News
Timetable to replace Gething announced as Tories criticise Labour
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THE WELSH GOVERNMENT is poised for a significant transition as the timetable for replacing Vaughan Gething has been announced today (Saturday, July 20).
Wales will have new first minister in September. Vaughan Gething’s resignation as First Minister of Wales came after a series of controversies and political turmoil within Welsh Labour. His leadership has been under intense scrutiny, particularly due to issues surrounding a significant campaign donation and the dismissal of a minister, which ultimately led to the collapse of his government support.
Gething faced persistent questions about a £200,000 donation from Dauson Environmental Group during his leadership campaign. This donation raised concerns due to the company’s prior convictions and a conflict of interest, given the company’s loan from the Welsh government-owned Development Bank of Wales when Gething was the economy minister. These issues eroded trust and led to Plaid Cymru withdrawing its support for his government, which had been crucial for maintaining a majority in the Senedd.
Additionally, Gething’s decision to sack Hannah Blythyn, the Minister for Social Partnership, over leaked phone messages, further fueled the controversy. Blythyn denied any wrongdoing, and her dismissal was a key factor in Plaid Cymru’s decision to end their cooperation agreement with Labour.
The situation escalated when four members of Gething’s cabinet resigned, calling for his departure. This exodus made his position untenable and led to his announcement to step down, marking him as one of the shortest-serving First Ministers in Welsh history.
Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, criticised the current state of Welsh Labour, highlighting the ongoing infighting and its impact on the governance of Wales. “With Labour’s infighting set to continue and Vaughan Gething not able to fill the seats in his ‘caretaker cabinet’, it’s the people of Wales who will continue to suffer, as Labour continues to take Wales for granted,” Davies stated.
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He further questioned the credibility of Labour’s promise of a ‘new’ style of government, as pledged by Keir Starmer if elected on 4th July. “By backing Vaughan Gething, Keir Starmer’s judgement as well as his actions make this promise worthless. Welsh Labour clearly still clings onto the belief of party before country, and it remains to be seen whether this shrunken Cabinet will be any worse than a full Welsh Labour Government,” Davies added. He called for clarity on the appointment of a new First Minister, emphasizing the need for stable leadership for the people of Wales.
The timetable for the Welsh Labour Leadership Election has been meticulously outlined. Key dates include:
- Tuesday, 16 July 2024: Membership freeze date.
- Saturday, 20 July 2024: Welsh Executive Committee (WEC) to form Procedures Committee and open nominations at 7pm.
- Wednesday, 24 July 2024: Closing of MS nominations at 12pm, followed by the announcement of prospective candidates at 3pm.
- Monday, 19 August 2024: Closing of nominations from CLPs and affiliated organisations by 12pm, with the announcement of candidates at 5pm.
- Tuesday, 20 August 2024: Deadline for candidate withdrawal from the process by 5pm, followed by a hustings period until 6 September 2024.
- Thursday, 22 August 2024: Ballot opens, running for three weeks.
- Friday, 13 September 2024: Ballot closes.
- Saturday, 14 September 2024: Announcement of the new Leader of Welsh Labour.
- Tuesday, 17 September 2024: Final First Minister’s Questions (FMQs).
- Wednesday, 18 September 2024: Election of the new First Minister.
These dates, while tentative, provide a structured pathway towards stabilising the leadership of Welsh Labour and subsequently, the governance of Wales. The upcoming announcement will undoubtedly set the stage for an intense period of political activity, as candidates vie for the leadership position and the chance to guide Wales through its current challenges.
News
Crymych Football Club launches £90,000 fundraising campaign to secure new pitch
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Crymych Football Club – Clwb Pel-droed Crymych – has announced plans for a major new fundraising campaign in a bid to raise £90,000 to fund a new football pitch.
The ambitious project aims to provide an accessible pitch for the club, which currently boasts two senior teams with 90 signed-up players and a newly formed rapidly growing junior section, attracting over 80 youngsters.
Since its inception just six years ago, Crymych Football Club has gone from strength to strength. In 2023, the club achieved a significant milestone by purchasing its own clubhouse at the Crymych Arms Pub, a hub for players, supporters, and the wider community. Now, the club is turning its attention to securing a dedicated football pitch to further its development and ensure a bright future for football in the Crymych area.
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Club Chairman Gary Phillips said: “This is an incredible opportunity for the community to come together and support a project that will benefit generations to come. Our junior section has grown exponentially, and having our own pitch will allow us to nurture local talent and provide an additional focal point for the village. We’re offering a win-win situation – a great return for investors and a lasting legacy for the Crymych area.”
To raise the necessary funds, the club is now inviting individuals to lend £1,000 over three years at an attractive annual interest rate of 4%. This investment opportunity also comes with the added benefit of 30% tax relief under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS), making it a financially rewarding way to support local sports.
With the 4% interest guaranteed, this scheme offers a better return than leaving £1,000 in a traditional savings account. By participating, supporters will not only earn a competitive return on their investment but also play a vital role in securing the future of football in the Crymych Area.
The pitch project is being supported by the community charity PLANED which supports local charities and associations in purchasing and asset transferring property for community benefit. The football club also has support from the Football Association of Wales in developing the new site.
The new pitch will not only serve as a home for the club’s senior and junior teams but will also become a valuable community asset, hosting local events and fostering a sense of pride in the area.
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With the support of the community, Crymych Football Club is confident of reaching its £90,000 target and securing a bright future for football in the area.
Those interested in supporting the campaign can find full details of the lending scheme by visiting www.cpdcrymych.cymru. Alternatively, application forms are available at the Crymych Arms Pub or Siop Sian in Crymych.
Crime
Child seriously injured in dog attack in Pembroke Dock
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A CHILD remains in hospital with serious injuries after being bitten by a dog at a property on Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, on Friday evening (February 22).
Police were called to the scene at around 6:50pm following reports of the attack.
Officers seized one dog, which has since been put down.
A significant police presence remained at the property throughout Saturday and Sunday, with forensic officers seen entering and leaving the house as investigations continued.
A 42-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog causing injury. She has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Dyfed-Powys Police have urged the public not to speculate on the circumstances of the incident while their investigation is ongoing.
News
Waspi campaigners threaten legal action over pension compensation
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Government refuses to pay £10bn to women affected by pension age rise
CAMPAIGNERS fighting for compensation over changes to the state pension age have threatened the government with legal action after ministers ruled out a £10bn payout to those affected.
The Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) group has sent a “letter before action” to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), warning of high court proceedings if the matter is not resolved.
The dispute stems from changes that saw the state pension age for women born in the 1950s gradually raised to match men’s retirement age. The parliamentary and health service ombudsman ruled last March that these changes had not been properly communicated and recommended compensation. However, in December, the government announced that no payments would be made.
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Labour leader Keir Starmer previously acknowledged concerns but defended the decision, stating: “Ninety per cent of those impacted did know about the change – and in those circumstances, the taxpayer simply can’t afford the burden of tens of billions of pounds of compensation.”
Angela Madden, chair of the Waspi campaign, accused the DWP of “gaslighting” those affected. She said: “The government has accepted that 1950s-born women are victims of maladministration, but it now says none of us suffered any injustice. We believe this is not only an outrage but legally wrong.
“We have been successful before, and we are confident we will be again. But what would be better for everyone is if the secretary of state now saw sense and came to the table to sort out a compensation package.”
Campaign gathers political backing
The campaign has previously been backed by key Labour figures, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, when the party was in opposition.
Around 3.6 million women in the UK were affected by the pension changes, first announced in 1995 and later accelerated in 2011 under the coalition government. Many have claimed they were left in financial hardship, forcing them to rethink their retirement plans.
Labour MP Brian Leishman was among those calling for action, warning that if the party did not deliver “improved living standards,” the next UK government could be a “hardline far-right effort.”
Government stands firm
A government spokesperson said: “We accept the ombudsman’s finding of maladministration and have apologised for the 28-month delay in writing to 1950s-born women.
“However, evidence showed only one in four people remember reading and receiving letters they weren’t expecting, and by 2006, 90% of 1950s-born women knew the state pension age was changing. Earlier letters wouldn’t have affected this. For these and other reasons, the government cannot justify paying for a £10.5bn compensation scheme at the expense of the taxpayer.”
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