News
Unpaid carers could swing election in Mid & South Pembs, says charity
UNPAID carers have the power to swing 185 constituencies at the General Election, charity Carers Trust warns
Analysis from UK charity Carers Trust shows there are enough unpaid carers in 185 constituencies to potentially swing each of those seats at this week’s General Election, including in Mid and South Pembrokeshire.
There are 185 seats in England and Wales where the number of carers is higher than the current MP’s majority. They include many seats held by key figures in all parties. Amon them are the Conservatives’ former leader Iain Duncan Smith and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Deputy Leader Angela Rayner, and Lib Dems Daisy Cooper and Tim Farron.
In the new Mid & South Pembrokeshire constituency there are 10,222 carers and Stephen Crabb’s majority at the last election in 2019 was 8621, although remember at the last election we had the differently configured seat of Preseli Pembrokeshire.
A total of 96 constituencies currently held by the Conservatives could be swung by carer votes. This includes Chingford and Woodford Green where Iain Duncan Smith has a 1,604 majority in a seat with 8,225 carers. Alex Chalk’s 1,421 majority in Cheltenham could also face a threat from 6,871 carers.
In all, 83 Labour-held constituencies could see their majority overturned by carer votes. Angela Rayner has a 4,689 vote majority in Ashton-under-Lyne, a constituency of 8,517 carers. Meanwhile, Rachel Reeves is contesting the new seat of Leeds West and Pudsey which has 7,783 carers and an estimated 2019 majority of 2,963.
Carers Trust has warned that, although there are an estimated seven million unpaid carers in the UK, they have been largely ignored by most political parties during the election campaign. Many carers are looking after ill or disabled family and friends because of the crisis facing social care. Yet the social care system has also been largely absent from election debates so far. If parties are serious about tackling the social care crisis, they will need support from unpaid carers. In return, those carers need more support themselves.
Dominic Carter, Carers Trust’s Director of Policy and Public Affairs, said: “Many carers have been plunged into pverty because of their caring role and are picking up the pieces left by a social care system that’s been starved of investment. These figures show that, although carers have been largely ignored this election, they have the power to swing huge numbers of seats across the country on July 4.
“At Carers Trust we are calling on all parties to make sure carers are no longer pushed to breaking point and are properly supported, including overhauling Carer’s Allowance – the lowest benefit of its kind. It’s not too late for parliamentary candidates to start listening to those calls. If they don’t, they could be punished at the ballot box.”
The largest majority under threat from carer power is Blackpool North and Fleetwood, where the Conservatives’ 10,119 majority for Paul Maynard could be wiped out by 10,233 carers. Seats with majorities of over 8,500 like Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, Harrow East, Enfield North and Pontypridd are also at risk if carers vote against the incumbent.
Elsewhere, carer votes could also make the difference in marginals like Burnley, Leigh & Atherton and Wimbledon.
More than 1.5 million people in England and Wales provide at least 50 hours of care a week, with huge implications for their finances, health and future prospects. A survey by Carers Trust last year found just 55% of carers say they get the support they need, while 41% said the time they spent caring has increased. Despite this, there has not been a UK Government plan for carers since 2020 and the last cross-government Carers Strategy expired six years ago.
Carer power: The 10 biggest majorities at risk from carer votes
Seat
2019 majority
Number of carers
Incumbent MP
Party
Blackpool North and Fleetwood
10119
10233
Paul Maynard
Conservative
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
9091
9677
Fay Jones (Brecon and Radnorshire)
Conservative
Harrow East
8987
9219
Bob Blackman
Conservative
Enfield North
8853
9258
Feryal Clark
Labour
Pontypridd
8798
9944
Alex Davies-Jones
Labour
Corby and East Northamptonshire
8676
8895
Tom Pursglove (Corby)
Conservative
Mid and South Pembrokeshire
8621
10222
Stephen Crabb (Preseli Pembrokeshire
Conservative
Taunton and Wellington
8536
8763
Rebecca Pow (Taunton Deane)
Conservative
South Ribble
8515
8664
Katherine Fletcher
Conservative
Neath and Swansea East
8451
10961
Christina Rees (Neath)
Labour
Health
Businesses selling single-use vapes warned of impending ban
ANYONE selling single-use vapes is reminded that from 1st June 2025 it will be illegal to do so.
It will also be illegal to offer to sell or have in your possessing for sale all single-use or ‘disposable’ vapes – whether online or in a shop and if they contain nicotine or not.
Businesses will have until the 1st June 2025 to sell any remaining stock and prepare for the ban coming in to force.
Reusable vapes, those that can be recharged and refilled, are not affected by the ban.
The UK Government is introducing the ban as part of its commitment to tackle environmental concerns and the rise in young people taking up vaping.
Single use vapes are typically discarded as general waste or littered, rather than recycled. Even those that are sent to recycling facilities, the process of recycling is slow and difficult.
Littering spoils communities, introduces harmful substances into the soil, rivers and streams, and causes harm to biodiversity.
The lithium ion batteries used can also present a fire risk.
Figures show that the number of children and young people taking up vaping continues to rise and disposable vapes are the product of choice for most children who vape. It is hoped the ban will curb the rise of young people taking up vaping.
For all ages the long term health impacts of vaping are unknown, although withdrawal symptoms from nicotine addiction is known to cause anxiety, trouble concentrating and headaches.
Retailers are reminded it is illegal to sell nicotine vapes to anyone under 18 years of age. It is also an offence for an adult to buy a nicotine vape on behalf of someone under 18.
Business
Successful Pembrokeshire entrepreneur Lucie Macleod stirs Up Dragons’ Den with viral hair syrup
A Pembrokeshire-based haircare brand that has taken social media by storm recently appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den. Hair Syrup, founded by Lucie Macleod, has gone from a viral TikTok sensation to being stocked in major retailers such as Boots, BeautyBay, Lookfantastic, and ASOS—all within just four years.
The Dragons’ Den Experience
Lucie Macleod took to the Dragons’ Den stage hoping to secure investment to propel Hair Syrup even further. While she didn’t secure a deal with the Dragons, she received invaluable advice on how to elevate her brand to the next level. The expert insights and feedback from the Dragons have provided her with a roadmap for future growth, ensuring Hair Syrup continues to thrive in the competitive natural haircare market.
Before appearing on the show, Lucie shared her thoughts on the experience: “The split decision of agreeing to appear on the show pretty last minute has proven to be nothing short of life-changing – but perhaps not in the way you’d initially imagine… As you guys know, I never meant to start a business when I launched Hair Syrup – I started with no experience or any idea what I was getting myself into. The last four years of entrepreneurship have been indescribably crazy.”
She continued: “We all know what a fantastic opportunity it is for any brand to be featured on prime-time TV, but I was TERRIFIED nonetheless. The Dragons have been my idols since I was a kid (knowing I would one day go down the path of entrepreneurship) – I wasn’t quite prepared to be grilled by some of my favourite celebrities. Very grateful I had this opportunity to challenge myself, move out of a comfort zone & learn so much about business!”
However, Lucie’s pitch took an unexpected turn when Dragon Touker Suleyman made an unconventional offer. He was willing to invest the £190,000 she asked for in exchange for a 3% stake—on the condition that he recouped his investment within three months and retained his stake indefinitely as a mentor. The proposal caught the attention of the other Dragons, with Steven Bartlett reacting in disbelief and Deborah Meaden warning Lucie to consider the long-term implications.
Initially overwhelmed, Lucie accepted the offer, but the visible concern from the other Dragons made her reconsider. She admitted she felt “nervous” about the decision, leading to heated discussions among the panel. Viewers at home also reacted strongly, with many taking to social media to call the offer “shady” and “uncomfortable.”
As the tension grew, Touker ultimately withdrew his proposal, stating he did not want Lucie to feel as though he was taking advantage of her. Fellow Dragon Peter Jones later commended him for doing “the honourable thing.” The dramatic turn of events left both the Dragons and viewers relieved that Lucie had avoided what many perceived as an unfair deal.
The Rise of Hair Syrup
Hair Syrup was established in 2020 after Lucie Macleod posted a TikTok video showcasing her own hair transformation. The overwhelming response saw people clamouring to get their hands on what she dubbed her “magic syrup.” This led to the creation of a range of natural pre-wash hair and scalp oil treatments designed to nourish, gloss, and hydrate hair.
The company has since expanded its offerings to include pre-wash oils, leave-in oils, hair care sets, buttercream treatments, and accessories such as brushes, clips, scrunchies, and satin pillowcases. Their mission is clear: “To transform the natural haircare market, one syrup at a time.”
The TikTok Hair Oiling Trend
The popularity of hair oiling has surged on TikTok, with over 87,000 videos using the #hairoiling hashtag. Hair Syrup has played a key role in this growing trend, offering products specifically designed to enhance hair health. Unlike many other rosemary-based oils that require dilution before application, Hair Syrup’s products can be applied directly, setting them apart from competitors.
Hair Syrup’s pre-wash oils, the foundation of its success, are tailored to different hair types, from bleached and dry hair to oily or knot-prone locks. Their leave-in oils provide a glossy post-wash finish, while their buttercream treatment offers deep moisture restoration.
Customer Praise and Reviews
The brand’s success is bolstered by glowing customer feedback. One shopper who purchased the Rapunzel Hair Syrup shared their experience: “I’ve been using this for a few weeks now and to say I could not live without it is the understatement of the year. My hair feels and looks so healthy, I’ve had so many compliments and I’ve fallen back in love with my hair!”
Another customer, who bought the Lemon-Aid Syrup, credited the product with transforming their hair-wash routine: “I’ve used this for a few months now and I can’t recommend it enough. Smells great and helps cleanse the scalp. Gone from washing my hair four times a week to two.”
Meanwhile, a buyer of the Mint Condition Syrup hailed it as a “scalp saviour,” stating: “I had tried everything on the market and this is the only product that worked. You only need the smallest bit. This will last you such a long time and is so affordable. I would have paid anything for a soothed scalp.”
What’s Next for Hair Syrup?
With a rapidly growing fan base, an expanding retail presence, and valuable guidance from the Dragons, Hair Syrup is poised for even greater success. While Lucie Macleod may not have secured an investment on Dragons’ Den, the experience has provided her with the tools and direction needed to take her brand to the next level.
With its unique formulations and passionate customer base, Hair Syrup is set to continue making waves in the natural haircare industry—one syrup at a time.
Health
GPs accept revised contract offer from the Welsh Government
THE BMA’s Welsh GP committee has voted to accept the revised 24/25 GMS (General Medical Services) contract offer proposed by the Welsh Government after 99% of GPs in Wales voted overwhelmingly to reject the original offer in December
The committee was presented with a significantly improved offer from the Welsh Government in January, marking a positive turn in the contract negotiations. This was a direct response to the overwhelming contract referendum result, which saw a record number of GPs in Wales join the BMA.
The revised offer, which includes an additional but non-recurrent £23 million practice stabilisation payment, now brings the total additional investment for the 24/25 financial year to £52.1 million. This will help GPs deliver vital services to their communities, providing greater stability to practices, patients and staff.
The revised offer ensures fair remuneration for all practice staff, including GP partners and salaried GPs. It realises the DDRB (doctors and dentists pay review body) recommendation of a 6% pay uplift.
Dr Gareth Oelmann, chair of the BMA’s Welsh GP committee, stated: “As a committee, we voted unanimously to accept the Welsh Government’s revised offer on the basis that this significant uplift will provide GPs with greater stability in the immediate term given the challenging circumstances practices find themselves in.
“We are pleased that the Welsh Government swiftly grasped the strength of feeling amongst the profession and took decisive action by providing a credible offer which we hope will provide GPs with much-needed resources to deliver vital care to patients.
“We acknowledge that this settlement does not resolve every issue, and we have reservations about non-recurrent funding given the awareness of upcoming unavoidable costs from the start of the financial year. Nevertheless, it provides a solid foundation we can build upon in the next round of negotiations for the 25/26 contract; we have assurances from the Welsh Government that this will take place as early as possible.
“Thank you to everyone who voted in the contract referendum and for sharing your experiences. Our collective resolve has delivered a fairer deal for general practice, and we will continue to use this mandate to improve GP services for everyone across Wales.”
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