News

Disgraced politicians could face ejection from Senedd

Published

4 months ago

August 29, 2024

THE Welsh public may soon have the power to oust misbehaving politicians from the Senedd, according to new proposals under consideration. This comes in the wake of recent controversies that have exposed a gap in the Senedd’s ability to hold its members accountable for breaches of conduct, unlike the recall system in place for MPs at Westminster.

Currently, Senedd members do not face automatic removal if they are found guilty of misconduct, a situation highlighted earlier this year when a member was suspended for six weeks. In a similar situation in Westminster, the suspension would have triggered a recall petition, potentially leading to a by-election.

The Senedd’s Standards of Conduct Committee is now exploring whether a recall system could be introduced when the Senedd expands from 60 to 96 members in the 2026 elections. However, unlike Westminster MPs who must fight by-elections if recalled, the new Senedd voting system set for 2026 will not allow for such by-elections.

Since 2016, Westminster MPs suspended for ten days or more are subject to a recall petition in their constituency. If 10% of local voters sign the petition, a by-election is triggered, offering the MP a chance to defend their seat. MPs can also face recall if sentenced to less than 12 months in prison. In contrast, a sentence of 12 months or more results in automatic disqualification, a rule that also applies in the Senedd.

The recall debate gained momentum earlier this year when Plaid Cymru MP Ben Lake suggested that his former party colleague in the Senedd, Rhys ab Owen, should have faced a by-election after a 42-day suspension for inappropriate behaviour. Ab Owen, who later apologised and was expelled from Plaid Cymru, continues to represent South Wales Central in the Senedd.

The recall system has garnered cross-party support within the Senedd, yet it was omitted from the Welsh Government’s recent legislation to expand the institution. The primary challenge lies in the new proportional electoral system, which elects members from party lists. By-elections are incompatible with this system, leading the committee to consider alternatives that would see a recalled member replaced by the next candidate on the party list, maintaining the proportionality of the original election results.

Two main options are being considered: one where the public can petition for a member’s removal, and another where the public can choose to support the member, effectively turning the petition into a vote of confidence. However, this petition approach has raised concerns. Cathy Owens, a director at public affairs agency Deryn, highlighted the potential for such processes to exacerbate situations involving sensitive issues like sexual harassment, where public involvement could lead to unfair outcomes without full access to evidence.

The committee is also seeking input on the petition threshold and is exploring additional measures, such as the potential disqualification of members found guilty of lying, in line with the government’s commitment to enforce higher standards of conduct.

The committee’s consultation is open until 27 September, inviting comments from the public and interested stakeholders on these significant proposals that could reshape the accountability mechanisms within the Senedd.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.