News

Ceredigion: Liberal Democrats hold seat

Published

11 years ago

May 8, 2015

Re-elected: Liberal Democrat Mark Williams

MARK WILLIAMS has once again been elected as the MP for Ceredigion. The Liberal Democrats proved popular amongst the voters across the county gaining 35.85% share with 13,414 votes.

Second place went to Mike Parker for Plaid Cymru who gained 27.65% of the vote with 10,347.

Henrietta Hensher for Conservative managed to bag 4,123 votes with 11.02% share and spoke of how ‘hectic’ it has been juggling politics and business commenting: “Any MP who says they sleep the night before is a big fat liar, I was awake at 4am, 3am and 2am.”

UKIP’s Gethin James came in ahead of Labour’s Huw Thomas by just over a couple of hundred votes gaining 10.23% share with 3,829 crosses to his name. The Herald caught up with Mr James prior to the results when he said that he was expecting a 10% share in Ceredigion which he thought was realistic compared to the 2.6% in the last election. “It will probably increase four fold.”

When asked if he would do it again he did not hesitate in saying yes but would like to see more people on the ground but that’s difficult with a budget as little as £1,200.

Mr James agreed that he’s had some negative experiences whilst canvassing but said: We are a bit like Marmite, if people don’t like us, they’re quite happy to tell us.”

Huw Thomas for Labour gained 9.66% of the vote with 3,615 overall. He said he was pleased with the increase in votes for the party since the last Parliamentary Election when Richard Boudier received 2,210.

Daniel Thompson for The Green Party told the Herald that he thinks the outcome was a positive move forward for the Green Party. The ‘Greens’ received exactly three times more votes than last time with 2,088 votes gaining a 5.58% share.

Mr Williams did not want to comment before the results and it was said that he does not like to turn up too early to these things because the nerves get the better of him. During his speech he thanked polling staff for their hard work, he thanked Dyfed-Powys Police for their support on the evening and also thanked his fellow candidates and wished them well for the future. He then went on to thank Elizabeth Evans, his campaign manager who he had joked earlier in the evening often gets mistaken for his wife and finished by saying: “It’s one thing to win by a big majority which is a huge honour and privilege in itself. I will do my best for everybody in this county, as I have done for the past few years, and I look forward to the months and years ahead.”

Ceredigion is the only Lib Dem constituency in Wales.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.