News

County Hall protesters call for resignation of councillor over alleged slave comments

Published

3 years ago

April 20, 2023

PROTESTERS have called for the immediate dismissal of a Pembrokeshire councillor accused of making racist ‘slave’ comments. The Stand Up to Racism West Wales protest was held today, April 20, outside County Hall in Haverfordwest. Around 20 people gathered at the entrance to the council building ahead of the April meeting of the council’s standards committee.

The protest follows the emergence of a recording where County Councillor Andrew Edwards, of the town’s Prendergast ward, is alleged to have said that every white man should have a black slave. Cllr Edwards, who was until recently a Conservative Party member of the council, is claimed to have made the comments in a recording which was sent to Pembrokeshire County Council’s monitoring officer.

Cllr Edwards has since withdrawn from the political group and referred himself to the Ombudsman. He is also now listed as not belonging to any political group, with reports suggesting he has been suspended from the party. Cllr Edwards, a former magistrate and school governor, is understood to have been identified by his voice.

Several people transcribed the recording, which is alleged to have contained the following comments: “Nothing wrong with the skin colour at all. I think all white men should have a black man as a slave, or black woman as a slave, you know. There’s nothing wrong with skin colour, it’s just that they’re lower class than us white people, you know.”

The context of the recording is not yet known, and Cllr Edwards has neither confirmed nor denied the allegation. Instead, he referred to a written statement in which he said, “I am aware of such serious allegations being made against me. This is why I have self-referred to the Public Services Ombudsman for an independent evaluation. It is now in the hands of legal experts and the Ombudsman. It would be unfair on the process for me to comment now.”

Stand Up to Racism West Wales is demanding the immediate dismissal or resignation of Cllr Edwards. The group is also calling for the councillor to be dismissed as a school governor and to be suspended as a Freemason. It is expected that any decision on a formal investigation by the Ombudsman will take several weeks, with the matter either referred to the county council’s own standards committee or to the Adjudication Panel for Wales.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

10 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

10 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

10 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.