News

Counts underway in historic Senedd election

Published

1 month ago

May 8, 2026

Wales waits for results as first election under new voting system reaches count stage

COUNTING is underway across Wales today as voters await the results of one of the most important Senedd elections since devolution.

Ballot boxes were opened this morning after polling stations closed at 10:00pm on Thursday (May 7), with all 16 new Senedd constituencies now counting votes under a completely changed electoral system.

For the first time, Wales is electing 96 Members of the Senedd, up from 60, with six MSs to be returned in each constituency.

Voters had one ballot paper and one vote, choosing a party or independent candidate rather than voting for an individual constituency candidate and a regional list, as happened under the previous system.

Seats will be allocated using the D’Hondt method, meaning the final results in each area may depend on narrow margins between parties.

The new system has also created new political battlegrounds, including Ceredigion Penfro, which brings together large parts of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Locally, attention will be on how Labour, Plaid Cymru, the Conservatives, Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats, Greens and independents perform in what has been one of the most unpredictable elections in recent Welsh history.

The election comes at a critical moment for Welsh politics, with Labour seeking to retain its long-standing dominance in Cardiff Bay, Plaid Cymru hoping to make major gains, Reform UK looking to break through, and the Conservatives fighting to hold ground after a difficult period nationally.

Because each constituency elects six members, the count is not simply a case of declaring one winner. Officials must calculate how many seats each party has won, and then allocate those seats to candidates in the order they appear on party lists.

That means list position is crucial. If a party wins one seat, its first-placed candidate is elected. If it wins two, the first two names on its list are returned.

Results are expected throughout Friday, although close contests and possible recounts could delay some declarations.

The outcome will determine not only who represents Wales in the next Senedd, but also who is best placed to form the next Welsh Government.

More to follow as results are declared.

Community

Milford Haven Sea Cadets celebrate offshore voyage success

Published

4 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SIX CADETS from Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets have completed a challenging week-long offshore voyage aboard T.S. John Jerwood.

The cadets took to the water for a demanding but enjoyable week, gaining a number of qualifications despite difficult weather conditions.

The unit congratulated all six cadets on their achievements and thanked the Sea Cadet Offshore team for making the voyage possible.

A spokesperson said: “Voyages like this are only made possible by the brilliant Sea Cadet Offshore team. Thank you for the amazing work you do to allow this amazing opportunity to be possible.

“BZ all!”

The Milford Haven unit also thanked West Wales District Sea Cadets, South West Area Sea Cadets, Sea Cadets Offshore, South West Area Senior Staff Officer, and RFCA for Wales for their support.

News

Nearly 100 attend Big Green Service at St Davids Cathedral

Published

6 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

COMMUNITY EVENT CELEBRATES FAITH, NATURE AND ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

NEARLY 100 people gathered at St Davids Cathedral for the Big Green Service, a celebration of faith, community action and care for the natural world.

The service brought together worshippers, local churches and chapels, members of the Cathedral congregation, and visitors from across the world.

Those taking part included EcoDewi, Erw Dewi, Hope Worship Band, the Cathedral Choristers, Canon Sheridan, Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, Mamgu Welshcakes, the refreshments team, Cathedral staff and volunteers.

Visitors also attended from California, Philadelphia, Belgium, Malaysia and Patagonia.

Organisers said the event was a reminder to be grateful for the planet and to continue working together to protect it for future generations.

Community

Tenby 10k raises more than £20,000 for Paul Sartori

Published

8 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A POPULAR Tenby road race has raised more than £20,000 for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

Runners and sponsors taking part in last year’s Tenby 10k raised £20,559.07 for the Pembrokeshire charity, which provides hospice care to people in their own homes.

The race, organised by Waterfront Community Runners, took place in October 2025 and was well supported by locals and visitors, who lined the route through the town to cheer on competitors.

Laura Hugman, Chief Executive of Paul Sartori, has now received the cheque, presented by a selection of those who took part in the event.

This year’s Tenby 10k will take place on Sunday, October 25, 2026, on a closed-road, two-lap course through the centre of Tenby.

More than 400 runners have already signed up, with entries now past 40 per cent capacity and organisers expecting the event to sell out again.

Anyone wishing to take part can enter at www.waterfrontcommunityrunners.co.uk.

All proceeds from this year’s race will again be donated to the Paul Sartori Foundation.

Caption:

Laura Hugman, Chief Executive of Paul Sartori, receives the cheque from Tenby 10k runners and organisers.