News

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

Published

9 months 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.

Community

Drinks-related litter found on 99% of Welsh beaches

Published

12 hours ago

March 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY’S latest report has revealed a troubling rise in litter on Welsh beaches, with drinks-related waste present on 99% of those surveyed.

The charity’s annual State of Our Beaches 2024 report highlights that glass bottles were found on almost half (49%) of the surveyed beaches in Wales. The findings have prompted calls for the Welsh Government to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) that includes glass, aligning with the rest of the UK.

Growing problem of beach pollution

In 2024, volunteers conducted 119 surveys across Wales, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. A total of 1,073 volunteers participated in the Marine Conservation Society’s beach clean programme, recording all litter found along 100-metre sections of coastline. The data, collected over 30 years, helps the charity identify pollution trends and advocate for cleaner seas.

On average, 120 litter items were recorded per 100-metre stretch—an increase of 4% from 2023—suggesting the problem of beach pollution is far from solved.

Call for urgent action on deposit scheme

The report found an average of 10 drinks-related litter items—including cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles—per 100-metre section. With drinks-related waste appearing on nearly every surveyed beach, the Marine Conservation Society is urging the Welsh Government to implement a DRS that includes glass.

Elise Lavender, Parliamentary Affairs Officer for Wales at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “We support the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme in Wales that includes glass and allows reuse. We are calling on the Welsh Government to implement this as close as possible to the UK-wide scheme launch in October 2027. Bringing this forward will help ensure a smoother transition, improve recycling efforts, and contribute to a more sustainable future for Wales.”

Glass bottles pose a growing threat

A total of 175 glass bottles were collected by volunteers, with glass litter recorded on almost half of the beach cleans. The Marine Conservation Society’s data indicates that glass waste on beaches is increasing, with 2024 ranking as the ninth highest year for glass litter since records began 31 years ago. Broken glass poses a serious threat to both marine life and beachgoers, with sharp edges causing potential injuries.

With the presence of drinks-related litter so widespread, the Marine Conservation Society says its data highlights the urgent need for a DRS in Wales to reduce waste and encourage a culture of reuse and recycling.

Success of deposit schemes in other countries

Under the proposed DRS, consumers would pay a small deposit when purchasing drinks, which they would receive back upon returning the empty container to a collection point. Similar schemes have seen success in countries such as Finland, Lithuania, and Sweden. Ireland’s recent introduction of a DRS has led to an 80% reduction in drinks-related litter per kilometre of beach, demonstrating the potential impact of such a system in Wales.

While England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are set to roll out a UK-wide DRS in October 2027, Wales has chosen to develop its own version, which will include glass containers.

Lottery funding supports clean-up efforts

For the past decade, players of the People’s Postcode Lottery have helped fund the Marine Conservation Society’s beach cleaning initiatives.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at the People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Beach cleans are about more than just removing litter. The information collected by Marine Conservation Society volunteers contributes to valuable datasets identifying pollution sources and trends over time so we can all take action to reduce marine pollution and protect our seas.

“I’m delighted funding raised by players of Postcode Lottery is supporting beach cleans, where every piece of litter collected and recorded brings us a step closer to healthier oceans.”

How to get involved

Those interested in joining a beach clean or organising their own event can find more details on the Marine Conservation Society’s website.

Crime

Residents demand action over Haverfordwest property chaos

Published

14 hours ago

March 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX residents from the Furzy Park area of Haverfordwest have written to housing association ATEB, demanding action over persistent antisocial behaviour at an address in Caradoc Place.

Following a disturbance on Tuesday evening (Mar 11), police attended the property and arrested the woman living there. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with all the neighbours coming out of their homes as the incident unfolded. Footage of the arrest shows the woman shouting and swearing as officers placed her in a police van.

At a meeting with a Herald reporter on Wednesday (Mar 12), several residents expressed their frustration, with emotions running high.

Yana Gencheva, who lives close by in Delapoer Drive, was visibly distressed as she spoke about the impact on her family. She explained that her daughter, who has autism, struggles to cope with the frequent disturbances.

***Several neighbours have made complaints to the police in relation to alleged threats and intimidation and have been given crime reference numbers (Image: File)***

“I don’t know where to turn,” she said. “I am living in a nightmare.”

Ms. Gencheva, a former door supervisor, said she considered herself a strong person but admitted she was at her wits’ end. “I am tough, but I cannot deal with this—especially as I am worried for my daughter.”

The concerns extend beyond immediate neighbours. Jan Davies, who also lives in Caradoc Place, described the toll the ongoing situation has taken on her.

“I have had ten years of abuse from those living next door. Its currently impossible to live in Caradoc Place,” she wrote in a letter to ATEB. “They have had to have police protection and victim support.”

Ms. Davies said she is now suffering from serious health issues due to stress caused by the disturbances.

“This street was once a lovely and happy neighbourhood, with young people feeling safe to go out and play. This is no longer the case due to so many incidents in regards to the adults who live in that house,” she said.

She also alleged that she and her husband had been threatened, and that the occupants of the property in question had made threats to kill their dog.

“We should be enjoying retirement, not living in fear in their own home,” she added.

Residents say they have repeatedly reported issues to ATEB and the police, but claim the situation is only getting worse.

***The latest disturbances took place at the property on Tuesday (Mar 11) and were recorded on video by neighbours (Image: File)***

Partner of arrested woman facing serious charges

It has now emerged that the woman’s partner is currently in custody facing multiple charges.

The 37-year-old man was remanded following a hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 10), where he was charged with several serious offences, including assault, intentional strangulation, and controlling or coercive behaviour.

He is accused of assaulting his partner, causing actual bodily harm, on March 8 in Haverfordwest. He also faces charges of intentional strangulation under the Serious Crime Act 2015, alleged to have taken place on February 8 and February 22. Additionally, the defendant is charged with engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between December 1, 2023, and March 9, 2025, allegedly restricting the victim’s social life, controlling money and property, and making threats.

A further charge relates to the male allegedly sending a communication on March 8 that conveyed a threat of death, contrary to Section 181 of the Online Safety Act 2023.

Magistrates determined that the case was too serious to be dealt with at their level and sent Vaughan to Swansea Crown Court for trial. He was remanded in custody due to concerns he may commit further offences or interfere with witnesses.

The case will be heard at Swansea Crown Court on April 11 at 9:00am for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The custody time limit expires on September 8, 2025.

The Herald has contacted ATEB for comment on the ongoing chaos in what would otherwise be a nice part of Haverfordwest to live in.

Business

Tenby Stores wins £5,000 award for community support

Published

15 hours ago

March 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TENBY STORES has been recognised as a Local Retail Champion, earning a £5,000 prize from Allwyn’s National Lottery Social Value Fund for its outstanding community support.

The shop has been praised for its commitment to helping the local area, providing free fruit to schools, assisting with the community fridge, and ensuring elderly residents receive their groceries with care.

Henry Tufnell MP expressed his delight at the recognition, stating: “Small businesses like Tenby Stores are the backbone of our communities, and I couldn’t be prouder to see them celebrated.”

The award highlights the important role independent retailers play in supporting local people.