News

Conservatives target two seats in new Ceredigion Penfro constituency

Published

2 months ago

April 30, 2026

Paul Davies and Sam Kurtz say health, farming and transport are key as they seek return to the Senedd

CONSERVATIVE candidates Paul Davies and Sam Kurtz have set out their pitch to voters in the newly formed Ceredigion Penfro constituency, insisting they can both be elected under the Senedd’s new proportional voting system.

Speaking during a half-hour interview with Herald editor Tom Sinclair at the paper’s Milford Haven office, the pair emphasised experience, local visibility and a focus on health services as the cornerstone of their campaign ahead of polling day on Thursday (May 7).

Davies, who is placed first on the Conservative list, said the party had a “credible plan to fix Ceredigion Penfro and Wales,” with protecting local hospitals at the top of the agenda.

He warned that services at Withybush Hospital had been steadily eroded over many years and said further losses, including threats to general emergency surgery, would be “totally unacceptable”.

Kurtz, second on the list, said continuity and experience would be vital under the new system, arguing that voters would still need accessible representatives to deal with casework after the election.

He pointed to past campaigns, including securing a banking hub in south Pembrokeshire and lobbying on road safety and infrastructure, as evidence that opposition politicians could still get things done.

The candidates said their strategy was clear: secure around 20% of the vote — roughly one in five voters — to win two seats in the six-member constituency.

Davies said: “We can win two seats. Every vote counts under this system.”

Kurtz added that voters should not be persuaded by rival claims that the election was a straight fight between other parties.

“If you want Welsh Conservatives like Paul and I, you vote for us, and you will get us,” he said.

Reform challenge dismissed

Addressing the rise of Reform UK, Davies dismissed the party as “not conservative,” pointing to policy differences and internal issues with candidates.

He urged traditional Conservative voters to remain loyal if they wanted what he called genuine Conservative representation.

Kurtz said he understood that some voters were considering a protest vote, but argued that “serious times call for serious politicians.”

He said Wales needed strong leadership, and claimed voters in Ceredigion Penfro would be better served by representatives with an established record of local campaigning.

Asked whether the Conservatives would work with Reform after the election if that was the only way to remove Labour from power, Davies declined to give a firm commitment.

He said the party’s objective was to win as many Welsh Conservative seats as possible, adding that “the only deal” the Conservatives wanted was with the people of Wales.

Health and hospitals dominate

Both candidates repeatedly returned to healthcare as the dominant issue raised on the doorstep.

Davies said a Conservative government would declare a “health emergency” from day one, focusing resources on waiting lists, emergency departments and patients being treated in corridors.

He said the state of the Welsh NHS was unacceptable and blamed Labour’s long period in power, supported at different times by Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats, for failing to improve outcomes.

The future of Withybush Hospital was a central theme, with both candidates pledging not only to protect existing services but to restore some that have been lost.

Davies said the party had committed in its manifesto to protect stroke services at Bronglais Hospital and general emergency surgery at Withybush.

Kurtz said the issue was personal to him, as he was born at Withybush and members of his family had been treated there.

He said the original reasons for building Withybush — rurality, poor transport links, tourism pressures, heavy industry on the Haven and dangerous agricultural work — still existed today.

He added that the hospital needed certainty, saying the long-running debate over its future had made recruitment harder.

On GP access, Kurtz said the Conservatives would introduce a seven-day GP appointment guarantee, designed to move people away from the “8am rat race” of trying to secure a same-day appointment.

He said better access to primary care would also reduce pressure on A&E departments.

Farming and rural economy

On agriculture, Kurtz criticised delays to the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme, saying it had taken “far too long” to develop and still placed too much emphasis on environmental measures over food production.

He said there were good elements in the proposed scheme, including the principle of a whole-farm approach, but argued that food security and productivity needed to be placed at its heart.

Kurtz said global instability had shown the importance of domestic food production, and argued that Welsh farming should be seen as part of national security.

He said farming also supported Welsh language communities, rural schools, young farmers’ clubs, sports clubs and wider local economies.

Davies said a Conservative government would increase the farming budget by £100 million and tackle bovine TB, which he said had placed huge pressure on farmers for many years.

Asked whether he supported a badger cull in Wales, Kurtz said the response to bovine TB should be “science-led” and based on evidence.

He said targeted removal of infected wildlife had a role to play, while stressing that it was not a “silver bullet”.

Kurtz said the most urgent thing farmers needed from the next Welsh Government was stability after years of uncertainty over policy, payments and regulation.

Housing and second homes

On housing, Davies said increasing supply was essential, alongside strengthening the economy to help people afford homes.

He said Wales needed to return to being a “home-owning democracy” and that more ambitious housebuilding targets would be needed.

Kurtz highlighted Conservative proposals to cut stamp duty on primary residences, arguing that this would stimulate movement in the housing market and boost local trades and businesses.

Asked about second homes and holiday lets, Kurtz said the current 182-night threshold for self-catering accommodation was too high.

He said many genuine tourism businesses in weather-dependent rural areas were struggling to meet the requirement, and said the threshold should be brought closer to the HMRC figure of 105 nights.

Both candidates were critical of council tax premiums on second homes, arguing they had become too restrictive and had not necessarily released properties for local buyers.

Davies also opposed the proposed tourism tax, warning it could damage one of the area’s most important industries.

Energy, roads and rail

On renewable energy, Kurtz said the Conservatives were not opposed to green energy jobs, but objected to what he called the “industrialisation” of the countryside through large-scale wind, solar and pylon developments.

He said more attention should be given to the opportunities in the Celtic Sea, including floating offshore wind and the Celtic Freeport, rather than using good agricultural land for major energy schemes.

Transport was another major theme.

Davies reiterated his long-standing campaign to dual the A40 across west Wales, describing it as critical to economic growth, safety and connectivity.

He said it was unacceptable that major investment had been made elsewhere in Wales while west Wales continued to be left behind.

Kurtz said rural communities were often treated as an afterthought, pointing to rail investment decisions that he said had favoured south-east Wales.

He argued that schemes such as a new station at St Clears should have been prioritised and said investment should begin from rural areas outward, rather than always from Cardiff and Newport first.

Candidate records

Asked why voters should believe major change could happen now when Davies had already served for many years, he said the new voting system meant every vote counted in a way it had not done before.

He said areas where Conservatives previously had little chance of winning could now elect Welsh Conservative representatives.

Kurtz was asked how he would convince voters in Ceredigion that he was not simply a Pembrokeshire candidate.

He pointed to family links with Cardigan and Llandysul, his Welsh language ability, and his work on agricultural issues, saying voters in Ceredigion had recognised his record.

Both candidates said the size of the new constituency would be a challenge, but argued that their experience representing large rural areas would help them divide the workload effectively.

Closing pitch

In their final appeal, both candidates urged voters to back the Conservatives directly rather than viewing the election as a “two-horse race”.

Davies said voters who wanted Welsh Conservative representation should vote Welsh Conservative on Thursday (May 7).

Kurtz said reaching 20% was “hugely achievable” and would allow both men to continue their work in Cardiff Bay.

He added: “It’s your vote between you and the ballot box. If you want Paul and I re-elected, vote Welsh Conservative.”

Crime

Drug trafficker must repay £33,000 after court rules he made nearly £500,000

Published

31 minutes ago

June 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE drug trafficker jailed after a major cocaine and cannabis seizure has been ordered to repay more than £33,000.

Dean Evans, 44, returned to Swansea Crown Court for a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing after prosecutors sought to recover money made through his offending.

The court heard it had been agreed that Evans benefited from criminal conduct by £496,533.94. However, his available assets were calculated at £33,337.37.

Judge Catherine Richards made a confiscation order for that amount and gave Evans three months to pay. If he fails to do so, he faces a further year in prison.

Evans, of St Clements Park, Freystrop, is already serving an eight-year sentence after admitting possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis.

He was caught after Dyfed-Powys Police’s Roads Policing Unit stopped his Seat Ateca on Holyland Road, Pembroke, at around 10:25am on January 2.

Officers searched the vehicle after Evans admitted they would find “stuff” inside.

They discovered around one kilogram of cocaine in a cardboard box in the boot, together with 5.4 kilograms of cannabis in a black bin bag. The cannabis had been split into ten vacuum-sealed bags.

Swansea Crown Court was previously told the drugs had a combined potential street value of up to £185,000, made up of around £125,000 of cocaine and cannabis worth up to £60,000.

A mobile phone seized from Evans revealed what prosecutors described as a “dealer’s list”, with dozens of names and sums believed to be owed. Messages also showed Evans directing dealers below him in the supply chain.

At the original sentencing hearing, the court was told Evans had 23 previous convictions for 62 offences, including rape and robbery. His previous drug matters had related only to possession.

Sarah John, mitigating, said he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had stayed out of trouble for a “fairly lengthy period”, with his last conviction in 2016.

Jailing Evans for eight years, Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “You are clearly a man with few criminal boundaries.

“You ensnared users and low-level drug dealers into debt, dragging them into a vicious circle of criminality.”

After sentencing, DC Phill Jones, of Pembrokeshire’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, said illegal drugs brought misery to local communities and would not be tolerated.

He said: “This sentence should serve as a stark warning to any others who are tempted into the illegal drugs trade. You will get caught and you will go to prison.”

Photo caption: Drugs seized:

Dean Evans was caught with cocaine and cannabis worth up to £185,000 in his car (Pic: Dyfed-Powys Police).

Community

Government hails rural 4G boost as Tenby signal concerns continue

Published

2 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MINISTERS have hailed the rollout of dozens of 4G mast upgrades across rural Wales, but recent concerns in Tenby show mobile coverage remains a live issue in Pembrokeshire.

The UK Government says a further 11 mast upgrades have been switched on in Wales this year through the Shared Rural Network, bringing the Welsh total to 55.

The scheme is aimed at improving mobile coverage in hard-to-reach rural areas, helping residents, businesses and visitors stay connected and access help more quickly in an emergency.

Areas benefiting from the latest upgrades include Nant Gwynant in Snowdonia, Capel y Ffin near Abergavenny, Manafon near Welshpool, and several locations across Powys.

Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said the programme was helping bring “every part of the UK into the digital age”, while Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said reliable coverage was vital for rural communities and economic growth.

However, the announcement comes amid continuing concern about mobile phone coverage in Tenby, where residents and businesses have raised concerns about poor signal and mast-related issues.

Although the latest UK Government upgrades focus mainly on remote rural areas, the problems reported in Tenby highlight that connectivity remains a pressing issue in Pembrokeshire, particularly in coastal communities which see huge seasonal increases in visitor numbers.

Reliable mobile coverage is increasingly seen as essential for tourism businesses, delivery drivers, emergency services, residents and visitors who rely on phones for payments, bookings, navigation and safety.

The Shared Rural Network is a partnership between the UK Government and mobile network operators. Across Great Britain, more than 140 publicly funded 4G masts have now been activated.

The programme is due to continue until January 2027.

News

Puppy breeding investigations remain high in Carmarthenshire

Published

2 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CARMARTHENSHIRE remains Wales’ puppy breeding hotspot, despite a fall in the number of investigations carried out by the county council last year.

New figures obtained by RSPCA Cymru under the Freedom of Information Act show that Carmarthenshire County Council undertook 46 dog breeding investigations in 2025, down from 59 in 2024.

The number of prosecutions in the county also fell sharply, from 12 in 2024 to three in 2025.

Across Wales, however, the picture is different. Local authorities carried out 210 investigations into suspected irresponsible or illicit puppy trading in 2025, compared with 144 the previous year — a rise of 46%.

RSPCA Cymru is now calling on the Welsh Government to review dog breeding laws and ensure councils have the resources needed to tackle illegal and hidden breeding activity.

Local authorities are responsible for licensing dog breeding establishments, checking compliance with licence conditions, investigating illegal breeding and bringing prosecutions where necessary.

Billie-Jade Thomas, Senior Public Affairs Manager for RSPCA Cymru said: “With the number of investigations having increased significantly in 2025, it is encouraging to see local authorities working hard to investigate complaints relevant to dog breeding made to them by members of the public.

“Traditionally, Carmarthenshire is known as one of the UK’s hot spots for dog breeding activity and we welcome all efforts made by the council to improve the enforcement of the relevant regulations in the county.

“Prosecutions are also significantly down, which could suggest signs of improvement across Wales as a result of the proactive and advice-led approach being undertaken by many local authorities.

“However, some cases from 2025 will still be progressing this year, and we always fear there are many underground sellers undertaking irresponsible breeding practices and providing poor care behind closed doors. It is important that these efforts continue.”

In November, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet endorsed a series of recommendations following a Task and Finish Group review into dog breeding.

These included working with local vets to ensure they understand the requirements placed on licensed breeders, improving public knowledge about dog breeding, considering a compulsory scoring system for licensed breeders, and reviewing licensing fees.

RSPCA Cymru took part in the council’s consultation exercise. The review also made recommendations at a national level, including a review of current legislation, a centralised microchipping database, consideration of a national scoring system for breeders, and whether a national body is needed to support dog breeders.

Billie-Jade added: “We were really pleased to engage with this review and are encouraged that the council is looking at how to ensure high and consistent standards are enforced to protect welfare.

“Working with local vets and the public to enhance knowledge about dog breeding licensing locally will help spread information, while a compulsory scoring system could give people added confidence when buying from a breeder.

“But some of the national recommendations are really important too, and we hope the Welsh Government will take these on board and commit to a review of Wales’ dog breeding regulations to ensure they protect animal welfare.”

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen said: “Carmarthenshire County Council remains committed in its proactive efforts to address illegal dog breeding.

“We consistently collaborate with local vets, licensed breeders and the public to raise awareness and drive improvements in standards, always placing animal welfare at the forefront of our actions.

“By adopting intelligence-led enforcement and prioritising early intervention, we strive to prevent poor practices and support responsible breeders.

“Our robust approach to licensing and inspection, together with strong partnership working, enables us to address hidden breeding activity, safeguard animal welfare and foster public confidence in our methods.

“The recent Task and Finish review undertaken by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Place, Sustainability and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee has provided valuable recommendations that are shaping our local strategy.

“Furthermore, we are open and willing to engage with any national review of dog breeding regulations should the Welsh Government decide to advance that recommendation.”

New dog breeding laws came into force in Wales in 2015. They require anyone keeping three or more breeding bitches, or breeding three or more litters of puppies a year and selling any of them, to obtain a licence from their local council.

The RSPCA says the scale of dog breeding in Wales, and the age of the current legislation, means the rules now need to be reviewed.

Animal Licensing Wales, led by Monmouthshire County Council on behalf of Trading Standards Wales, supports councils with inspections, investigations and enforcement work.

Project Manager Zoe Phillips said: “While prosecutions have fallen, the increase in investigations shows that concerns are being identified and acted on more effectively.

“In many cases, local authorities are now intervening earlier, using advice, compliance work and targeted enforcement to improve standards before issues escalate to court.

“It is also important to recognise that some cases may still be progressing through the courts this year which are not yet reflected in annual figures.”

The RSPCA is urging anyone concerned about suspected illegal puppy selling to contact their local trading standards team.

Anyone with dog welfare concerns can contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

The charity also advises prospective puppy owners to use the free Puppy Contract, available at www.puppycontract.org.uk, and says people should consider adopting a rescue dog where possible.