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.

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.”