News

Council leader will be elected biennially

Published

8 years ago

July 11, 2016

sized_39916601 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.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

21 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.