News
Welsh political arena reacts to Downing Street re-shuffle
IN AN UNPRECEDENTED move, former Prime Minister David Cameron has made a dramatic re-entry into UK politics, this time as Foreign Secretary, amid a major Cabinet reshuffle orchestrated by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The reshuffle, which has already stirred significant debate, sees the dismissal of Suella Braverman as Home Secretary.
James Cleverly, previously the Foreign Secretary, will step into Braverman’s role, marking a significant shift in the government’s structure. Cameron’s return is further accentuated by the announcement of his impending peerage, a move that has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.
The Welsh political arena has been abuzz with reactions, predominantly critical of the reshuffle. Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, Liz Saville Roberts, lambasted Sunak’s decision-making, drawing attention to the lack of democratic accountability and the government’s desperation to maintain power. She highlighted the irony in Cameron’s appointment, considering his historical stance on ‘unelected bureaucrats.’
Rhuna ap Iorwerth, also of Plaid Cymru, echoed similar sentiments, pointing out the chaotic nature of the Conservative cabinet and the need for a more stable governance in Wales.
Peredur Owen Griffiths, Member of Senedd for South Wales East, expressed relief at Braverman’s dismissal but criticized the delayed action. He emphasized the harm caused by her rhetoric, expressing hope that she would be permanently excluded from high office.
Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden, succinctly reacted with “About time too!” acknowledging the necessity of the change.
Labour MP Chris Bryant offered a more extensive critique, calling for a general election rather than a reshuffle. He pointed out the inefficiencies and paralyses caused by frequent ministerial changes and strongly opposed Cameron’s appointment, citing the current geopolitical instability.
Welsh Labour Member of the Senedd for Cardiff Central, Jenny Rathbone, welcomed Braverman’s sacking, condemning her recent controversial comments and overall conduct in office.
Rachel Garrick, Labour Councillor for Caldicot Castle County, highlighted the irony in Cameron’s return, given his previous stance on unelected officials. Kevin Brennan, Labour MP for Cardiff West, and Andrew Morgan, Labour Councillor and Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, shared similar sentiments, with Morgan even initiating a poll that overwhelmingly supported a general election over another reshuffle.
In contrast to the flurry of responses from Welsh politicians, the Welsh Conservatives have remained notably silent on the issue, neither engaging in social media discussion nor releasing an official statement.
This Cabinet reshuffle, particularly the reappointment of David Cameron, continues to dominate political discourse, with many viewing it as a pivotal moment in the current government’s tenure. The Pembrokeshire Herald will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
Entertainment
Dolly Parton to explore Welsh roots near Tenby in upcoming TV special
Country legend Dolly Parton, who has discovered her Welsh heritage, is set to explore her roots in an upcoming TV special. Although the 78-year-old 9 to 5 star was born in Tennessee, she recently learned that her ancestors hailed from near Tenby.
Dolly, accompanied by her family, will visit Wales, known for its rich singing tradition, as part of a four-part docu-series to be released next year. Her niece, singer Jada Star, shared that they traced their DNA back to Wales.
“Dolly is releasing a four-part docu-series about our roots and where we come from. There’ll be lots of footage from over there,” Jada revealed. She added that Dolly is just as glamorous in private as she appears in public. “I have never seen her unglammed in my life. She never wears slippers. Even when she’s lounging around her own house in PJ’s, she still wears Frederick’s fluffy Marabou high heel slip-ons. She has them in every colour to slip on when she’s relaxing at home.”
Following in her aunt’s footsteps, Jada will perform at Glastonbury next month. “Dolly is so excited for me,” she said. “Her main advice was, ‘Make sure to bring your rain boots’.”
Reflecting on Dolly’s memorable performance at Glastonbury in 2014, Jada noted that it gave her aunt “a new lease of life”. Jada’s new single, Keeper of My Heart, is out now.
Crime
Drink-driver ‘in blind panic’ to escape Haverfordwest pub
A CONSTRUCTION supervisor was so desperate to flee an alleged attacker who had accosted him inside a Haverfordwest pub that he drove his car from the pub car park despite being over the drink-drive limit.
This week Haverfordwest court heard how Gary Newell drove his black Kia Ceed out of The Bull Inn car park in Prendergast with the passenger door open. As he proceeded to drive down Church Lane, he was seen to collide with several vehicles, including a Nisson, a Vauxhall Insignia and a Ford transit van.
“He then abandoned the scene and fled,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“Police received multiple calls in relation to his driving and to the fact that he’d collided with other vehicles.”
Officers eventually tracked Newell, 35, down to St David’s Church where he was arrested and charged with drink-driving.
Newell, of Linnet Close, Bristol, pleaded guilty to a charge.
“There was an incident inside the pub and a person followed the defendant out and tried to get into his car,” said his solicitor, Michael Kelleher. “He’d already received cuts and bruises and was in a blind panic to get away from the situation.”
Mr Kelleher said that Newell was subsequently taken by officers to Withybush Hospital where he received treatment for his injuries.
“He remained on a drip and was put on temazepam,” added Mr Kelleher.
“After this incident he moved away to Bristol to get away from the problems here.”
Mr Kelleher said that Newell is currently employed as a supervisor for a construction firm.
Newell was disqualified from driving for a total of 14 months. He was fined £800 and ordered to pay a £320 surcharge and £85 costs.
Crime
Mother-of-two drove on cocaine despite drug-drive ban
A MOTHER-of-two who ‘took a chance’ by driving on cocaine despite being disqualified for a previous drug-drive conviction has been ordered off the roads for four years.
Appearing before Haverfordwest magistrates this week was 42-year-old Donna Jones who pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle when she was over the specified drug limit on cocaine and the cocaine derivative, benzoylecgonine.
She admitted additional charges of driving whilst disqualified and of using a vehicle without third party insurance.
Police officers saw Jones driving a Renault Clio through Narberth just before 11pm on November 10, 2023. When they stopped the vehicle, they noticed a strong smell of cannabis emanating from the interior of the car.
“Checks carried out by the officers showed that the defendant had been disqualified from driving until April 2025,” said Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker.
“Her previous convictions took place in 2018 and 2022.”
Meanwhile probation officer Julie Norman told the magistrates that on November 10, Jones had travelled to Pembrokeshire from her home in Belvedere Avenue, Carmarthen, to attend her god-daughter’s funeral.
“After the funeral she went back to the family home in Preseli and although she wasn’t drinking alcohol, she took some cocaine,” she said.
“She then drove back from Preseli to Carmarthen but she got lost and ended up in Narberth. That’s where the police found her. That day, she just took a chance.”
Jones was sentenced to 20 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months. She must also carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, She was banned from driving for a total of 48 months and must pay a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.
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