News
Miles asks members to back inclusive leadership as ballot papers drop
JEREMY MILES has pitched his inclusive leadership to Welsh Labour members ahead of ballots arriving for the election of a new Welsh Labour Leader on Friday.
“The leadership I offer is bold, hopeful, compassionate, and inclusive. It’s one where we succeed together – the we, not the I.” says Miles.
The statement comes at the same time as Welsh entertainment legend Max Boyce praised Jeremy Miles as “a man of intellect, honesty and integrity”.
Welsh Labour Leadership candidate Jeremy Miles said:
“When ballots arrive in the coming days, you have the opportunity to set our party and nation on a course towards that bright future we all aspire for.
“As Welsh Labour leader and First Minister, I will focus on a strong, sustainable economy that allows us to reduce the inequalities that poverty causes. My Good Green Growth economic stimulus will provide good, sustainable jobs with union representation in sectors of the future while tackling the climate and nature emergencies.
“A new Rent To Own scheme and building new social homes for rent will help people across Wales to get on and get by. And reforms to our NHS that will cut the longest waiting times and relieve needless pain.
“I’ve also told you who I am: the young man who grew up gay in a Welsh speaking working class family in Pontardulais. Who then spent 20 years working in senior law and commercial roles internationally before I ever entered politics.
“The Minister who introduced free school meals in primary, raised Educational Maintenance Allowance, and led the biggest reforms of our colleges in decades.
“I believe we can flourish as a country despite the appalling legacy of 14 years of Tory government.
“The leadership I offer is bold, hopeful, compassionate, and inclusive. It’s one where we succeed together – the we, not the I.
“So let’s choose that path.”
Separately, Welsh singer and entertainer Max Boyce has offered some words of support on Jeremy Miles’ character.
Max Boyce MBE said: “In my dealings with Mr Jeremy Miles MS over recent years and particularly in relation to his work for good and charitable causes in our deprived communities, l have always found him a man of intellect, honesty and integrity.”
A joint statement from all three women leaders of Labour councils has been released in support of Mr Miles. Cllr Jane Mudd of Newport Council, Cllr Mary-Ann Brocklesby of Monmouthshire Council and Cllr Lis Burnett of Vale of Glamorgan Council said:
“After careful consideration, we have each decided to support Jeremy Miles MS for Welsh Labour Leader.
“As Labour council leaders we have had the opportunity to work closely with Welsh Government Ministers over recent years and we have been impressed with Jeremy’s knowledge, openness and ability to engage.
“He is a genuine individual who is committed to delivering a better Wales and we have no hesitation in pledging our support.”
Miles has the support of a clear majority of his and Mr Gething’s Labour colleagues in the Senedd. He also has the support of a majority of constituency labour parties, Labour Council Leaders and Deputy Leaders, and Labour peers including Anita Gale, Debbie Wilcox, Peter Hain and Leslie Griffiths of Burry Port.
He was endorsed by Labour’s sister party, the Co-operative Party, following an all member ballot.
He is also endorsed by trade unions Aslef, Musicians Union, National Union of Mineworkers, and groups within the party such as Disability Labour, Socialist Health Association, Socialist Education Association, and Christians on the Left.
Welsh Labour members and non-member trade union voters are able to vote between Friday 16th March and Thursday 14th March. Ballots will be sent out by email and post.
News
Open day at new St Davids housing development
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is celebrating the completion of Phase 1 Llys Glasfryn, St Davids.
The development was built by GRD Homes, and Phase 1 consists of 4 x 2 bed bungalows, and 3 x 1 bed bungalows.
Phase 2 consists of 11 x 2 bed bungalows, which it is hoped will be completed early 2026.
All properties within Phase 1 have been allocated, and Phase 2 properties will be available for bidding a few months before completion.
A Local Lettings Policy is used to allocate these properties, which was created in conjunction with local members, St Davids City Council, and the local community.
To celebrate the completion of Phase 1, Pembrokeshire County Council is holding an open day in one of the newly completed properties.
This will be held on Tuesday 28th January 2025, from 2pm – 6pm. This is for members of the public to view the site and one of the properties, ask questions, and provide feedback.
Cllr Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Housing Operations, said: “These high quality homes will provide much needed housing in St Davids and form part of our wider development programme.
“Increasing the supply of affordable housing is a key priority for Cabinet and I look forward to meeting new tenants and the wider community at the open day event.”
For more information on Pembrokeshire County Council’s housing developments, or this event, please call 01437 764551, or email [email protected]
News
Agricultural shed fire on Narberth Road in Saundersfoot
CREWS from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service stations in Tenby and Milford Haven were called to a fire on Narberth Road, Saundersfoot, at 1:05pm on Monday (Jan 27).
The blaze involved a caravan and an agricultural shed measuring approximately 15 metres by 15 metres. The shed, which contained vehicles and machinery, was completely destroyed along with the caravan.
Firefighters used two hose reel jets, two main jets, an otter pump, and a water shuttle system drawing from an open water source to bring the fire under control.
Crews left the scene at 3:20pm.
Crime
Prison bosses dismiss assault rumours against Southport killer
PRISON authorities have denied claims circulating on social media that Axel Rudakubana, the Southport killer convicted of murdering three young girls, has been attacked while in custody. The rumours, which gained traction after the circulation of a voice note on Sunday (Jan 26), alleged that the 18-year-old was assaulted by two inmates at HMP Manchester, where he is serving his sentence.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice firmly dismissed the allegations, stating: “Reports of Axel Rudakubana being attacked in prison are inaccurate. He has not been attacked.”
Rudakubana, originally from Cardiff but residing in the Lancashire village of Banks for the past decade, was sentenced on Thursday to a minimum of 52 years behind bars. His crimes, described as among the most extreme and shocking in recent history, included the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, as well as the attempted murder of ten others. The brutal attack took place on July 29 last year at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.
During sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court, Mr Justice Goose outlined the horrifying details of Rudakubana’s calculated and violent actions. “He walked straight into the building, up the stairs to where he could hear the sound of happy children. His intention was clear: to murder as many of them as he physically could.”
Over a harrowing 15 minutes, Rudakubana fatally attacked three children, severely injured eight others, and wounded two adults who attempted to intervene. The judge highlighted the unrelenting nature of his violence: “After the other children escaped, he remained in the upstairs room, where he returned to attack two of the youngest victims, stabbing them multiple times. His actions demonstrated a determined intention to cause maximum suffering.”
Mr Justice Goose condemned Rudakubana’s actions as “the most extreme, shocking and exceptionally serious crime.” The judge noted that the carnage could have been even worse if not for the bravery of those who escaped and intervened.
Rudakubana’s case has left a community in mourning and sparked national outrage. As he begins his decades-long sentence, the Ministry of Justice has assured the public that he is being closely monitored and that claims of an attack on him in prison are baseless.
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