News
Tory Welsh secretaries resolve electoral dilemma
FORMER Secretaries of State for Wales, Simon Hart and Stephen Crabb, have amicably resolved their potential electoral clash in the upcoming general election. This agreement has put an end to what could have been a contentious selection battle in the region of West Wales.
Amidst the recent redrawing of constituency boundaries in Wales, which has reduced the number of Welsh MPs from 40 to 32, speculation was rife about a possible showdown between Hart and Crabb. Hart, the current MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, and Crabb, representing Preseli Pembrokeshire, were both seen as potential contenders for a new seat.
However, sources from Nation.Cymru have confirmed that a mutual understanding has been reached. Simon Hart will contest the new seat of Caerfyrddin / Carmarthen, while Stephen Crabb will vie for the seat of Mid and South Pembrokeshire. A Welsh Conservative insider expressed relief at this outcome, highlighting the avoidance of a divisive selection process within the party.
The political landscape, however, remains challenging for the Conservative Party in both constituencies. According to the election predictor website, Electoral Calculus, the Labour Party holds a substantial lead in the polls. Projections suggest a Labour victory in both constituencies, with Henry Tufnell and Martha O’Neil leading in Mid and South Pembrokeshire and Caerfyrddin / Carmarthen, respectively.
Intriguingly, the predicted margins of victory underscore the impact of the Reform Party on Conservative prospects. Richard Tice, the Reform Party leader, has clarified that the party will not withdraw candidates to bolster Tory chances, potentially fracturing the conservative vote and benefiting Labour in marginal seats.
The predictions for Caerfyrddin / Carmarthen paint a bleaker picture for the Conservatives, with Simon Hart projected to finish third behind Labour’s O’Neil and Plaid Cymru’s Ann Davies. This forecast places Hart’s chances of victory at a mere 8%, further complicated by the potential candidacy of Jonathan Edwards, the current Independent MP.
Both Hart and Crabb have been influential figures within the Welsh Conservative Party. Crabb, an MP since 2005, served as Secretary of State for Wales from 2014 to 2016. Hart, elected in 2010, held the same position from 2019 until 2022 and is currently the Government Chief Whip. With the challenging electoral landscape in Caerfyrddin / Carmarthen, Hart reportedly has been assured of a seat in the House of Lords should he be unsuccessful in the election.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
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
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
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.
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