News
General Election 2024: What the west Wales candidates say
CANDIDATES for July 4’s General Election have responded to the Prime Minister’s announcement.
After constituency boundaries were redrawn, Pembrokeshire was divided between two new seats, Mid & South Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion Preseli.
STEPHEN CRABB MP, the Conservative Candidate for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, said: “As a local man who lives and was raised in the heart of Pembrokeshire, I’m committed to providing a strong voice for our County. I understand the needs of our community and have a trusted track record of speaking up for Pembrokeshire.
“I bring experience and a record of delivering on our County’s priorities. I always put the interests of Pembrokeshire first.
“I’ve worked hard to secure the Celtic Freeport, which will bring new investment and jobs to the area. I improved Broadband, delivered new Levelling Up money to improve our town centres, and boosted the number of police officers to keep our communities safer.
Mr Crabb continued: “Defending Withybush Hospital and local health services against Welsh Labour cuts will always remain a top priority.
“I am the only candidate in this election who has fought against Vaughan Gething’s Withyhedge landfill scandal, which has ruined the quality of life of thousands of Pembrokeshire people. This election is an opportunity for local people to send a message to Welsh Labour that Pembrokeshire must not be turned into a dumping ground.
Stephen Crabb concluded: “The new boundaries mean the seat now includes South Pembrokeshire. I’ve worked with many of the businesses there during my time as a Pembrokeshire MP, and I know the community well. But I look forward to speaking to many more people across the new constituency as I get out and about during the campaign.
“I look forward to showing people over the next 6 weeks why they can trust me with their vote and rely on me to work hard for Pembrokeshire. It’s been an honour and privilege to care and campaign for my home county for the past 19 years – I look forward to continuing this work.”
HENRY TUFNELL, the Labour candidate for Mid & South Pembrokeshire, said: “Today presents an opportunity for the people of Mid & South Pembrokeshire to have their say.
“They can choose between more of the same of the last fourteen years: scandal, sleaze, economic mismanagement and falling living standards, or a changed Labour Party that will deliver for them.
“I want a fresh start for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, to be a strong voice to stand up for residents and to work hard for them.
“With a UK Labour Government working hand in hand with our Welsh Government, the people of Pembrokeshire will be better off.”
BEN LAKE MP, Plaid Cymru’s candidate for Ceredigion Preseli, said: “It is an honour to stand as the representative for the new seat of Ceredigion Preseli.
“It has been a privilege to serve the people of Ceredigion for the past seven years, during which I have done my utmost to fight their cause, striving every day to improve the lives of the people I am honoured to serve.
“I hope to be re-elected as your Member of Parliament on July 4 and will work tirelessly to champion the issues that matter most to you. Whether that’s investing in our public services, safeguarding our NHS, or boosting our local economy for the benefit of our communities.”
Ben Lake concluded: “I will be your champion at Westminster, and I am confident that together we can build a stronger, more sustainable, and prosperous Ceredigion Preseli to enable future generations to thrive.”
ALED THOMAS, the Conservative candidate for the new seat, said: “It’s an honour of a lifetime to represent residents in North Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion as the Welsh Conservative Candidate for Ceredigion Preseli.
“Now that the starting gun has officially been fired, I’m ready to continue spreading positive messages across the constituency about what has been achieved under a Conservative UK government, including getting the economy growing, the furlough scheme, gigabit internet rollout, national insurance tax cuts, legalising same-sex marriage and establishing the Celtic Freeport, just to name a few.
Mr Thomas continued: “Rural communities across our constituency need stability.
“The uncertainty Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Labour Government have inflicted on Welsh farmers is unforgivable.
“As a young farmer, I feel the same pain our rural communities feel. I will always fight for farmers and wider rural communities. I know that the Welsh Conservatives share that same value.”
Aled Thomas concluded: “Conservatives also have a strong record in education, and now more than ever, I will be the only voice that speaks up for a generation of children in Ceredigion Preseli, where Labour’s current curriculum for Wales and the Plaid Cymru-run County Council are letting a generation of school children down.”
Labour’s candidate for Ceredigion Preseli, JACKIE JONES, said: “Fourteen years of Conservative government in Westminster has left families in Ceredigion Preseli worse off. Plaid Cymru won’t be able to provide solutions to the problems the UK faces.
“I’m campaigning for a fresh start for Ceredigion Preseli with a Labour Government. A thriving local economy, a modernised NHS, and opportunities for all, no matter your background. There is an alternative to Conservative chaos and Plaid powerlessness.”
Echoing Henry Tufnell’s words, Ms Jones pledged to work with the Labour government in Cardiff Bay: “A UK Labour Government, working with our Welsh Labour Government, will deliver for communities across Wales.”
Community
Two Pembrokeshire residents honoured in King’s Birthday List
PEMBROKESHIRE is celebrating the achievements of two distinguished locals who have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours. John Fletcher, a dedicated farmer, and Professor Andrew Campbell, a prominent academic, have both been awarded the MBE for their respective contributions.
John Fletcher: Champion of Shire Horses
John Fletcher, 70, the founder of Gentle Giants Shires in Moylegrove, has been honoured with an MBE for his services to the conservation of shire horses. His journey with these majestic animals began at the tender age of nine on his parents’ farm at Penrallt Uchaf. Inspired by his father, who had previously used a shire horse for ploughing, young John developed a lifelong passion for the breed.
In 2003, following the sale of the farm’s milking herd, Gentle Giants was established. Today, the organisation boasts a global following of 69,000 on Facebook and provides shire horses for weddings, funerals, and other events across the UK. The Gentle Giants have also featured on several television shows, including “Don’t Tell the Bride” and “Coast and Country”, as well as in the award-winning film “Calon Gaeth”.
John’s dedication to shire horses has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, during a Royal visit to Nevern, he and his shire horse, Prince George, met His Royal Highness. The future King praised John’s efforts, expressing his gratitude and interest in the farm’s breeding programme.
Gentle Giants remains a family-run venture, and the Fletcher family took to social media to celebrate John’s accolade. They expressed immense pride in his tireless work and commitment to training and promoting shire horses. “Not one to take things easy, he always has a new project on the go,” they shared. “Buyers often return due to the high standards achieved by the horses he has trained.”
John’s influence extends beyond the UK, with his horses working and competing as far afield as Norway and Italy. He is passionate about educating the public on the versatility of shire horses and enjoys welcoming visitors to the farm in Pembrokeshire.
Professor Andrew Campbell: Advocate for Tourism
Also honoured with an MBE is Professor Andrew Campbell of Goodwick, recognised for his services to tourism. Professor Campbell, who describes himself as “passionate about tourism, cake baking and swimming in the sea,” has made significant contributions to the field.
A professor of practice in tourism with the University of Wales, he is currently the chair of the Welsh Government’s Economic Ministerial Advisory Board. Until September 2021, he served as chair of the Wales Tourism Alliance, representing over 6,000 tourism businesses throughout Wales. The Welsh Government describes him as “a respected academic within tourism, a key economic sector,” noting his valuable insights into the challenges facing the tourism and skills sectors.
Living and working in north Pembrokeshire, Professor Campbell is known for his hands-on approach and commitment to enhancing the region’s tourism landscape. His recognition in the King’s Birthday Honours underscores the importance of his work and his dedication to the community.
News
Businessman enters political arena amid ambitious Reform Party campaign
STUART James Marchant, a well-known local businessman, has announced his candidacy with the Reform Party, marking his debut in the political landscape. He standing in Mid and South Pembrokeshire.
Born in Croydon in January 1981, Marchant spent his formative years in Orpington, Kent. He attended Darrick Wood Secondary School and Orpington College, where he first demonstrated his work ethic with a part-time job at Tesco.
Following his education, Marchant took up a retail position at PC World, before making a significant career change in 2001 by joining the private parking sector. His dedication quickly saw him rise through the ranks. By 2005, an opportunity to work in Wales beckoned, allowing him to reconnect with his maternal roots in Carmarthen.
He spent several years in Swansea before returning to the South East in 2008 to manage a substantial portfolio of car parks.
By 2020, Marchant had amassed a wealth of experience across various roles, demonstrating his ability to adapt and lead within different teams. Currently, he operates a small business near Carmarthen, embedding himself further within the local community.
An avid traveller, Marchant has explored numerous global destinations, fostering a deep cultural competence. Locally, he is known to indulge in occasional hockey games and has recently begun learning to para-glide.
Marchant’s political journey began in 2009 with his membership in the Conservative Party. However, earlier this year, he made a significant shift to the Reform Party. As a staunch supporter of Brexit, he believes South West Wales stands to gain substantially from this historic decision. Marchant is convinced that the Reform Party is best positioned to deliver these benefits.
The Reform Party UK is aiming for a strong performance in Wales during the upcoming general election on July 4th. Here are the key points regarding their prospects in Wales:
Reform targeting all 32 Welsh seats
The Reform Party has declared its intention to field candidates in all 32 parliamentary seats in Wales, with a particular focus on the north-east, border areas with England, the south Wales valleys, and Pembrokeshire. This ambitious “reverse Cymru” strategy aims to secure a significant presence across various regions of Wales.
While the Reform Party will criticize the Conservative government, they are also targeting Labour’s traditional strongholds in Wales. Nigel Farage believes Reform can take seats from Labour in working-class communities like the Welsh valleys, which voted to leave the EU in 2016. The party plans to highlight the “disaster of the devolved Labour government” in these “left-behind” areas.
Both the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK have expressed a desire to see a Conservative party “wipeout” in Wales, aiming to take Tory seats. The Lib Dems’ Jane Dodds stated that “kicking the Tories out of Wales” would be a good election night for her party.
While Reform UK’s vote share is still within the margin of error, recent polls suggest they are neck and neck with or even slightly ahead of the Conservatives. This rise poses a significant threat to the Tories, as Reform could potentially force a merger with the Conservatives, as Farage has suggested.
In summary, the Reform Party UK is mounting an ambitious campaign in Wales, targeting Labour’s heartlands as well as challenging the Conservatives. Their performance could significantly impact the political landscape in Wales and potentially lead to a Tory wipeout in the region.
With his extensive professional background and commitment to the community, Marchant aims to bring a fresh perspective to the political scene, promising to champion the interests of South West Wales.
_____________
The following people have been nominated for election as a member of the UK Parliament for Mid and South Pembrokeshire constituency:
Hanna Andersen (Women’s Equality Party);
Alistair Cameron (Welsh Liberal Democrats);
Stephen Crabb (Welsh Conservative);
Stuart Marchant (Reform UK);
James Purchase (Green Party);
Vusi Siphika, (Independent);
Cris Tomos (Plaid Cymru);
Henry Tufnell (Welsh Labour).
Community
GWR advises customers to check before travelling on Sunday 16 June
GWR is advising customers to check their journey tomorrow morning before leaving home because of a shortage of train crew.
With fewer people available to work, GWR is warning of short notice cancellations and alterations, especially on long distance services between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads.
Journey planners and other industry systems will not be correct until the early hours of Sunday morning, as GWR works to staff as many trains as possible – and customers are being warned that they will need to check their journey on Sunday morning.
If your train is cancelled, you can use your existing ticket on the next available service.
Rail replacement buses will operate on the Kemble line between Swindon and Gloucester.
GWR expects to run a full level of service on Monday 17 June.
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