News

Labour Senedd member suspended in dodgy number plates scandal

Published

3 days ago

June 27, 2024

THE LABOUR PARTY has suspended one of its Senedd members after a photograph emerged showing their vehicle with fake number plates.

Rhianon Passmore, the MS for Islwyn, has been “administratively suspended” from the Labour group for fourteen days while an internal investigation takes place.

A Labour Party statement says, “The Labour Party takes the conduct of our elected representatives extremely seriously, and all complaints are investigated in accordance with the Party’s complaints procedures.”

A photograph taken in the Senedd car park shows Ms Passmore’s vehicle with a number plate hanging off the front with a second, and different, number plate exposed underneath.

The loose number plate fell off when Ms Passmore drove out of the Senedd car park. When she returned, her vehicle displayed different number plates on its front and rear.
One of the number plates is unregistered. The second is for an untaxed vehicle.

While the Labour Party conducts its investigation, the allegations against Ms Passmore constitute a criminal offence that the Police may also want to investigate.

Rhianon Passmore was first elected to the Welsh Parliament in 2016.

In 2018, she was suspended from the Senedd for fourteen days for failing to provide a breath sample after being stopped for suspected drinking and driving. She pleaded guilty to the offence of failing to supply a breath test.

There are different number plate offences, the approach to which depends on the Police and prosecutors’ approach and the circumstances of any alleged offence.

Drivers using non-compliant number plates or failing to display number plates are subject to a fine of up to £1,000. However, drivers can also be charged with a more serious offence of fraud and forgery under s44 of the relevant law for using fake plates.

An entirely innocent explanation for the number plate row is also possible, whereby Ms Passmore placed a personalised plate over the car’s original registration mark. While that would not address the failure to tax the vehicle or possibly register the changed registration mark, it places the allegations firmly into cock up rather than conspiracy.

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.”