Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

All the candidates standing in Caerfyrddin – who has got your vote?

Published

on

Simon Hart (Conservative Party)

Simon Hart is the Conservative candidate for Caerfyrddin and has a well-established political career, having served as the MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2010. During his tenure, Hart has held several significant positions, including Secretary of State for Wales and Government Chief Whip. His campaign focuses on maintaining economic stability and improving local infrastructure. Hart emphasises his dedication to addressing specific local issues, such as opposing the construction of pylons in the Teifi and Towy Valleys, which he argues would detract from the natural beauty of the area.

Hart’s platform includes a commitment to supporting rural communities, ensuring that farmers and local businesses receive the support they need to thrive. He highlights his long-standing connection to the area, despite the new constituency boundaries, and aims to leverage his experience to benefit the residents of Caerfyrddin. Hart’s campaign also addresses broader national issues, such as economic policy and public services, with a focus on practical solutions that can make a real difference at the local level.

Martha O’Neil (Labour Party)

Martha O’Neil is the Labour candidate for Caerfyrddin, bringing a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to social justice. At 25 years old, O’Neil is a former policy adviser for the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Her campaign emphasises empathy and personal experience with hardship, aiming to connect with voters on a deep, personal level. O’Neil advocates for substantial changes to address the cost-of-living crisis, improve public services like the NHS, and ensure fair economic policies that benefit all segments of society.

O’Neil criticises the Conservative government’s handling of the economy and public services, highlighting issues such as high living costs and inadequate support for families. She promises to deliver better outcomes by pushing for a Labour government that prioritises the needs of ordinary people. Her platform includes specific policies to reduce energy prices, enhance healthcare access, and support education and social services, aiming to create a more equitable and prosperous community.

Ann Davies (Plaid Cymru)

Ann Davies, the Plaid Cymru candidate for Caerfyrddin, brings a wealth of experience and a strong connection to the local community. As a cabinet member on Carmarthenshire County Council, Davies has a deep understanding of both rural and post-industrial needs. Her campaign is built on the legacy of Gwynfor Evans, Plaid Cymru’s first MP, and she aims to follow in his footsteps by providing honest and dedicated representation in Westminster.

Davies focuses on sustainable development and support for local businesses. She emphasises the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the area while promoting economic growth. Her platform includes policies to support the agricultural sector, enhance public services, and ensure that rural communities have access to the resources they need to thrive. Davies also highlights her commitment to fighting for the best deal for Caerfyrddin’s residents, promising to be a strong and vocal advocate for their needs and concerns.

Will Beasley (Green Party)

Will Beasley, the Green Party candidate for Caerfyrddin, is dedicated to environmental sustainability and social justice. His campaign focuses on achieving net-zero emissions through innovative and accountable policies. Beasley criticises the major parties for their inadequate handling of rural issues and positions the Green Party as a forward-thinking alternative that prioritises environmental and community welfare.

Beasley’s platform includes enhancing public transportation, protecting natural habitats, and supporting local agriculture. He advocates for sustainable development practices that do not compromise the environment, ensuring that future generations can enjoy a healthy and vibrant natural world. Beasley also emphasises the importance of social justice, promising to fight for policies that reduce inequality and provide all residents with access to quality public services and opportunities for growth and development.

Nicholas Paul Beckett (Liberal Democrats)

Nicholas Paul Beckett is the Liberal Democrat candidate for Caerfyrddin, focusing on addressing the cost-of-living crisis, supporting local businesses, and promoting educational opportunities. Beckett emphasises the need for practical solutions to local issues, such as improving healthcare access and ensuring that public services are well-funded and efficiently run.

Beckett’s campaign includes policies to support economic growth through investment in local businesses and infrastructure. He advocates for a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone’s needs are met through responsive and effective governance. Beckett highlights his commitment to transparency and accountability in government, promising to work tirelessly to represent the interests of Caerfyrddin’s residents in Westminster.

Nancy Cole (Women’s Equality Party)

Nancy Cole, the Women’s Equality Party candidate for Caerfyrddin, focuses on gender equality and social justice. Her campaign includes policies aimed at closing the gender pay gap, improving healthcare services for women, and ensuring that public policies address the unique challenges faced by women and marginalised groups. Cole advocates for systemic changes to create a more equitable society and believes that her party offers the most comprehensive solutions to achieve these goals.

Cole’s platform emphasises the importance of creating opportunities for women in all areas of life, from the workplace to healthcare to education. She promises to fight for policies that promote fairness and equality, ensuring that all residents have the resources and support they need to succeed. Cole also highlights the need for greater representation of women in government, arguing that diverse perspectives are essential for effective policymaking.

David Mark Evans (Workers Party of Britain)

David Mark Evans, the Workers Party of Britain candidate for Caerfyrddin, offers a platform that reflects traditional Labour values. He criticises the current Labour Party for straying from its roots and positions his party as a true representative of progressive economics and social justice. Evans advocates for policies that promote economic equity, support local industries, and enhance public services.

Evans’s campaign includes measures to increase funding for the NHS, improve education, and support workers’ rights. He promises to address the economic challenges facing families and individuals by implementing policies that ensure fair wages and job security. Evans also emphasises the importance of community engagement, promising to listen to the concerns of residents and work collaboratively to develop effective solutions to local issues.

Bernard Holton (Reform UK)

Bernard Holton represents Reform UK in the Caerfyrddin constituency. His campaign focuses on reducing government bureaucracy, promoting free-market principles, and ensuring more direct democracy. Holton criticises the major parties for their economic policies and aims to offer a practical and straightforward approach to governance.

Holton’s platform includes supporting local businesses, improving public services, and advocating for policies that prioritise the needs of ordinary citizens over political elites. He emphasises the importance of transparency and accountability in government, promising to work towards a more efficient and responsive political system. Holton also highlights his commitment to protecting individual freedoms and ensuring that government policies reflect the will of the people.

These expanded sections provide a detailed overview of each candidate’s platform and priorities, highlighting the diverse range of issues and perspectives in the Caerfyrddin constituency for the 2024 General Election.

Health

Major investment confirmed for GP services in Wales

Published

on

Government unveils £41m boost, but practices warn pressures remain acute

MORE than £41m in extra funding will go into general practice in Wales this year following a new agreement between the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and GP leaders. Ministers say the deal provides stability at a time of rising demand — but the settlement comes against a backdrop of sustained pressures, recruitment challenges and concerns over patient access.

The package includes a 4% uplift to the General Medical Services (GMS) contract for 2025-26, in line with independent DDRB pay recommendations, and a guaranteed 5.8% recurrent uplift from 2026-27. The Welsh Government says the multi-year commitment will allow practices to plan ahead, modernise systems and strengthen community-based services.

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said the investment showed an “unwavering commitment” to general practice, adding: “The 4% pay uplift ensures fair recognition for GPs and practice staff who work tirelessly to deliver care for communities across our country. Multi-year funding gives practices the confidence to invest in the transformation primary care needs.”

However, the announcement comes at a time when many Welsh practices continue to report severe workforce pressures, rising demand, and longstanding challenges in recruiting new partners. GP numbers have fallen over the past decade, with some practices handing back contracts or operating list closures because of unsustainable workloads. Patient satisfaction with access has also declined, according to the latest Welsh GP Patient Survey.

What the deal includes

The settlement for 2025-26 comprises £37.9m of new investment and £4m in re-invested capacity funding, with the key elements including:

  • A 1.77% uplift in expenses, intended to help practices manage inflationary pressures in energy, staffing and running costs.
  • A recurrent £20m stabilisation fund to support practices facing immediate operational pressures and to prepare for wider reform under the incoming Sustainable Farming Scheme model for health.
  • An increased partnership premium, aimed at retaining experienced GPs and encouraging new partners into a model that some say has become less attractive due to financial and regulatory risk.
  • A full review of the GMS allocation formula — the first in more than 20 years — which determines how funding is distributed between practices. Some rural and deprived communities have long argued the current system does not reflect the complexity of local health needs.

Wider context

General practice remains the foundation of the NHS, accounting for around 90% of patient contacts, yet it receives a proportionally small share of the overall health budget compared with hospital services. Both the Welsh NHS Confederation and GPC Wales have repeatedly warned that without sustained investment, primary care risks being unable to meet increasing demand from ageing populations and rising chronic illness.

The Welsh Government’s own “community-by-design” programme relies on shifting more care closer to home, reducing pressure on emergency departments and supporting earlier intervention. For that to be achieved, GP leaders say investment needs to be matched with workforce expansion, improved digital systems, and clear strategies to retain experienced clinicians.

Working groups will now be set up to examine access standards, diabetes prevention and new service models.

Mr Miles said he was pleased that GPs would be “actively contributing to creating innovative care models that enhance access, improve outcomes and deliver care locally.”

GP representatives broadly welcomed the deal but have stressed that it is only one step in addressing the scale of challenge across primary care.

Continue Reading

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

on

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Continue Reading

News

Dyfed-Powys Police launch major investigation after triple fatal crash

Published

on

Officers handling one of the force’s most serious road incidents of the year

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has launched a major investigation after a devastating collision on the A489 near the village of Snead left three people dead and another seriously injured.

Emergency services were called at around 4:50pm on Thursday (Dec 11) to reports of a two-car collision between a grey Audi A4 and a red Toyota Yaris on the rural stretch between Churchstoke and Lydham, close to the Shropshire border. A blue tractor with a front attachment was also travelling on the same section of road at the time of the crash.

Police confirmed that two occupants of the Yaris and the driver of the Audi were pronounced dead at the scene. A further passenger from the Yaris was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries. All next of kin have been informed and specialist family liaison officers are offering support.

Rural force faces one of its most challenging incidents this year

The collision is being described internally as one of the most serious road death incidents Dyfed-Powys Police has dealt with in 2025. Covering the largest geographical area of any force in England and Wales, Dyfed-Powys routinely responds to emergencies across long rural corridors, where limited access points and long travel distances can complicate major incident response.

The A489, which links Mid Wales with the Shropshire Marches, is a busy agricultural and commuter route, with narrow sections, fast straights and limited overtaking opportunities. Several serious collisions have been recorded in recent years, and officers say the geography of the road often increases the complexity of managing scenes such as Thursday’s.

Roads Policing teams, collision investigators, fire crews and the Wales Air Ambulance attended, with the road remaining closed for many hours while forensic work took place.

Appeal for witnesses and dash-cam footage

Dyfed-Powys Police is urging anyone who was travelling on the A489 around the time of the collision – particularly those with dash-cam footage – to come forward.

Information can be submitted online via the force website, by calling 101 quoting reference 267 of December 11.

Officers say they are especially keen to trace anyone who may have seen the vehicles involved shortly before the crash.

Continue Reading

Crime19 minutes ago

Former Army Cadet leader sentenced for child abuse image offences

Judge condemns “horribly abused” victims as Carmarthen man admits offences A FORMER Army Cadet instructor from Carmarthen has been sentenced...

Crime3 hours ago

Trefin dog case ends in forfeiture order after protection notice breach

Village protest followed months of complaints about barking A WOMAN from north Pembrokeshire has been fined £1,000 and ordered to...

Crime19 hours ago

Man spared jail after baseball bat incident in Milford Haven

Judge says offence was so serious only a prison sentence was justified A 44-YEAR-OLD has been given a suspended prison sentence after...

Crime1 day ago

Rural cannabis factory exposed after five-year operation in Carmarthenshire

Family-run drugs enterprise brought in millions before police raid during lockdown A FAMILY who relocated from England to a remote...

Business3 days ago

Senedd rejects calls to ‘eliminate’ rates for small businesses

A CONSERVATIVE call to abolish rates for all small businesses in Wales has been voted down by the Senedd amid...

Community3 days ago

Christmas song pokes fun at Haverfordwest’s ‘Instagram-friendly’ bridge

Rock track raises money for charity while giving a gentle dig to the council A BRAND-NEW Christmas rock song by...

Crime3 days ago

Police reassure community after school lockdown incident in Carmarthen 

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have issued reassurance to the community after Ysgol Bro Myrddin in Carmarthen was placed into a precautionary lockdown on...

Local Government4 days ago

Councillors call for urgent review as flooding hits coastal communities

Motion demands assessment of drainage infrastructure after Castle Pond overflow A MOTION on emergency flooding concerns was brought before Pembrokeshire...

Crime5 days ago

Phillips found guilty of raping baby in “worst case” judge has ever dealt with

Baby’s mother cleared as judge says case “shaken me to my core” CHRISTOPHER PHILLIPS has been found guilty of the...

News5 days ago

Storm Bram triggers widespread flood alerts across West Wales

As of Tuesday 9 December 2025, coastal communities in Pembrokeshire remain on high alert as Storm Bram continues to batter...

Popular This Week