News
Council leader will be elected biennially
THE LEADER of Pembrokeshire County Council will be elected biennially, despite a bid to have the leader elected for a full term of Council.
At Thursday’s (Jul 7) Extraordinary Council meeting, Councillors discussed the constitution of the Council and a number of issues that were still outstanding.
Councillor Jacob Williams had called for the leader to be elected annually, saying it would improve accountability, but his amendment was defeated.
Deputy Leader, Councillor Keith Lewis, felt that due to the amount of work the leader undertook, the leader should be in office for a full term of Council.
However, his amendment was also defeated and the leader will still be elected biennially, as agreed by the Constitutional Issues Working Group.
Cllr Jacob Williams said: “This isn’t a process of challenge for challenge sake every year. If the leader incumbent is the only one put forward for nomination then of course there will be no contest – it’s just so there is a regular interval for the leadership of the Council.
“Two years ago, we had some arguments stating that continuity is key. Well, I say that you should have to earn continuity by having the support of your council.
“I think it would improve accountability because the leader isn’t voted for by the public and it will only take place at the AGM for an incumbent if he or she is challenged.”
Councillor David Lloyd seconded Cllr Williams, stating: “The argument behind it is purely one of openness and confidence. The leader has nothing to fear, as I’ve said before, and I think it adds a spirit of engagement with the workings of this authority and the leader should accept that.”
Cllr Keith Lewis said there needs to be a reasonable period for which a leader is elected, adding that there was a significant amount of work that the leader carries out.
He also moved an amendment that the leader should be in post throughout the full term of the Council.
Councillor Mike Stoddart said he supported an annual election, while Councillor Bob Kilmister said having the possibility of an election strengthened the leader’s position.
When it was put to a recorded vote, 18 councillors voted in favour of an annual election, but 28 voted against.
Speaking on Cllr Lewis’ amendment, Cllr Jacob Williams said: “The status quo from the Constitutional Issues Working Group was once every two years that the leader would be elected at the AGM, so Cllr Lewis’ suggestion would be an even more retrograde step.”
Cllr Lewis’ amendment for a termly election was then defeated, with 20 voting in favour but 24 voting against.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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