News

Charity ‘advised’ over Pembrokeshire Labour candidate’s election leaflet

Published

3 days ago

June 27, 2024

AN ENDORSEMENT given by a trustee of a local charity to Mid & South Pembrokeshire’s Labour candidate has fallen foul of Charity Commission rules.

One of Henry Tufnell’s recent election campaign leaflets features an endorsement from Sue Denman, a trustee of the Pembrokeshire charity Solva Care.

The leaflet includes a photograph of Ms Denman with the caption, “Sue, Director, Together for Change, Solva.”

The endorsement raised eyebrows among some who received the leaflet, leading two people to contact this newspaper, concerned that electoral rules had been broken.

Their concern arises because The Charity Commission for England and Wales, which governs charities like Solva Care, has clear guidelines stating that charities must remain independent from party politics and trustees must not encourage support for any political party.

Though Together For Change (TfC) is not a registered charity, it operates under the auspices of Solva Care, where Denman has been an associate trustee since 2017.

TfC, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, must adhere to strict rules about political activity.

Ruth Bates, head of communications for the National Lottery Fund in Wales, clarified in an email, “We do not fund certain types of political activity, particularly party-political activity, and we are confident that Solva Care is not using our grant to fund any such activity or campaigning.

“We have reminded all grantholders of the rules around the Period of Sensitivity provided by the Charity Commission.”

Labour Party guidelines for campaign materials stress the importance of meticulous proofreading and centralised approval.

A party spokesperson noted, “One person must have the final say in signing off such material.”

A Charity Commission spokesperson confirmed that no action would be taken against Solva Care but stated that the trustees would receive regulatory advice and guidance regarding political activity.

Despite efforts by our journalist to contact Henry Tufnell and Sue Denman for comments, neither has responded.

News

Cleddau Bridge closed to all traffic over concerns for man’s welfare

Published

3 hours ago

June 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CLEDDAU BRIDGE was closed to traffic on Saturday (Jun 29) after police were called over concerns for an individual.

An RNLI lifeboat from Angle Lifeboat Station as well as a local coastguard rescue team were also called out to standby.

The bridge remained closed between around 6.30pm and 8.30pm whilst crews dealt with the incident.

The emergency services have been asked for a comment.

News

Labour rallies support in Mid and South Pembrokeshire

Published

4 hours ago

June 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

LABOUR PARTY activists gathered at Pennar Hall, Pembroke Dock, to rally behind their candidate, Henry Tufnell, for the upcoming general election. The event, marked by cheering and the waving of red placards, highlighted what the party says is Labour’s commitment to change.

A notable attendee was the controversial First Minister, Vaughan Gething, who has recently faced backlash for accepting donations totalling £200,000 from a convicted criminal.

Tufnell has called the persistence of noxious odours from a landfill site owned by the convicted polluter who donated £200,000 to Vaughan Gething’s Welsh Labour leadership campaign “completely unacceptable” and deeply worrying for residents.

Further controversy erupted when he was accused of lying to the UK Covid Inquiry and deleting messages to avoid disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Additionally, the donor, David Neal, is under scrutiny for potential environmental law violations and tax evasion related to waste disposal at the Withyhedge landfill near Haverfordwest, stirring local discontent due to noxious odours affecting the community.

Vaughan Gething’s presence, especially given the landfill’s proximity, raises questions about whether his involvement will help or hinder Tufnell’s campaign.

Later today (Sunday, Jun 30) Welsh Labour’s Deputy Leader, Carolyn Harris, will bring the Labour Battle Bus to Mid and South Pembrokeshire.

This visit aims to further energise the local base and attract undecided voters, underscoring Labour’s dedication to securing a win in this key constituency.

As the campaign heads into its final days, Tufnell and his team are hopeful, emphasising the need for fresh leadership in the region. However, the controversies surrounding Gething may influence local perceptions, and the overall impact on the election remains to be seen.

Although Labour are leading in the polls in Wales, they are not taking any chances here in Pembrokeshire. The arrival of the battle bus later today shows that the fight is still on between Tufnell and Crabb.

Community

Council issues Tenby summer pedestrianisation scheme reminder

Published

9 hours ago

June 29, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL have issued a reminder today that the Tenby summer pedestrianisation scheme starts on Monday, July 1st to Friday, September 13th.
The Walled Town is pedestrianised and traffic movements restricted between 11am and 5.30pm each day.
The council said: “Drivers are kindly requested to plan their journeys in advance to keep the Walled Town a traffic free zone during these times.”