News

Top Welsh Tory unfazed amid leadership controversy

Published

4 months ago

August 13, 2024

ANDREW RT DAVIES, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, has stated he does not believe his leadership is under threat despite growing criticism over his recent remarks and the conduct of a member of his party.

Mr Davies has come under fire for his comments concerning halal meat and the future of the Senedd, as well as his handling of inappropriate language used by Conservative MS, Laura Anne Jones. Jones was recently ousted from Mr Davies’s shadow cabinet following the revelation that she used a racist slur to describe Chinese people in a WhatsApp message. She is also currently under police investigation regarding her expenses.

Despite these controversies, Mr Davies appeared to dismiss the idea of suspending Ms Jones, telling BBC Radio Wales Breakfast that none of his colleagues had proposed such action. He noted that Ms Jones had issued “a full and wholesome apology” for her use of what he termed “wholly inappropriate language.”

“What do we do these days? Do we take people out and tar and feather them, or do we accept an apology, understand that people learn the lessons from their mistake, and move on?” Mr Davies queried.

The Welsh Conservative leader’s remarks come as concerns grow within his party over his social media conduct. Some members of the Conservative Senedd group have privately voiced their unease, with one member reportedly considering calling for an emergency meeting before the end of the summer recess in September.

One party insider described Mr Davies’s social media posts as increasingly “difficult to defend,” suggesting that if the situation continues to deteriorate, his position could become “untenable,” potentially leading to a leadership challenge.

In a separate incident, Mr Davies faced accusations of “Islamophobic race-baiting” from the Muslim Council of Wales. The allegations stemmed from a GB News article penned by Mr Davies, in which he argued that children “should not be forced to eat halal school lunches.” The article followed a complaint from a constituent in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, who claimed non-halal meat was unavailable at her daughter’s school. However, the school later refuted the claim, stating on social media, “The statement that all meat options are halal only is incorrect.”

Mr Davies has vehemently denied the race-baiting accusations, insisting that his concerns were purely about providing choice.

Further criticism has also come from within his own party. Lord Nick Bourne, a former leader of the Welsh Conservatives, criticised Mr Davies for a social media post in which he questioned whether the Senedd should be abolished. Mr Davies later clarified that neither he nor his party supports the abolition of the Welsh Parliament.

As the summer recess continues, the pressure on Mr Davies shows little sign of abating, with questions remaining over how long he can maintain his leadership amidst the ongoing controversies.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

17 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.