News

Health Secretary Eluned Morgan eyes Welsh Labour leadership

Published

2 years ago

July 21, 2024

ELUNED MORGAN has announced she is “giving serious consideration” to standing for the leadership of Welsh Labour and, by extension, becoming the next First Minister of Wales. This follows the decision of Jeremy Miles, who was considered a strong contender, to withdraw his candidacy and back Morgan instead.

Miles’s endorsement significantly boosts Morgan’s campaign, suggesting she might run unopposed in the upcoming leadership election to replace Vaughan Gething. Miles stated that Morgan’s leadership would “enable us all to move forward,” signalling a desire for unity within the party.

Health Secretary Morgan has indicated that if she stands, it will be alongside Huw Irranca-Davies, aiming to restore cohesion within the divided Labour group in the Senedd. Speaking on Sunday, she said, “I’ve had a huge amount of encouragement to stand from all factions of the party. If I were to stand, it will be on a joint ticket with Huw Irranca-Davies as a deputy minister, demonstrating our focus on uniting the group and refocusing on the issues that matter to the people of Wales.”

Welsh Labour’s timetable requires candidates to secure nominations by Wednesday, 24th July. Each candidate must have the support of at least five other Members of the Senedd (MSs) to qualify. It seems increasingly likely that no other candidate will meet this threshold, potentially making Morgan the sole contender.

Despite this, Morgan has expressed her preference for a contested election. “I’m very happy for there to be a contest that allows party members to have their say and for contenders to set out their stall,” she remarked.

Miles’s decision to support Morgan came after his resignation as Economy Secretary, a move that precipitated Gething’s resignation. Miles emphasised his belief that Morgan is best positioned to lead both the party and the country forward. “Her leadership would enable us all to move forward, united in delivering the vision of the Welsh Labour government,” he said. He praised Morgan’s commitment to fairness, prosperity, a greener future, and a strong devolution settlement.

Morgan has been at the helm of the health portfolio since 2021, first as Health Minister under Mark Drakeford and then as Health Secretary under Gething. Additionally, she holds the title of Baroness Morgan of Ely in the House of Lords and previously served as a Member of the European Parliament for 15 years. She also contested the Labour leadership in 2018, which Mark Drakeford won, but did not stand in the subsequent contest that saw Gething ascend to leadership.

The leadership vote was triggered by Gething’s resignation following a turbulent period involving controversies over donations and the sacking of a minister. Despite surviving a confidence vote, internal dissent ultimately led to his departure.

The leadership contest’s timetable, announced after special meetings on Saturday, outlines that a new leader will be declared on 14th September. Voting will occur by post from 22nd August, with the new First Minister elected on 18th September.

Plaid Cymru has called for a Senedd election, citing concerns over yet another Labour First Minister without a direct mandate from voters. Rhun ap Iorwerth, the party leader, argued that Wales needs fresh leadership focused on the nation’s interests rather than Westminster’s.

However, Morgan dismissed calls for a snap election, asserting, “I don’t think there’s an appetite amongst the public for another election. We have a mandate from the last election. This is an opportunity for us to reset and prepare for the next general election.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

14 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

14 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

15 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.