News

Vaughan Gething faces scrutiny over campaign donations

Published

2 years ago

February 21, 2024

VAUGHAN GETHING, a candidate for the Welsh Labour leadership, has come under fire for accepting a substantial sum of £200,000 from a company led by David Neal, a businessman with a history of environmental offences.

Neal, who has been convicted twice, first faced legal action in 2013 when he received a suspended prison sentence for unlawfully disposing of waste on a conservation site. Despite this, his involvement with Gething’s campaign has raised eyebrows, particularly as the donations were made during a critical period in the leadership contest to succeed First Minister Mark Drakeford.

Gething, representing Cardiff South and Penarth, has declared the donations to the Senedd, stating his commitment to transparency. The funds were provided by Dauson Environmental Group, among others owned by Neal, and were recorded with the Electoral Commission as two separate donations of £100,000 each. One of these contributions was made shortly after Drakeford’s resignation, highlighting the timing’s potential significance.

Criticism has been vocal, especially from Lee Waters, Llanelli MS and supporter of Gething’s opponent, Jeremy Miles. Waters has condemned the donation as “completely unjustifiable and wrong,” expressing concern over the optics of such a large sum being spent on an internal election amidst a cost of living crisis.

Gething’s past acceptance of funds from Neal’s other ventures, including Atlantic Recycling and Neal Soil Suppliers, which donated a total of £38,000 in 2018, further complicates the issue. These companies, along with another Neal enterprise, Resources Management UK Ltd, have faced legal and regulatory challenges, including fines and actions by Natural Resources Wales for environmental violations.

Despite these controversies, Gething’s campaign has defended the legitimacy and transparency of the donations, emphasising their adherence to electoral regulations and Gething’s pledge to enforce stricter environmental penalties.

The debate over these donations comes at a pivotal moment for Welsh Labour, prompting discussions on the ethics of political funding and the implications for environmental policy.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.