News

Former Minister’s statement piles pressure on Vaughan Gething

Published

2 years ago

July 10, 2024

A FORMER minister sacked by Vaughan Gething for allegedly leaking to the media made a dramatic personal statement in the Welsh Parliament on Tuesday (Jul 9).

Hannah Blythyn told Senedd members she had not leaked information to the media, was never shown any evidence that showed she had done so and was never told she was under investigation.

ECONOMIC WITH THE TRUTH

Mr Gething has refused to publish the information he relied upon to dismiss Ms Blythyn and refused to hold a formal leak inquiry. The First Minister has also blocked disclosure of the Ministerial Code of Conduct. The Code for Westminster is publicly available.

The First Minister dismissed Hannah Blythyn from his government after a leak revealed that he had not disclosed information about Welsh Government decisions to the UK Covid Inquiry.

In the message published on Nation Cymru, Mr Gething said he would delete the exchange to avoid its disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

He originally claimed the messages were “internal Labour group discussions”. However, that is untrue. The leaked exchange relates to ministerial discussions of arrangements to grade students’ exams during the pandemic.

Mr Gething could be recalled to answer questions about what other information he deleted or has not disclosed.

The First Minister has previously absented himself from the Senedd Chamber when he is the subject of criticism.

On Tuesday, the Presiding Officer, Elin Jones, called Ms Blythyn to make her statement immediately before Mr Gething unveiled his legislative programme.

Tapping his fingers impatiently and with a face that could curdle milk, the First Minister had to sit there and take it.

GETHING SACKED MINISTER WITHOUT DISCLOSING EVIDENCE

Hannah Blythyn began her statement by saying there had been times when she was unsure “I would or could stand or speak” in the Senedd debating chamber again.

“Whilst I will not share the detail, I will share that I have formally raised concerns about the process by which I was removed from government, including not being shown any alleged evidence before being sacked, not being made aware that I was ever under investigation and that at no point was I advised or was it evidenced that I may have broken the ministerial code.”

Ms Blythyn acknowledged that it was “within the gift of any first minister to appoint and remove members of their government.”

But in a possible reference to the circumstances around the death of Carl Sargeant, the MS said she had “very real concerns that lessons have not been learned from the past”.

She said there had been “speculation about my circumstances and whether I have been well enough to work”.

“This has ranged from what was tantamount to misinformation and what can be put down to misunderstanding.

“It should not be surprising that what happened has been hugely detrimental to me on a personal level and led to acute anxiety and stress.”

Ms Blythyn continued: “We’ve talked about kinder politics often in this place, but we cannot have kinder politics without kinder people.

“We won’t get to better politics without being better people.

“It has been a privilege to serve in my country’s government, particularly under the leadership of Mark Drakeford.”

MORE QUESTIONS FOR FM TO DUCK

The Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies said the comments “raise more questions for the first minister”.

“People will now rightly ask whether the first minister publicly sacked Hannah without sufficient evidence that she was guilty of leaking,” he said.

“The personal consequences for Hannah of that sacking were clearly enormous, and the first minister owes her a full and humble apology.”

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth wrote to Mr Gething urging him to publish the evidence supporting his sacking of Ms Blythyn.

He called on the first minister to make an “urgent statement in the Senedd tomorrow setting out your response to the concerns raised in today’s personal statement by the member for Delyn”.

THE STAKES RAISED

Pressure on Mr Gething after the disastrous start to his tenure as First Minister eased when Rishi Sunak called a snap General Election. However, despite Labour’s victory in the Westminster poll, things look far less rosy for Labour in Wales.

The Party’s vote share in Wales dropped on July 4, and the First Minister’s personal approval rating is desperately poor, falling behind Rhun ap Iortwerth’s and Andrew RT Davies’s.

A poll for Barn Cymru shows Labour support for the 2026 Senedd elections at an all-time low and suggests that Labour might lose its death grip on the Welsh Parliament.

Hannah Blythyn’s statement heightens the focus on Mr Gething’s judgement and lack of transparency.

MSs unwilling to rock the boat during the General Election campaign could now be emboldened by Ms Blythyn’s full-on denial of the claims against her by the First Minister.

If Mr Gething cannot come up with a convincing explanation for her dismissal that flatly contradicts the former minister’s statement, discontent will grow, especially amongst the overwhelming majority of his colleagues who did not back him in the Labour leadership election.

Personal factors also come into play. Hannah Blythyn is popular, and Mr Gething is not.

The real danger for Mr Gething is that he might believe he has evidence to support his decision but cannot disclose it because of its source or how it was gathered. In that case, there is no way he can win the battle with Hannah Blythyn, and it could cost him his position sooner rather than later.

Education

Prendergast School achieves gold award for Armed Forces support

Published

7 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Top honour recognises commitment to Service children and families

PRENDERGAST CP School in Haverfordwest has been awarded the highest possible recognition for its support of Armed Forces families.

The school has secured Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing work to support pupils from Service backgrounds.

Headteacher Louise John said the achievement reflects a strong, whole-school commitment to ensuring Service children feel supported and able to succeed.

She said: “We are committed to ensuring Service pupils feel welcomed, understood and able to thrive.

“We recognise the unique experiences of children from Service families and have worked hard to embed that understanding across the school.

“Our approach focuses on early identification, strong communication with families, and consistent pastoral support.

“Achieving Gold status recognises the dedication of our staff and the inclusive practices already in place, while reinforcing our ongoing commitment to supporting Service children’s wellbeing, sense of belonging, and educational success.”

The Gold award, delivered through Supporting Service Children in Education Cymru (SSCE Cymru), requires schools to demonstrate strong and sustained support for Service children. This includes creating a positive environment where pupils can share their experiences and strengthening links with the wider Armed Forces community.

Prendergast CP School previously achieved both Bronze and Silver awards before progressing to the top level.

Cllr Simon Hancock, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, praised the achievement.

He said: “I would like to congratulate Prendergast School on achieving the coveted Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status.

“From my visits, it is clear the school actively engages with the Armed Forces community and provides a positive and supportive environment for Service children.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, added: “This is fantastic recognition of the ongoing work at Prendergast School.

“It highlights the importance of supporting Armed Forces families and sets a strong example of best practice. Well done to everyone involved.”

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.