News
All the candidates in Mid and South Pembrokeshire – who has got your vote?
Stephen Crabb (Conservative Party)

Stephen Crabb, the Conservative candidate for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, brings extensive experience and a strong local connection to his campaign. Crabb, who has served as the MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, emphasises his commitment to local issues and his track record of delivering results for his constituents. His platform includes a focus on economic development, particularly through initiatives like the Celtic Freeport, which he claims will bring significant investment and job opportunities to the area.
Crabb is also committed to improving local infrastructure. He highlights his efforts to secure better broadband services and town center regeneration projects, which he believes are crucial for boosting the local economy and improving the quality of life for residents. His campaign stresses the importance of local industry, including farming and tourism, and he pledges to continue supporting these sectors
Healthcare is another major focus of Crabb’s campaign. He positions himself as a defender of local health services, criticising the Welsh Labour government for what he describes as cuts to essential services. He promises to fight for better healthcare access and to ensure that local hospitals and clinics receive the funding and support they need.
Crabb also highlights his efforts to address environmental issues, including securing funding for coastal protection and promoting renewable energy projects. He aims to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, ensuring that new developments do not harm the natural beauty of Pembrokeshire.
Henry Tufnell (Labour Party)

Henry Tufnell, the Labour candidate, presents a platform focused on change and renewal. He criticises the Conservative government’s handling of the economy and public services, arguing that their policies have led to economic mismanagement and declining living standards. Tufnell promises a fresh start with a Labour government that will prioritise the needs of ordinary people over corporate interests.
Tufnell’s campaign emphasises the importance of cooperation between the UK and Welsh Labour governments. He believes that a unified Labour approach can bring better outcomes for Pembrokeshire, particularly in terms of economic development and public services. He advocates for policies that support local businesses and create good jobs, aiming to revitalise the local economy and reduce unemployment.
Healthcare is a central issue in Tufnell’s campaign. He promises to tackle the long waiting times and accessibility issues that residents face under the current system. By working closely with the Welsh Government, Tufnell aims to ensure that everyone in Pembrokeshire has timely access to high-quality healthcare services.
Education and social services are also key components of Tufnell’s platform. He pledges to invest in schools and social care, ensuring that these services are well-funded and can meet the needs of all residents. Tufnell believes that by strengthening these essential services, Pembrokeshire can become a more equitable and prosperous community.
Alistair Cameron (Liberal Democrats)

Alistair Cameron, the Liberal Democrat candidate, is campaigning on a platform of sustainable development and support for local industries. Cameron emphasises the need for quality local jobs that offer fair wages, and he believes that investing in green industries is the key to achieving this goal. He advocates for the development of offshore wind and green hydrogen projects off the Pembrokeshire coast, which he argues will create sustainable employment opportunities and help combat climate change.
Cameron also focuses on improving healthcare access. He highlights the frustrations many residents face with long waiting times and difficulty accessing GPs, NHS dentists, and hospital treatments. Cameron promises to fight for better healthcare services and ensure that residents can get the care they need without excessive delays.
Support for established local industries like tourism and farming is another priority for Cameron. He believes that these sectors are vital to the local economy and that they need more support to thrive. Cameron advocates for policies that make it easier for local businesses to trade with the EU, arguing that better trade relationships can help these industries grow and prosper.
Education and social services are also important to Cameron’s campaign. He pledges to work towards better funding for schools and social care services, ensuring that they can meet the needs of all residents. Cameron believes that by investing in these areas, Pembrokeshire can become a more vibrant and supportive community.
Cris Tomos (Plaid Cymru)

Cris Tomos, representing Plaid Cymru, focuses on strengthening Welsh autonomy and supporting local Welsh culture and language. Tomos advocates for better local governance, arguing that local communities should have more control over their own affairs. He believes that this will lead to more effective and responsive governance, better reflecting the needs and priorities of Pembrokeshire residents.
Tomos emphasises the importance of sustainable development, advocating for policies that promote environmental sustainability and protect natural resources. He supports initiatives that balance economic growth with environmental protection, ensuring that new developments do not harm the local environment. Tomos also aims to promote renewable energy projects, which he believes can create jobs and help combat climate change.
Healthcare is another key issue for Tomos. He promises to fight for better healthcare services and ensure that all residents have access to high-quality care. Tomos argues that the current system is failing many people, and he pledges to work towards a more efficient and effective healthcare system that meets the needs of everyone in Pembrokeshire.
Education and social services are also important to Tomos’s campaign. He advocates for better funding for schools and social care services, ensuring that they can provide the support that residents need. Tomos believes that by investing in these areas, Pembrokeshire can become a more equitable and prosperous community.
James Purchase (Green Party)

James Purchase, the Green Party candidate, focuses on environmental sustainability and social justice. His campaign emphasises the need to address climate change and promote renewable energy. Purchase advocates for policies that support the development of renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar power, arguing that these initiatives can create jobs and reduce carbon emissions.
Purchase also highlights the importance of protecting natural habitats and biodiversity. He supports measures to conserve local wildlife and natural landscapes, ensuring that Pembrokeshire’s natural beauty is preserved for future generations. Purchase believes that environmental protection and economic development can go hand in hand, and he advocates for sustainable development practices that do not harm the environment.
Social justice is another key component of Purchase’s platform. He pledges to fight for policies that reduce inequality and ensure that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Purchase advocates for better funding for public services, such as healthcare and education, and he believes that these services should be accessible to all residents, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Stuart Marchant (Reform UK)

Stuart Marchant represents Reform UK, focusing on reforming public policies and governance. His campaign includes reducing government bureaucracy and promoting free-market principles. Marchant argues that reducing the size of government and cutting red tape can lead to more efficient and effective governance, benefiting businesses and individuals alike.
Marchant also emphasises the importance of direct democracy and accountability. He advocates for measures that increase transparency in government decision-making and give citizens more control over their own affairs. Marchant believes that by empowering local communities, Pembrokeshire can become a more dynamic and responsive region.
Hanna Andersen (Women’s Equality Party)

Hanna Andersen from the Women’s Equality Party focuses on gender equality and social justice. Her campaign emphasises the need to close the gender pay gap and ensure that women have equal opportunities in all areas of life. Andersen advocates for policies that promote gender equality in the workplace and support women in achieving their full potential.
Andersen also highlights the importance of improving healthcare access for women. She argues that women often face unique health challenges and that the healthcare system should be more responsive to their needs. Andersen pledges to work towards better funding for women’s health services and ensure that all women have access to high-quality care.
Social justice is another key component of Andersen’s platform. She advocates for policies that promote equity and inclusion, ensuring that all residents have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Andersen believes that by addressing systemic inequalities, Pembrokeshire can become a more just and equitable community.
Vusi Siphika (Independent)

Vusi Siphika is running as an independent candidate, focusing on specific local issues and aiming to represent constituents without party-political constraints. Siphika’s campaign is less defined in terms of specific policies, but independent candidates typically emphasise direct community engagement and tailored local solutions. Siphika likely advocates for a more grassroots approach to governance, ensuring that the voices of all residents are heard and considered in decision-making.
Crime
Milford Haven disturbance sees two women arrested
TWO WOMEN were arrested following a disturbance at the Mount Estate in Milford Haven on Saturday night (May 9).
The Herald understands the arrests followed an altercation involving four people.
Video circulating on social media shows two women lying face down on the ground outside while handcuffed and restrained by police officers.
In the footage, officers can be heard telling one woman that she is being arrested on suspicion of assaulting police.
Both women were then taken away, each flanked by officers.
Other women can be seen speaking to those detained while they remain on the ground.
The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for further details, including confirmation of the number of arrests, the nature of the incident, and whether anyone was injured.
News
Wales enters new political era after historic Senedd election
WALES has entered a new political era after voters delivered the biggest political upheaval since devolution.
Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party in the Senedd, Reform UK surged into second place, and Welsh Labour was reduced to its worst result since the creation of Welsh devolution in 1999.
The result ends Labour’s long dominance of Welsh politics and leaves Cardiff Bay facing weeks of negotiations over who will form the next Welsh Government.

Labour dominance ends
For the first time since the Senedd was created, Labour is no longer the largest party in Wales.
The party fell to just nine seats in the expanded 96-member chamber, a result which has sent shockwaves through Welsh politics.
First Minister Eluned Morgan also lost her own seat in Ceredigion Penfro before announcing that she would stand down as Welsh Labour leader.
The scale of the defeat reflects deep public frustration over the NHS, public services, the cost of living, and the perception that Welsh Labour had run out of energy after decades in power.
Ken Skates has now been appointed interim Welsh Labour leader as the party begins what is likely to be a long and painful rebuilding process.
Plaid’s historic breakthrough
Plaid Cymru finished as the largest party with 43 seats, a landmark result for Rhun ap Iorwerth and his party.
It is the closest Plaid has ever come to forming a government in Wales, and gives the party the clear first opportunity to try to lead the next Welsh Government.
However, Plaid fell short of the 49 seats needed for an outright majority.
That means Rhun ap Iorwerth must now decide whether to seek a formal coalition, a confidence-and-supply arrangement, or attempt to govern as a minority administration.
The party campaigned strongly on the NHS, childcare, housing, rural Wales and economic renewal. It must now show that it can move from opposition into government and turn those promises into delivery.

Reform becomes major force
The other major story of the election was the dramatic rise of Reform UK.
The party won 34 seats, becoming the second-largest group in the Senedd and reshaping the political map across Wales.
Reform made major gains in former Labour heartlands, particularly in areas where voters have become disillusioned with Cardiff Bay politics and traditional party loyalties.

Its success means the next Senedd will be noisier, more confrontational, and far less predictable than before.
Reform will now have a large platform from which to challenge Plaid Cymru, Welsh Labour and the Conservatives on public services, immigration, the economy, and the future direction of Wales.

Smaller parties gain ground
The Conservatives were reduced to seven seats, leaving them much diminished after years of trying to present themselves as the main alternative to Labour.
The Wales Green Party won two seats, giving the party its first real foothold in the Senedd.
The Welsh Liberal Democrats won one seat, ensuring they remain represented in Cardiff Bay.
The new electoral system, which expanded the Senedd from 60 to 96 members and introduced 16 larger constituencies electing six MSs each, helped create a far more proportional result.
It has also produced a chamber in which smaller parties and tactical negotiations will matter more than ever.

What happens next?
The key issue now is who can command enough support to govern.
Plaid Cymru, as the largest party, will be expected to lead the process of forming an administration.
But without a majority, every major vote will matter. Budgets, major laws, confidence votes and key policy decisions will all require careful negotiation.
A formal deal with another party may prove difficult. A minority Plaid government is possible, but it would need support from other MSs to survive.
That means the next few weeks could be decisive for the future of Wales.
A changed country
This was more than a bad night for Labour or a breakthrough for Plaid and Reform.
It was a clear sign that Welsh politics has changed.
Old loyalties have weakened. Voters who once backed the same party for generations have shown they are prepared to move. The next Senedd will be more divided, more unpredictable, and more difficult to control.
For Wales, the message is stark.
The Labour era is over. Plaid Cymru now has its greatest opportunity yet. Reform UK has arrived as a major force. And whoever forms the next Welsh Government will have to prove quickly that change means more than a different set of faces in Cardiff Bay.
Community
Haverfordwest Castle redevelopment on track for 2028 reopening
Major project will create new visitor attraction, events space, museum and improved town links
HAVERFORDWEST Castle is on course to reopen in 2028 following a major redevelopment project aimed at transforming the historic site into a high-quality visitor attraction.
County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who represents the Castle Ward in Haverfordwest, recently visited the site to see the progress being made.
He said: “As County Councillor for the Castle Ward in Haverfordwest, it was lovely to visit the Haverfordwest Castle Redevelopment Project and see the progress that has been achieved.
“I am very much looking forward to the Castle reopening in 2028.”

The project will see the mediaeval castle conserved for future generations, while the Inner Bailey has been landscaped so it can host events for up to 500 people.
These could include concerts, plays, craft fairs, Christmas markets and other community events.
The wider castle grounds are also being improved, with new interpretation explaining the history of the site, as well as family-friendly activities.
The building which houses Haverfordwest Museum, the Governor’s House, is being conserved, while the museum exhibition inside will be completely refurbished and modernised.

The former gaol building will also be transformed into a visitor attraction telling the story of Pembrokeshire’s past and future in an interactive and family-friendly way.
The attraction will include a café, shop, community spaces and exhibition areas.
Work is also taking place to improve the physical route between the castle and the town centre at Castle Back, with better signage planned to help visitors find the castle and navigate Haverfordwest more easily.
The castle is expected to reopen in 2028.
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