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.

PLAID CYMRU has taken a narrow lead over Reform UK in a new Senedd election poll, while Labour has fallen to fifth place in another warning sign for the party ahead of polling day.

The Find Out Now survey, carried out between April 18 and 22, puts Plaid Cymru on 29%, two points ahead of Reform UK on 27%.

The Welsh Conservatives are third on 13%, followed by the Green Party on 11%. Welsh Labour stands at 10%, with the Welsh Liberal Democrats on 6%.

The poll was commissioned by Plaid Cymru, although Find Out Now said the methodology was consistent with its previous Welsh polling.

It also found significant concern among voters about the future of the NHS under a Reform-led government.

Asked whether the NHS would be safe under Reform, 55% said no and 16% said yes. When undecided voters were removed, the split widened to 77% against and 23% in favour.

The findings are based on a sample of 2,012 adults across Great Britain, weighted to be representative of Wales by age, gender, region, Welsh language ability and 2024 general election vote.

Only voters who said they were “definitely” or “very likely” to vote were included in the headline figures. Those who initially answered “don’t know” were prompted again, with remaining undecided voters excluded from the final calculation.

The results come after a separate Ipsos poll, published earlier this week, also placed Plaid Cymru ahead.

That survey put Plaid on 30%, Reform UK on 25%, Labour on 15% and the Conservatives on 12%. Ipsos also found that 52% of voters said they may still change their mind before polling day.

Both polls suggest Plaid Cymru is leading the race for the Senedd, but they also point to a volatile contest, with Reform UK close behind and Labour struggling to recover support in what has historically been its Welsh heartland.

The latest figures underline the pressure on all parties as the campaign enters its final stages, with voters set to choose the next Senedd on Thursday, May 7.