News

Keir Starmer backs Gething despite no-confidence vote loss

Published

3 weeks ago

June 6, 2024

KEIR Starmer “absolutely” has confidence in Vaughan Gething, despite the First Minister losing a no-confidence vote, according to Labour general election candidate Stephen Kinnock.

Mr Kinnock, who is standing for Aberafan Maesteg, affirmed that Mr Gething had “done nothing wrong” and insisted he “absolutely must carry on” as Labour’s leader in Wales.

The no-confidence vote, initiated by the Conservative party in the Senedd, was non-binding. Opposition parties held a majority due to the absence of two Labour members—one who had criticised a £200,000 donation received by Mr Gething, and another who had been dismissed by him—both of whom were off sick.

Following the vote, Mr Gething vowed to “carry on” as First Minister. The vote came after weeks of scrutiny over Mr Gething’s acceptance of a £200,000 donation from a company owned by businessman David Neal, who has been twice convicted for environmental offences.

Opposition parties are contemplating whether to submit a motion of no confidence in the entire Welsh government, as the Senedd’s rules do not mandate Mr Gething’s resignation despite the vote outcome.

Speaking on BBC Wales Live, Mr Kinnock was asked if Sir Keir had full confidence in the Welsh Labour leader. He responded: “Absolutely he does. Vaughan is a man of honour and integrity and what we’ve seen today is just a cheap political stunt by the opposition, led by the Conservatives, aided and abetted by Plaid Cymru.”

Tory Welsh Secretary David TC Davies commented on the matter, stating it was not “about Vaughan’s integrity so much as about his judgement”. He added that the decision to push for a vote of no confidence in the entire Welsh government was up to the Conservative leader in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies. “The reality is this is making us look foolish in Wales,” he said.

Plaid Cymru’s Liz Saville Roberts expressed her concerns, saying: “This is a really sad event for Welsh democracy and it has been brought about by Vaughan Gething. Yes, there are rules, but there is also judgement.”

Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth called it a “serious and solemn day” and urged Mr Gething to resign. In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he denied the vote was “playing politics” and criticised Mr Gething for showing “no contrition whatsoever” over the donation controversy.

Meanwhile, some Labour candidates have voiced their discontent. One, who wished to remain anonymous, said they wanted to “distance” themselves from Mr Gething, stating: “We don’t want him out on the doorstep with us,” and noting that the issue was being raised in conversations with constituents.

Another candidate acknowledged that the First Minister’s troubles were a topic on the doorstep but asserted it was “not impacting people’s vote”.

The situation remains fluid as opposition parties deliberate their next steps in response to the controversy.

Crime

Community raises funds for former teacher’s court fine

Published

25 mins ago

June 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE community has successfully raised the funds needed to cover the court fine of former teacher Rhodri S. Jones within just 24 hours. The GoFundMe campaign, launched to support Jones after his conviction for assaulting a child at Ysgol Caer Elen, has met its £600 target.

Jones, 40, of Hayston View, Johnston, had pleaded guilty to assault by beating. He was legally represented in court by Mr Michael Kelleher, who highlighted the difficulties faced by teachers in maintaining discipline without physical interaction. Jones, described as mortified by the incident, resigned from the teaching profession following the altercation where he pushed a pupil who was being cheeky and rude.

The court fined Jones £400, with additional costs and a surcharge bringing the total to £645. No compensation order was made against the victim, with the presiding magistrate deeming it inappropriate.

The fundraiser, organised by Andrew Phillips, saw an outpouring of support from the community, quickly surpassing its goal. Donations flooded in from parents, colleagues, and local residents who felt the punishment was too severe for what they considered a minor incident.

Jones expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am overwhelmed with the support of the community, and I can’t believe how generous everyone has been. This has been a difficult time for me and my family, and this support means the world to us.”

The rapid success of the campaign highlights the strong sense of community and the high regard in which Jones is held. Supporters emphasised his dedication to teaching and lamented the loss of a valued educator from the profession.

This collective effort not only alleviates the financial burden on Jones but also sends a powerful message of community unity and support. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the challenges faced by teachers and the pressures of maintaining discipline in modern educational environments.

News

Woman hospitalised as car overturns in Milford Haven

Published

53 mins ago

June 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A WOMAN has been taken to hospital following a car accident on a main Pembrokeshire road.

The incident occurred yesterday morning, Tuesday, June 25, when the woman’s vehicle veered off the A4076 at Steynton Road, near Milford Haven, and collided with a tree. The crash happened shortly before 7.35am.

Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, with police closing the A4076 road in both directions. Drivers were advised to take alternative routes to avoid the closure. Initially, the road was shut from Neyland Road to the B4325 Coombs Road. The closure was later reduced, restricting traffic from Neyland Road to Skomer Drive.

The road remained closed until 10.15am.

The driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was transported to the hospital for treatment. Details about her condition have not been disclosed.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police provided the following statement: “Police were called just after 7.35am on Tuesday, June 25, to a report that a car had left the A4076 at Steynton Road, Milford Haven, and collided with a tree. The female driver has been taken to hospital. The road was closed and reopened at 10.15am.”

Crime

Drug dealer admits cocaine possession at Haverfordwest police station

Published

59 mins ago

June 27, 2024

Court Reporter

SCOTT COWDERY, a 31-year-old resident of Wesley Place, Trecwn, appeared at Swansea Crown Court this week, where he faced charges of possession with intent to supply cocaine. Cowdery admitted to being found with 7.7 grams of cocaine on May 13, which he intended to sell. Following his guilty plea, he was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on July 12.

The incident leading to Cowdery’s arrest occurred at Haverfordwest Police Station after he had been apprehended on May 13 for stealing food from the Premier Stores on Market Street. This arrest was not Cowdery’s first brush with the law.

Cowdery had previously appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where he was sentenced for six shoplifting offences and one charge of assault by beating of an emergency worker. The magistrates heard that on January 31, Cowdery stole three bottles of spirits worth approximately £80 from Tesco in Haverfordwest. He also admitted to stealing groceries from Iceland in Haverfordwest on March 18 and 21, valued at £16.05 and £29.05 respectively. Additionally, Cowdery took razors worth £99.98 from Boots at Withybush Retail Park and razors worth around £80 from Boots in Pembroke Dock.

Furthermore, Cowdery was charged with attacking a police officer at an address on Vine Road in Johnston on July 22 last year. He pleaded guilty to all the offences.

On May 21, Cowdery was sentenced to a total of 20 weeks’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay £310.61 in compensation to the affected stores, £100 to the assaulted officer, and £170 in costs.