THE WELSH Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news that Welsh voters could replace misbehaving politicians. 

Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds MS has voiced her support for a report that proposes the removal of Senedd members caught breaking the code of conduct.

The code of conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of an MS.

The report, from the Senedd Standards of Conduct Committee includes plans for a referendum style system where voters could decide if an MS who broke the rules should be removed.

Welcoming proposals to remove misbehaving politician’s, Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS said that it would be “ a great move for Welsh democracy.”

“This proposal, which would greatly improve the voice of the electorate, will provide us with a platform to make real change.

We’ve already seen how similar measures introduced by Liberal Democrat’s across the UK and in Westminster have strengthened our democracy, Wales cannot be allowed to fall behind. 

As a party we have been pushing for a reform of our political systems so we can bring power back into the hands of Welsh Voters.

The Welsh people deserve to have politicians who hold the best interests of their community to heart. 

Wales is crying out for a change in the way things are being run, which is why more and more people are joining the Welsh Liberal Democrat’s to help make this change a reality.”

A CELEBRATION event brought together 25 community projects that have benefited from more than £1.3million in UK Shared Prosperity Funding in Pembrokeshire.

Pembrokeshire County Council facilitated the development programme for third sector organisations and social enterprises which covered three intervention areas across the County – capital projects, green infrastructure and social action.

The diverse range of projects including community facilities, youth projects, growing sites, environmental awareness action, pet therapy, museums and more.

Project leads came together at HaverHub, Haverfordwest on January 22^nd to celebrate and discuss the outcomes of their work, with the majority having exceeded targets with some breath-taking achievements highlighted.

Some key successes already evidenced include the improvement or creation of around 25,764m² of publicly accessible spaces, 934 community events or activities supported and 2228 volunteering opportunities created/ supported, with final reports still to be submitted.

SPF Communities Coordinator Heidi Holland said: “This network of organisations has strengthened and benefited from opportunities to come together, visit other projects, share good practice and willingness to develop collaborative approaches as a legacy moving forward to impact on future generations.”

Among those at the event were Cilrath Acre, Sandy Bear, Cleddau Project, Milford Haven Maritime and Heritage Museum, West Wales Rivers Trust, Point – Fishguard and Goodwick Youth Project and Menter Iaith Sir Benfro.

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member (SPF Lead), said: “It was great to see such a wide range of projects, from right across Pembrokeshire, who have benefited from the SPF Communities Funding. SPF funding will re-launch in April 2025 and we look forward to being able to support more organisations across the county delivering meaningful improvements in their communities.”

A GRANDMOTHER has been sentenced to four years in prison for causing the death of eight-month-old Mabli Cariad Hall in a tragic crash outside Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest.

Bridget Carole Curtis, 71, of Begelly, appeared at Swansea Crown Court, where she admitted to causing death by dangerous driving. She was also banned from driving for eight years and must pass an extended test to regain her licence.

The devastating incident occurred on June 21, 2023, when Curtis’s white BMW struck Mabli’s pram at the hospital entrance. The baby, described as “bright” and “beautiful,” suffered severe traumatic brain injuries. Despite being airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and later transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Mabli passed away four days later, on June 25.

The court heard that Curtis had been searching for her handbag on the rear seat while the engine was running. Dash cam footage showed her car mounting a kerb and traveling 28 metres at a top speed of 29mph, hitting a tree after striking the pram. Data revealed the throttle was fully open for four-and-a-half seconds, with no brakes applied.

A family shattered

Mabli’s father, Rob Hall, sustained injuries in the crash, which occurred as the family visited the hospital to say their goodbyes to Mr Hall’s mother, who was receiving palliative care. The court heard a heart-wrenching victim impact statement from Mabli’s mother, Gwen Hall, who said: “I don’t know who I am anymore… my heart breaks constantly.” She described watching helplessly as her baby died in her arms.

Mr Hall said Curtis’s actions had “ripped my baby out of my hands,” adding he has replayed the horrific moment “over and over again.”

‘Grossly reckless’ actions

Judge Geraint Walters described Curtis’s driving as “grossly reckless,” emphasizing the devastating and irreversible consequences. “Mabli died senselessly and needlessly, and her death has changed lives forever,” he said.

Prosecutor Craig Jones told the court there was no evidence Curtis had suffered a medical episode, but rather what was described as a panic attack. The court heard she was previously of good character, with a clean driving record.

Curtis, who voluntarily surrendered her licence after the crash, expressed deep remorse in a letter read to the court. “I am so deeply sorry,” she wrote. “The sadness and grief will be with me ’til my dying day.”

Her defence barrister, John Dye, said Curtis now suffers from PTSD and depression, with frequent flashbacks of the incident.

In sentencing, Judge Walters acknowledged that Curtis had not intended harm but underscored the gravity of her actions. “You are responsible for the life-changing devastation,” he concluded.