News
Ben Lake wins Ceredigion Preseli for Plaid Cymru

BEN LAKE has been re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Ceredigion Preseli, securing Plaid Cymru’s hold on the seat in tonight’s election.
Ben retained his seat with a total of 21,738 votes, outperforming the Liberal Democrats and Labour. This marks the third consecutive election victory for Lake, who first claimed the seat from Liberal Democrat Mark Williams in 2017 and successfully defended it against Conservative Aled Thomas in 2019.
In his victory speech, Ben expressed his gratitude, stating: “I would like to thank everybody including my competitors who have been part of a great campaign.”
The full election results for Ceredigion Preseli are as follows:
Ceredigion Preseli results
Plaid Cymru,Ben Lake
- Votes 21,738
- Share 46.9%
- Share change +15.8
Liberal Democrat,Mark Williams
- Votes 6,949
- Share 15.0%
- Share change +0.4
Labour,Jackie Jones
- Votes 5,386
- Share 11.6%
- Share change -9.2
Reform UK,Karl Pollard
- Votes 5,374
- Share 11.6%
- Share change +7.6
Conservative,Aled Thomas
- Votes 4,763
- Share 10.3%
- Share change -18.0
Green,Tomos Barlow
- Votes 1,864
- Share 4.0%
- Share change +2.7
Workers Party of Britain,Taghrid Al-Mawed
- Votes 228
- Share 0.5%
- Share change +0.5
Mark Williams, who came second for the Liberal Democrats, commented: “It’s better than coming third. Second this time. It was a positive campaign and I’m very grateful for all the votes. Clearly Ben won an emphatic victory and deserves praise.
“Many issues are unresolved, however, and me and my party will continue to campaign on them.”

Community
Missing persons update: New photos of Isobel and Daniel

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have issued new photos in the search for Isobel and Daniel, who are both aged 16 and have been reported missing from their homes in the Cardigan area on Monday April 7, 2025.

Enquiries have led to a new confirmed sighting of them both at Llandunno train station at 8.20pm on Monday, where they asked for directions to the Dolgellau area.
Isobel is described as 5ft 3 and usually has blonde hair, however she may have dyed her hair to a darker colour. She was last seen wearing a black parker style coat with fur edge, grey jogging bottoms, carrying a large black backpack.

Daniel is described to be 6ft 1 with short dark brown hair, with shaved sides. He was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, black t-shirt, and a black collared coat, carrying a large camping backpack, which is black, red and grey.
Both are believed to have taken a change of clothes with them and may now be wearing something different.
It is believed that they have taken camping equipment with them and have connections to the Gloucestershire, Merseyside and North Wales areas.
Their families are increasingly concerned for their safety and welfare and eagerly await their safe return home.
DI Rebecca Thomas said: “We are continuing our search to find Isobel and Daniel. “We know that they purchased camping equipment but they have left their homes without any communication and their family and friends are becoming increasingly concerned as they have had no contact with Isobel and Daniel for almost a week. “It is also know that they don’t have their mobile phones on them.
“I would ask anyone who has seen them to get in touch.
“I would especially appeal to Isobel and Daniel to get in touch with the police or family so we can ensure that they are safe.”
If you have seen Isobel and Daniel, or have information about their whereabouts, please, let us know:
️ | https://bit.ly/DPPmissingperson
| 101
Quote reference 141 of April 7
Business
Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock among top towns in Wales for sex toy sales

MILFORD HAVEN and Pembroke Dock have been named among the top five towns in Wales for sex toy purchases per capita, according to new data from adult retailer Lovehoney.
The UK Sex Map 2025, released this week, reveals that Milford Haven ranks third and Pembroke Dock fifth in the all-Wales rankings. They are joined by Tonyrefail (1st), Aberystwyth (2nd), and Aberdare (4th), with Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport failing to make the top five.
The data is based on anonymised online sales figures, adjusted by population, to determine where residents are most enthusiastic about buying adult products.
A spokesperson for Lovehoney said: “We analysed the number of purchases per person to get a true picture of which towns in Wales are most passionate about sexual wellness. Some of the smaller communities are clearly leading the way.”
Locals in Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock met the news with a mix of humour and curiosity. One resident told The Herald: “We might be quiet, but we’ve got our ways of keeping busy behind closed doors.” Another said: “I suppose we have to make our own fun — there’s not much else to do in winter!”
Why Pembrokeshire?
There may be more to it than meets the eye. While some might find the figures surprising, local factors could explain why the two Pembrokeshire towns are so high up the list.
For starters, there are no licensed sex shops in the county. Pembrokeshire County Council has historically steered away from licensing adult premises, which means residents looking to buy sex toys must do so online. With retailers like Lovehoney offering discreet packaging and next-day delivery, it’s an easy and private alternative.
In addition, everyone knows everyone in towns like Milford and the Dock. The idea of shopping locally for something so personal is enough to put most people off — but the anonymity of an online purchase makes it far more appealing.
Perhaps most intriguingly, Pembrokeshire has one of the oldest populations in Wales. Yet rather than shy away from the topic, older residents appear to be embracing sexual wellness.
One retired resident of Pembroke Dock, laughing, told The Herald: “We might be older, but we’re not dead!”
National trend
Lovehoney’s figures also show that interest in adult products spikes during the winter months and around Valentine’s Day, as people look for ways to improve intimacy or practise self-care.
The data comes with some extra quirks — the company’s interactive map also allows users to compare towns by average dildo length, girth, and lube volume sold.
Whatever the reason, it appears Pembrokeshire is anything but prudish.
As one local quipped: “At least it proves we’ve still got a sense of adventure!”
News
Police close off street as firefighters respond to Pembroke Dock flat fire

EMERGENCY SERVICES attended a small residential fire in Laws Street, Pembroke Dock on Saturday (Apr 12).
Two pumps attended the incident and police closed off the street whilst the incident was dealt with.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries.
The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
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