News

Crabb selected as Conservative candidate in new Mid and South Pembs seat

Published

3 months ago

January 28, 2024

STEPHEN CRABB the current MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire has been selected in a meeting held on Friday (26 Jan) by Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion Conservative Federation to stand as the local Welsh Conservative candidate at the next general election.

With major changes to existing parliamentary seat boundaries taking effect at the next general election, Crabb will now enter the contest hoping to secure a majority in the new Mid and South Pembrokeshire seat.

Stephen is an influential local and national political figure and has served his home constituency since winning in 2005. He increased his majority at the last election in 2019 securing a majority of 5,062. He has served as Secretary of State for Wales, and is currently Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee which cross-examines ministers on the impact of Government spending and policies on Wales. He has recently led inquiries into the scandal of sewage pollution in Wales and the problems at Welsh broadcaster S4C. Stephen has a reputation at Westminster for being able to work across party lines and build effective teams.

Growing up in Haverfordwest, Stephen benefitted from being part of a close-knit community, received an excellent education at Tasker Milward School, and had the security of living in good quality Council housing in Portfield Avenue. A keen sportsman, Stephen captained Tasker Milward 1st XV and represented the County at every age group until he left school. Stephen went on to achieve a first class degree at Bristol University. Stephen has always been grateful to have grown up in Pembrokeshire and has brought his passion for his home county to his work over the past 18 years.

Stephen Crabb MP said: “I am delighted to be selected as the Welsh Conservative Candidate for the new Mid and South Pembrokeshire seat. It’s been a huge privilege to represent my home constituency of Preseli Pembrokeshire at Westminster since 2005, and I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to seek re-election. I have a strong record of action and delivery for residents in Preseli Pembrokeshire and I look forward to continuing this work and building on it in South Pembrokeshire.”

“Pembrokeshire is a fabulous place to live and grow up, and I want it to stay that way. We face some big challenges that require real knowledge, local experience and a ‘Team Pembrokeshire’ approach. That is what motivates me.”

“I will continue to work closely with both our local MS’s Paul Davies and Sam Kurtz, and, of course, my good friend Simon Hart who continues to be the MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire as well as our fantastic group of Conservative Councillors to keep delivering results as we build towards a general election.”

Paul Davies MS for Preseli Pembrokeshire said: “I am delighted that Stephen has been adopted as the Welsh Conservative candidate for the upcoming General Election. I’ve had the privilege of working with Stephen for many years now and his commitment to the people of Pembrokeshire is second to none.”

“He’s a man of Pembrokeshire, who fights for Pembrokeshire – and he has worked tirelessly over the years to support local people, businesses, and organisations. He has a record of delivery in supporting constituents on their personal journeys, showing leadership throughout the covid pandemic by bringing together organisations through roundtable discussions, and advocating for Pembrokeshire businesses – whether that’s championing our fantastic farmers, anchoring support for the Celtic Freeport or working with our small businesses.”

“Stephen has my full support and I look forward to campaigning with him.”

Mike Bryan, Chair of Pembrokeshire Conservatives said: “I am pleased that Stephen has been selected to fight the new Mid and South Pembrokeshire seat Having campaigned with Stephen at every election since 2001, I know what an excellent servant he has been to Pembrokeshire. He is local, understands local issues and is a part of our community. We have a challenging campaign ahead, but I am convinced that we have right person to continue to put Pembrokeshire first.”

Sam Kurtz, MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire said: “Having worked closely with Stephen for nearly 8 years, I know of his dedicated commitment to Pembrokeshire and its people.”

“As a Member of Parliament, Stephen has long championed our local industries, from farming to tourism and those on the Haven Waterway.”

“Stephen has also stood shoulder to shoulder with constituents and communities who needed his support and has a track record to be proud of.”

“I’m thrilled that Stephen is our candidate for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, and I look forward working alongside him in championing Pembrokeshire in a positive General Election campaign.”

Photo above: Stephen Crabb MP has been selected to stand as the Welsh Conservative candidate in the Mid and South Pembrokeshire seat at the next General Election.

News

Welsh rally star eyeing second British championship success

Published

6 hours ago

May 10, 2024

Tom Sinclair

OSAIN PRYCE is eyeing his second British Rally Championship (BRC) title after a recording a superb victory in the Severn Valley Stages.

The Welsh star and co-driver Rhodri Evans finished 20 seconds ahead of Irish driver William Creighton, with championship leader Chris Ingram claiming third place.

The result left Pryce 15 points adrift of Ingram after two rounds and boosted his chances of adding to his 2022 British title success.

Pryce was excellent in his Ford Fiesta Rally2, wowing the sizeable crowds who lined iconic stages such as Hafren Sweet Lamb and Myherin.

The Welshman established an early lead over Ingram before withstanding a charge by Creighton to claim his first BRC victory since Rally Yorkshire in 2022.

“It’s a big relief – I’m so happy to get the win,” Pryce said. “We had a dodgy couple of stages at the end, and to be honest, it was so slippy, but I drove at a pace where I was comfortable.

“I did lose some time, which in the end wasn’t too bad, but we certainly had some hairy moments just trying to keep it on the road. Credit to everyone who’s got me here. Top job from Rhodri too – that’s his first-ever win!

While Ingram currently leads the standings by four points from Creighton, the Irishman could be the biggest threat to Pryce’s title hopes.

He is still getting to grips with his new Ford Fiesta Rally2 car, but has recorded back-to-back second place finishes to force his way into contention.

Bettors in Creighton’s homeland have backed their compatriot to emerge victorious this season, forcing bookmakers to cut his odds to win the title.

Several of the best Irish betting sites also make him the favourite to win the upcoming Jim Clark Rally in Scotland later this month.

However, Pryce will fancy his chances of claiming another victory as he strives to follow up his impressive 2022 British title success.

The Welshman won four of the seven events that season to clinch top spot by an emphatic 19-point margin from Keith Cronin.

With two of the final four rallies of the season set to be staged in Wales, Pryce could be a good bet to upset the odds over the next few months.

He has previously won Rali Ceredigion and the Cambrian Rally, which should give him the confidence he needs to secure another British title.

Farming

King Charles III is new Royal Welsh Agricultural Society patron

Published

7 hours ago

May 10, 2024

Tom Sinclair

KING CHARLES III has continued a royal tradition by agreeing to become the new patron of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS).

As Prince of Wales, he consistently supported the RWAS, having visited the Royal Welsh Show seven times from 1969 to 2019 and he opened the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in 2001.

“To have the monarch as our patron is very special,” said Aled Rhys Jones, RWAS chief executive. “We are immensely grateful to His Majesty for continuing his support to the society.

“He is a true champion of rural matters and has a deep affection for Wales. His support as patron will be a great endorsement to the work we do in promoting Welsh agriculture.”

The decision follows a review of the patronages of the late Queen, the former Prince of Wales and the former Duchess of Cornwall. The letter from Buckingham Palace to the RWAS read: ‘His Majesty would be delighted to accept’.

The Queen was patron of the RWAS for 70 years and showed great support. Her support reflected her long-lasting interest in Welsh agriculture, horticulture and rural affairs.

The Queen’s first official role with the RWAS was as Princess Elizabeth in 1947, when she was honorary president. She undertook a triumphant tour of the showground during a visit to the Royal Welsh Show, held in Carmarthen.

The late Queen had followed her late father, George VI, and her grandfather, George V in accepting the patronage.

King George V first became patron as Prince of Wales in 1907 and formally as King in 1911. His Silver Challenge Cup for the best Welsh Cob then became known as the George Prince of Wales Challenge Cup, one of the most famous cups presented at the Royal Welsh Show annually.

Crime

Re-elected Crime Commissioner embarks on new term in office

Published

7 hours ago

May 10, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RE-ELECTED Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Dafydd Llywelyn begun his new term in office this week with a series of key meetings aimed at shaping his strategic vision for the region’s policing priorities over the next four years.

The Commissioner’s first official day was Thursday 9^th of May, and saw key discussions taking place, beginning with a meeting with the Chief Constable to gain an update from Dyfed-Powys Police on operational matters, and also to outline his vision and priorities for the new term in Office.

In addition, the Commissioner met with staff from his Office for discussions on the development of a new Police and Crime Plan for Dyfed-Powys for 2025-2029. The Police and Crime Plan will be the strategic blueprint that will represent the Commissioner’s vision and priorities, further reinforcing his dedication to delivering effective and efficient policing services tailored to the needs and expectations of our diverse communities.

In coming weeks, the Commissioner’s Office will launch a public consultation on the new Police and Crime Plan, whereby the public will have an opportunity to have their say on policing and crime matters in their area. Online questionnaires and focus groups will form part of the consultation, to ensure that the Office provides plenty of opportunities for communities to have their say.

Reflecting on his ambitions for the upcoming term, Mr Llywelyn expressed that his focus will be on improving public confidence and trust in policing: “I am honoured to be re-elected as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys for my third successive term.

“As I start this new term in Office, I am committed to build on the achievements to date and address the challenges that lie ahead.

“My vision is clear: to develop safer communities for all through proactive crime prevention and ensuring a justice system that is both fair and efficient.

“I will work in collaboration with the Force and other criminal agency partners to ensure transparency and accountability, to ensure that we can we work collectively to improve public trust and confidence in policing.

“Your safety will continue to be my top priority. I want to ensure that the Dyfed Powys Police area remains one of the safest places to live in Wales and England”.