REFORM UK Wales leader Dan Thomas visited Llanelli over the weekend as the party continued its campaign ahead of next month’s Senedd election.

Mr Thomas was joined by Wales Director David Thomas, local candidates and party members for a day of canvassing and public engagement across the town.

The visit included Llanelli town centre, the market, St Elli Shopping Centre and doorstep conversations with residents.

Organisers said the day had been positive, with discussions covering local concerns and Reform UK’s policies for Wales.

Gareth Beer, lead candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin and Carmarthenshire branch chairman, said: “There is great momentum in the county and people are pleased to speak to us and hear about our policies.

“Many people see this election as an important one, and many who have been put off voting in the past are now considering Reform.

“That’s good to hear. There is a clear shift in this area away from the mainstream parties. We are relating to a diverse range of voters which other parties may be struggling to engage with.”

He added: “A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support the visit today. It is massively appreciated.”

Mr Thomas said: “It was a pleasure to support the Carmarthenshire candidates. The branch has outstanding, relatable and hard-working candidates who have been campaigning tirelessly for several weeks, getting out there to speak to as many residents as possible.

“I was particularly pleased to support the strong Llanelli campaign, where the team is working hard to connect with local people every day and to spread the word about what Reform will do for the people of Wales.”

Party members said they would continue door-knocking across Carmarthenshire, covering both rural communities and urban areas.

During the visit, campaigners also highlighted concerns about the future of Llanelli town centre, which they said was quieter than expected for a Saturday.

Reform UK Wales says its policies include support for small businesses, changes to business rates, measures to help independent retailers and hospitality venues, and regeneration plans aimed at bringing shoppers and businesses back into town centres.

The party’s wider Senedd election pledges include cutting 1p from every band of Welsh income tax, scrapping the default 20mph speed limit in built-up areas, supporting major infrastructure projects including the M4 relief road, and improving public services.

The Senedd election takes place on Thursday, 7 May.

ALLEGATION COMES AHEAD OF SENEDD ELECTION AS ROYAL MAIL SAYS IT WILL NOT TOLERATE DELIBERATE NON-DELIVERY

ROYAL MAIL has launched an investigation after a postal worker allegedly claimed online that he had dumped Reform UK campaign leaflets in a bin.

The allegation emerged after a post appeared in a private Facebook group for Royal Mail staff, reportedly saying: “My DO had reform party’s D2D today. I dumped them all in a bin. They can sack me!”

The abbreviations are understood to refer to a delivery office and door-to-door election material.

Royal Mail has not confirmed where the alleged incident took place, and there is currently no evidence that a Welsh delivery office is involved.

However, the claim has emerged less than two weeks before voters in Wales go to the polls in the Senedd election on Thursday, May 7.

Reform UK has written to Royal Mail demanding an investigation, after the screenshot was circulated online. The party has claimed the alleged destruction or non-delivery of its campaign material would represent a serious breach of Royal Mail’s duty to deliver political literature fairly.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said it was right that Royal Mail had launched a full investigation into the allegation.

He said that, if found to be true, it would be “very disturbing” and an attack on the democratic process.

Royal Mail said it plays a crucial role in elections and takes that responsibility seriously.

A spokesperson said the company does not tolerate the deliberate non-delivery of mail and is investigating the allegation. Royal Mail also said it remains committed to impartial delivery for all candidates.

The Facebook group where the alleged comment appeared is understood to be a private group for Royal Mail employees, partners and members of the Communication Workers Union.

Reform UK has asked Royal Mail for a full explanation and wants to know what disciplinary action will be taken if the allegation is proven.

The party has also asked for assurances that its future campaign deliveries will be properly monitored and protected from any repeat incident.

The Herald understands that the delivery office involved has not been publicly identified.

There is no suggestion at this stage that any Reform UK election material in Wales has been affected.

The allegation comes during a heated campaign period in Wales, with Reform UK hoping to make major gains at the Senedd election.

Voters across Wales will elect 96 Members of the Senedd under a new electoral system on May 7. Reform UK, Labour, Plaid Cymru, the Welsh Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens and smaller parties are all campaigning for votes.

Royal Mail is commonly used to distribute election leaflets and party campaign material across the UK.

Any proven failure to deliver political literature impartially would raise serious questions about trust in the election process.

Royal Mail has not said when its investigation will conclude.

A MILFORD HAVEN father has successfully completed the London Marathon today in memory of his son, while raising money for Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice.

Johnathan Crimmins crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 4:04:14, with a halfway split of 2:42:06, in what he described as both a physical and emotional challenge.

He took on the marathon in honour of his son Kieran, who died seven years ago at the age of 21 following a battle with his mental health.

Speaking ahead of the run, Johnathan said the experience of losing his son had shown him how precious time with children can be.

He said: “Sadly seven years ago I lost my son, Kieran, at the age of 21 following a battle with his mental health. So, I know all too well the importance of being able to spend time with your children, as time is precious and not always guaranteed.

“By being able to run for Tŷ Hafan, I know that not only will I be raising awareness of Tŷ Hafan and what they do, but also raising valuable funds which will ensure that families will be supported and enabled to spend quality time together during their children’s short lives.”

This was Johnathan’s fifth full marathon and his third time running the London Marathon, adding to a long list of fundraising challenges including half marathons and even skydives.

He also spoke candidly about the personal challenge behind the run, having been diagnosed with severe PTSD following the discovery of his son alongside his daughter.

He said: “This will be a significant challenge for myself… so I will also be running in Kieran’s memory.”

Tŷ Hafan supports children with life-shortening conditions and their families across Wales, helping them make the most of the time they have together.

Johnathan’s achievement has been praised locally, with many recognising both the physical effort involved and the powerful cause behind his run.