News

Firm linked to criminal probe donated to Gething, says BBC

Published

4 months ago

June 3, 2024

BBC Wales Investigates says it has discovered a company that bankrolled Vaughan Gething’s successful bid to become Wales’ First Minister was linked to a criminal investigation at the time.

Mr Gething’s leadership campaign accepted £200,000 from a firm controlled by millionaire businessman David Neal.

A criminal investigation into suspected environmental offences by one of Mr Neal’s firms, Resources Management Limited (RML), is being carried out by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

Welsh Government ministers were briefed about the investigation before Mr Gething – the UK’s only current ruling Labour leader – became First Minister.

Mr Gething, who narrowly won the Welsh Labour leader contest earlier this year, previously said he had done nothing wrong and has not broken the ministerial code.

Responding the reports, Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “Vaughan Gething’s donations just don’t pass the smell test.

“So desperate was he to be First Minister, he accepted this dirty money despite the misery these firms have caused, and so desperate is Keir Starmer to be Prime Minister, he is prepared to stand with Vaughan Gething on this issue.

“It’s time to restore integrity to the office of First Minister.”

The continuing row in Wales is an unwelcome distraction to Sir Keir Starmer during the general election campaign – although the Labour leader has publicly backed Mr Gething. RML runs the Withyhedge landfill site near Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, which people have complained since October 2023 is a “stink bomb on steroids”.

Colin Barnett started the Stop the Stink campaign to force RML to fix odour issues at the Withyhedge site. It now has more than 2,000 members.

He said: “They’re probably very surprised they’ve had such fierce resistance from a rural area that they thought was quite small, but the problem is, they’ve affected so many of those villages.”
NRW says it has identified the smell as hydrogen sulphide.

Huwel Manley, Natural Resources Wales, said the regulator was working with the local authority, local health board and Public Health Wales to fix the issues.

“We identified issues of concern late last year. The company is under investigation at the moment”.

In a statement Mr Neal said he would: “continue to fully cooperate with any pending investigations by Natural Resources Wales, and it is working to stop the smells.” And added:

“We have never requested or expected anything in return.

Health Secretary Eluned Morgan and then-Climate Change Minister Julie James both had meetings with the regulator about problems at Withyhedge in February.

Some Labour members have also questioned the judgement of the first minister, with the BBC learning that one senior figure within Welsh Labour offered to loan Mr Gething the money to allow him to pay back the donation – which was turned down.

But other senior party figures have also publicly backed the First Minister, including party leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens.

Speaking on the election campaign trail, she said: “Vaughan didn’t break any rules in that leadership campaign and we are just looking forward to getting on with the general election.

There’s positive reaction for him on the doorsteps.”

A spokesman for Welsh Labour said the issues had “previously been addressed by Vaughan Gething and are a matter of public record”.

Politicians in the Senedd will vote on Wednesday on whether they have confidence in Mr Gething’s leadership.

If he were to lose the vote, he would not be forced to resign, but it would put him in a difficult position.

It was proposed by the Welsh Conservatives leader in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies, who said the debate will give people the chance to have their say on Mr Gething’s “judgement, transparency and truthfulness”.

BBC Wales Investigates: A Big Stink is available now on iPlayer and BBC One Wales at 20:00 BST on Monday 3 June

Business

Freshways expands UK presence with acquisition of Totally Welsh Dairy

Published

16 mins ago

September 22, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A SURREY-BASED dairy supplier, Freshways Group, has completed the acquisition of Haverfordwest’s Totally Welsh Dairy. This development, which was finalized on September 11, represents a significant expansion for Freshways.

Established in 1990, Totally Welsh Dairy is renowned for its commitment to quality, sourcing its milk exclusively from Welsh farmers within a 40-mile radius of its bottling plant. The company prides itself on sustainable practices, notably its use of reusable glass bottles and its dedication to local packaging solutions.

This acquisition is part of a broader strategy by Freshways, following its earlier purchase of Milk & More from Müller in January 2024. The integration of Milk & More has already enhanced Freshways’ home delivery service and its overall sustainability initiatives.

Bali Nijjar, Managing Director of Freshways, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “We are delighted to incorporate Totally Welsh Dairy into the Freshways family. Their dedication to quality and sustainable practices complements our values perfectly. This acquisition not only broadens our product range but also supports local Welsh agriculture and enhances our delivery capabilities, catering to the increasing consumer demand for convenient, eco-friendly dairy products.”

Mark Hunter, Managing Director and owner of Totally Welsh, commented on the sale: “Joining forces with Freshways ensures a promising future for Totally Welsh. It opens new avenues for growth and opportunities for our committed team.”

In response to the rising demand for eco-friendly packaging, Totally Welsh Dairy has recently upgraded its facilities with a new glass bottling line. This enhancement will benefit the doorstep delivery customers of Milk & More.

News

British triathlete Pete Dyson triumphs at Ironman Wales 2024

Published

1 hour ago

September 22, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN a stunning display of endurance and determination, Britain’s own Pete Dyson emerged as the champion of Ironman Wales 2024, completing the gruelling course in just 09:34:24. The event, held in the picturesque settings of Tenby and Pembrokeshire, was marked not only by athletic prowess but also by a heartfelt cause—raising funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Dyson, who has announced this race as his final high-level triathlon, has long supported the charity close to his heart. “Now in 2024, I see my triathlon journey reaching its natural end,” Dyson remarked before the race. “I’d like to come full circle and make Ironman Wales my last high-level triathlon. It’s an iconic race, much harder than most, and seems an ideal place to wave goodbye.”

The charity, which is the official partner of the Ironman triathlon in the UK, saw significant representation at the event with 40 participants donning the Alzheimer’s Research UK kit. This not only helped raise vital funds but also greatly increased awareness for the cause.

Dyson’s victory and his commitment to Alzheimer’s research have been praised by many, highlighting the spirit of community and support that defines the best of sporting endeavours.

(Images by Gareth Davies/Herald)

News

Ironman cycling stage: A demanding course in variable Welsh weather

Published

9 hours ago

September 22, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE IRONMAN Wales triathlon continued today with the cycling stage, a 112-mile journey that carved through the heart of Pembrokeshire, starting from the historic town of Tenby. As athletes transitioned from the swim, they mounted their bikes, setting off on a route that promised not only physical challenges but also visual splendor.

The course took cyclists through a variety of terrains, from flat stretches along the coast to challenging climbs and descents inland. One of the highlights was the passage through Pembroke, where historic landmarks like the Pembroke Castle provided a picturesque backdrop that contrasted sharply with the exertion visible on the athletes’ faces.

Spectators gathered in town centers and along rural roadways, cheering and clapping as cyclists zoomed by. Community support is a hallmark of Ironman events, and in Wales, the enthusiasm was particularly vibrant. Volunteers at aid stations handed out refreshments and encouragement, vital for the competitors’ grueling journey.

This cycling segment not only tested the athletes’ physical prowess but also their mental resilience, as they navigated both the demanding course and the variable Welsh weather. Today’s race has further cemented Ironman Wales as a must-watch event in the global triathlon calendar, embodying the spirit of endurance sports amidst some of Britain’s most stunning landscapes.

(Images by Martin Cavaney/Herald)