who agree with you to ask questions or take part.

“Just weeks ago they were threatening to ‘defund’ Bangor University in the name of free speech, yet now journalists are being blocked from attending their own manifesto launch.

“This isn’t about free speech, it is about control. Reform seem to want the freedom to say whatever they like without being challenged, while trying to silence those who might hold them to account.”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats also warned that limiting access to campaign events could undermine democratic accountability during the election period.

Some reports have suggested that certain organisations were offered entry to the event for a fee, though these claims have not been independently confirmed.

Reform UK has not publicly commented on the specific claims regarding the journalist’s exclusion.

Campaign launches and manifesto events are sometimes organised with restricted attendance due to venue capacity or accreditation arrangements, though political parties typically allow media access in order to enable coverage and questioning.

The controversy comes as parties across Wales step up campaigning ahead of the Senedd election in May.

Reform UK, led in Wales by Dan Thomas and supported by party figure Nigel Farage, is hoping to make significant gains at the election as polls suggest growing support for the party.

At the time of publication Reform had not responded to requests for comment regarding the journalist’s exclusion from the manifesto launch.

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.