News

Concern that ‘loophole’ would allow second home owners to stand for election in Wales

Published

1 year ago

November 21, 2023

CONCERNS have been raised about a “loophole” that would allow second home owners to stand for election to the Senedd.

Under the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) bill, anyone on the electoral register in Wales would qualify to be a candidate.

James Evans, for the Conservatives, questioned electoral administrators about the potential for candidates to game the system.

The Brecon and Radnorshire MS said: “Somebody could have a second home in Wales – be very lucky to afford one – and put that down as the address they register to vote at.

“They could live all their time in London or another part of the UK but, theoretically, they’d be on the electoral roll in Wales so they’d actually be eligible to stand in the Senedd election.

“I’m interested in your thoughts on that and how you think that could be mitigated in a way because it is a way of somebody finding a loophole around the system.”

During the previous Senedd term, Neil Hamilton, a former UKIP MS, represented Mid and West Wales despite living in Wiltshire.

PUBLIC TRUST

Colin Everett, chair of the Wales Electoral Coordination Board, told the Senedd’s reform committee: “Providing that the registration of the second home as well as the first was within the law for registration then legally that would not be improper.”

He added: “On the face of the bill, if somebody is registered at that address, it’s within Wales, it’s current and legal then they qualify.

“I would suggest that’s more for how parties think about how they advise their candidates about public confidence in them.”

Mr Evans, standing in for Conservative colleague Darren Millar, added: “Half way through a Senedd term, someone could say ‘I’m going to go and move to somewhere in England … but actually I’ll register my mother’s or friend’s address and I’ll say I’m staying there’.”

Mr Everett said in a previous police and crime commissioner election in Wales, somebody used a family member’s address and it led to public challenge.

“We had to consider legally whether it was valid and it was, and there wasn’t an election petition,” he told committee members. ”That echoed really the way public sentiment can feel – even if somebody has qualified legitimately under the law.”

CLOSED LIST

David Rees, who chairs the reform committee, raised concerns about how this would work under the bill’s proposed “closed-list” system.

The Labour MS for Aberavon explained: “Those local issues of that particular candidate may be lost as the candidate may be number two or three on the list.

“People may not realise what they’re voting for because you’re voting for a party, not necessarily an individual.

“It’s possible in the current system … that voters may not be aware of that.”

Mr Everett pointed out that candidates will need to provide their address as part of their nomination paperwork, saying: “If that’s not disclosed, the public might not be aware.

“But local knowledge is local knowledge, isn’t it?”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

17 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.