News

Andrew RT Davies: ‘Tories must urgently reform or die’

Published

1 year ago

September 30, 2024

IN a stark warning ahead of the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies has declared that the party faces an “existential crisis” and must urgently reform or “die” following its catastrophic defeat in the recent general election.

Mr. Davies insisted that the party must issue an apology to both the Welsh and British public for failing to fulfil its immigration pledges. He stressed the innate conservative values of the Welsh electorate, suggesting that a return to these principles could secure future electoral victories.

Addressing party members and activists at the Birmingham’s International Convention Centre, he highlighted the alienation of Welsh voters caused by the party’s “dogmatic” economic policies. Mr. Davies argued for a shift towards practical economic solutions to address perceived inequalities and injustices.

On the topic of immigration, Mr. Davies advocated for a “zero tolerance” stance, calling for swift deportations of those in the UK illegally. This, he claimed, is necessary to address the challenges posed by globalisation and mass migration, which he believes have undermined Welsh communities and industries.

The leader also criticised the Labour Welsh government for its “extreme metropolitan worldview and soft nationalism,” which he blamed for prioritising policies like 20mph speed limits and the expansion of the Senedd over improving public services such as the NHS and education.

In a candid admission, Mr. Davies acknowledged the need for the Conservative Party to overhaul its image and approach, particularly concerning economic issues, urging a move away from ideological rigidity towards pragmatic realism.

“By proudly reflecting our conservative values, we will persuade [voters] to back the Welsh Conservatives,” he asserted. “But we must also change how we are perceived on the economy. We must be seen as pragmatists, not ideologues.”

Mr. Davies concluded with a dire forecast: “If our party changes, we’ll recover quickly, and we’ll succeed in 2026 and 2029. But if we don’t, we’ll die. That’s the choice.”

The conference continues as the party debates the direction and policies that Mr. Davies has put forward, with the shadow Welsh Secretary, Byron Davies, also emphasising the need for a robust policy platform beyond mere criticism of the Welsh Labour government.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

2 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

2 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.