News

General Election 2024: Everything you need to know as the polls close

Published

2 years ago

July 4, 2024

Polling stations were open from 7am to 10pm, with the much-anticipated exit poll expected at shortly afterwards. This election is critical not only for the nation as a whole but also for Wales, where key battles are being fought across several constituencies.

*Party leaders at polling stations earlier today* (Images: BBC Newshub/Sky News)

Key figures await results

Following the exit poll, Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer will be eagerly awaiting results from the nation’s 650 constituencies. Opinion polls throughout the six-week campaign have consistently predicted a significant Labour majority, with some suggesting Sir Keir could surpass Tony Blair’s historic victory in 1997. In Wales, Labour’s stronghold is under scrutiny, with the party looking to maintain or even expand its influence.

In a potential blow to the Conservatives, a recent Telegraph poll indicated that Mr. Sunak could become the first sitting Prime Minister to lose his seat in a general election. The impact of such an event would be felt across the UK, including in Wales, where Conservative seats are also at risk.

Tracking the results

Results will start to trickle in from around 11.30pm, with most constituencies declaring their outcomes in the early hours of the next day. The first declaration in 2019 came at 11.27pm from Newcastle City Council. This year, Blyth and Ashington is expected to be the first to announce around 11.30pm, followed closely by Houghton and Sunderland South at 11.45pm.

In Wales, results will be closely watched in constituencies such as Cardiff North, a seat that has seen significant campaigning from both Labour and the Conservatives. Early results here could indicate broader trends across the country.

Key Welsh constituencies to watch

Several Welsh constituencies will be key indicators of the election’s outcome. In Cardiff North, Labour’s Anna McMorrin is defending a majority against a strong Conservative challenge. In Wrexham, the Conservatives are hoping to retain the seat they won in 2019 for the first time in history.

Other significant Welsh constituencies include:

Swansea West: Traditionally a Labour stronghold, any significant shift here could signal wider changes in voter sentiment.
Ceredigion: Held by Plaid Cymru, this seat is a battleground for multiple parties, reflecting the unique political landscape of Wales.
Monmouth: A Conservative seat since 2005, Labour is hoping to make gains here, reflecting a broader strategy to win back seats lost over the past decade.

Constituencies to watch across the UK

Key results will be eagerly anticipated, particularly around 4am when Rishi Sunak’s Richmond and Northallerton seat results are expected. Predictions indicate he may face an unprecedented defeat. Similarly, Sir Keir Starmer’s result in Holborn and St Pancras is expected shortly after.

Top Tory figures such as Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, Grant Shapps, and Jeremy Hunt will also learn their fates during the night. Jeremy Corbyn, now standing as an independent in Islington North, will discover if he retains his seat.

Detailed timetable

11pm: Blyth and Ashington, Houghton and Sunderland South.
Midnight: Basildon and Billericay, Broxbourne, Sunderland Central, Swindon South.
1am: First results from Scotland, providing an early indication of SNP’s performance.
2am: Results from key constituencies including North West Essex, Burnley, and Redcar.
3am: Major declarations from Tory strongholds and Labour’s contested seats.
4am: Critical results for Rishi Sunak, Sir Keir Starmer, and key Reform UK candidates.

Major political movements

This election could reshape the political landscape, with Reform UK making significant strides. Notable figures like Nigel Farage and Richard Tice will find out if their efforts have secured them a seat in the Commons. In Wales, the influence of Reform UK and other smaller parties like the Green Party and Liberal Democrats will be under the spotlight, particularly in areas where they have focused their campaigns on local issues and dissatisfaction with the main parties.

Welsh political landscape

Wales has traditionally been a Labour stronghold, but recent elections have shown an increasing willingness among voters to explore alternatives. The Conservatives made significant inroads in 2019, capturing seats like the Vale of Clwyd and Wrexham. This election will test whether these gains were temporary or indicative of a longer-term shift.

Plaid Cymru, advocating for Welsh independence and greater autonomy, remains a significant force, particularly in rural and Welsh-speaking areas. Their performance in this election will be crucial in determining the future political direction of Wales.

Welsh voter sentiment

Voter sentiment in Wales has been shaped by a range of issues, including economic recovery post-COVID, healthcare, and local governance. The impact of Brexit, while less dominant than in previous elections, still plays a role in voter decision-making, especially in border constituencies.

The response to the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by both the UK and Welsh governments is also a key factor. The Welsh Labour government’s distinct approach compared to the UK government’s policies will be scrutinized by voters as they head to the polls.

Potential upsets and final declarations

As dawn approaches, the final results will reveal whether Labour’s projected success holds true and if the Liberal Democrats can achieve any last-minute upsets in traditionally Conservative areas. In Wales, attention will focus on whether Labour can reclaim seats lost to the Conservatives in 2019 and if Plaid Cymru can expand its influence.

The Liberal Democrats are hoping for a resurgence in places like Montgomeryshire, a seat with a history of Liberal representation. Meanwhile, the Greens are targeting constituencies where environmental issues are particularly resonant.

Conclusion

Stay tuned to herald.wales and pembrokeshire-herald.com for live updates and comprehensive coverage of this pivotal election night. With the potential for significant shifts in both the UK and Welsh political landscapes, this election promises to be one of the most consequential in recent history. As results come in, the political future of Wales and the UK will become clearer, setting the stage for the next phase of governance and policy direction.

News

Paris in February made easy with special direct Air France flights from Cardiff

Published

4 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TRAVELLING to Paris has never been simpler for Welsh holidaymakers, with Air France launching a series of special direct weekend services from Cardiff Airport to the French capital this month.

The limited-period flights offer a convenient, non-stop journey of under two hours to Paris, giving passengers more time to enjoy the city’s culture, cuisine and famous landmarks without the hassle of connections or long road transfers to other UK airports.

Timed perfectly for winter city breaks and Valentine’s getaways, the services run between February 13 and February 16, making them ideal for long weekends.

February is widely considered one of the best times to visit the French capital, with fewer crowds and a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Visitors can explore world-famous attractions including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame Cathedral, browse galleries at the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, or simply enjoy cafés, bistros and Michelin-starred dining across the city.

With Valentine’s Day falling during the operating period, the flights offer couples an easy escape for scenic walks along the Seine, memorable meals and classic Parisian experiences.

Jon Bridge, CEO of Cardiff Airport, said: “We’re delighted to offer direct flights to such a vibrant city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach, giving customers an easy, friendly travel experience and fantastic options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are excited to make this opportunity possible, with more to come from Cardiff.”

Seats are available now via airfrance.co.uk and through travel agents. As availability is limited, early booking is recommended.

Flight schedule

Cardiff (CWL) to Paris (CDG)

• Feb 13 – AF4149 – 6:20pm → 8:50pm
• Feb 14 – AF4149 – 3:20pm → 5:50pm
• Feb 15 – AF4149 – 9:20am → 11:50am
• Feb 15 – AF4151 – 9:00pm → 11:30pm
• Feb 16 – AF4149 – 9:20am → 11:50am
• Feb 16 – AF4151 – 5:50pm → 8:20pm

Paris (CDG) to Cardiff (CWL)

• Feb 13 – AF4148 – 5:00pm → 5:30pm
• Feb 14 – AF4148 – 2:00pm → 2:30pm
• Feb 15 – AF4148 – 8:00am → 8:30am
• Feb 15 – AF4150 – 7:40pm → 8:10pm
• Feb 16 – AF4148 – 8:00am → 8:30am
• Feb 16 – AF4150 – 4:30pm → 5:00pm

Education

Language commissioner launches probe into school closure impact on Welsh

Published

4 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH Language Commissioner has launched a formal investigation into claims that the proposed closure of a rural Carmarthenshire primary school did not properly assess the impact on the Welsh language.

Campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith confirmed this week that the Welsh Language Commissioner will examine whether Carmarthenshire County Council complied with its legal duties when producing a language impact assessment linked to plans to close Ysgol Llansteffan.

The council issued a statutory notice last year proposing to shut the village school at the end of the summer term as part of wider education reorganisation. A final decision had been expected this spring.

However, the investigation now creates fresh uncertainty over the timetable.

Complaint over ‘insufficient assessment’

Cymdeithas yr Iaith says it submitted a formal complaint arguing that the council failed to produce a sufficiently detailed assessment of how the closure could affect Welsh-medium education and the wider Welsh-speaking community.

The group claims the authority selectively used data to support closure rather than examining all available evidence objectively.

Two key concerns were raised.

Firstly, campaigners argue there may not be enough places in neighbouring Welsh-medium schools to accommodate pupils from Llansteffan and nearby housing developments, potentially forcing some families into English-medium provision.

Secondly, they say the assessment did not meaningfully consider the school’s role as a community hub or explore ways the site could generate income and support local Welsh-language activities.

On behalf of local members, Ffred Ffransis said: “There will not be places for all the Llansteffan children, nor for the children of the new housing estates, in other Welsh-medium schools in the area.

“The most cost-effective way of providing sufficient places locally in Welsh-medium education is by keeping open Ysgol Llansteffan and making better use of the buildings, including environmental education and community use.”

Formal investigation

In a letter to the group, the commissioner confirmed an investigation will be held under Section 71 of the Welsh Language Measure to determine whether the council complied with Welsh language standards.

The probe could take up to three months.

Campaigners believe this may delay implementation of the closure and could require the council to revisit its assessment and potentially carry out a fresh statutory consultation.

Ffransis said: “Even if the council now decided to make a full and meaningful assessment, there would likely have to be a new consultation. The original decision may have been taken on a faulty basis.”

He added that similar concerns had been raised about language impact assessments connected to other proposed school closures in the county.

Council position

The council has previously said that school reorganisation proposals are driven by falling pupil numbers, financial pressures and the need to ensure sustainable, high-quality education.

Authorities across Wales have faced difficult decisions in recent years as rural rolls decline and building maintenance costs rise.

It is expected the council will respond formally to the commissioner’s investigation in due course.

What happens next

If the commissioner finds that language standards were not properly followed, enforcement steps could be taken and the process delayed or revisited.

For families in Llansteffan, the outcome may determine whether their local Welsh-medium school remains open beyond the summer term.

The Herald has contacted Carmarthenshire County Council for comment.

Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.

Business

First Minister criticised after ‘Netflix’ comment on struggling high streets

Published

5 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Government announces 15% support package but campaigners say costs still crushing hospitality

PUBS, cafés and restaurants across Wales will receive extra business rates relief — but ministers are facing criticism after comments suggesting people staying home watching Netflix are partly to blame for struggling high streets.

The Welsh Government has announced a 15% business rates discount for around 4,400 hospitality businesses in 2026-27, backed by up to £8 million in funding.

Announcing the package, Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “Pubs, restaurants, cafés, bars, and live music venues are at the heart of communities across Wales. We know they are facing real pressures, from rising costs to changing consumer habits.

“This additional support will help around 4,400 businesses as they adapt to these challenges.”

The announcement came hours after Eluned Morgan suggested in Senedd discussions that changing lifestyles — including more time spent at home on streaming services — were contributing to falling footfall in town centres.

The remarks prompted political backlash.

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds, said: “People are not willingly choosing Netflix over the high street. They are being forced indoors because prices keep rising and wages are not.

“Blaming people for staying at home is an insult to business owners who are working longer hours just to survive.”

Industry groups say the problem runs deeper than consumer behaviour.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) welcomed the discount but warned it would not prevent closures.

Chris Charters, CAMRA Wales director, said: “15% off for a year is only the start. It won’t fix the unfair business rates system our pubs are being crushed by.

“Welsh publicans need a permanent solution, or doors will continue to close.”

Across Pembrokeshire, traders have repeatedly told The Herald that rising energy bills, wage pressures and rates — rather than a lack of willingness to go out — are keeping customers away.

Several town centres have seen growing numbers of empty units over the past year, with independent shops and hospitality venues reporting reduced footfall outside the main tourist season.

While ministers say the relief balances support with tight public finances, business groups are calling for wider and longer-term reform.

Further debate on rates changes is expected later this year.