Community

‘Give voters a greater say on replacing misbehaving politicians’

Published

4 seconds ago

November 19, 2024

CAMPAIGNERS called for voters to be given a say over who replaces Senedd politicians booted out of office for bad behaviour under a proposed system of recall.

Jessica Blair, director of the Electoral Reform Society (ERS) Cymru, supported calls for a recall system to allow voters to remove misbehaving politicians between elections.

But Ms Blair said voters should have a say over the replacement, warning an element of personal accountability will be lost with the Senedd’s new “closed-list” electoral system.

From 2026, people will vote for parties rather than individuals as Wales ditches first past the post in favour of a full form of proportional representation, with no by-elections being held.

Ms Blair said: “This idea of replacing someone with the next person on the list, it could be … from the voters’ perspective … seen as a party being rewarded for bad behaviour.”

Giving evidence to the Senedd’s standards committee, she added: “This shouldn’t be necessarily about parties keeping control, it should be about voters having their say.”

Labour’s Mick Antoniw pointed out it is the person, not the party, that has transgressed.

But Ms Blair said: “That could also reflect badly on the party or the way a party’s handled it, so I don’t think it’s necessarily as clear cut, as this is one person’s actions.”

She told the committee that three of the four UK Parliament by-elections triggered by recall petitions since 2019 were won by a different party.

She said: “Parties can be punished for an individual’s bad behaviour or it could be a reflection of changing political support post election. There doesn’t seem to be a real case for retaining that party’s seat, especially three years after an election, for example.”

The standards committee will make recommendations on how a recall mechanism should work in Wales as part of its inquiry on Senedd Members’ accountability.

Hannah Blythyn, who chairs the committee, asked witnesses whether the circumstances for recalling a Senedd member should be the same as Westminster.

Ms Blair suggested the triggers – a custodial sentence of less than 12 months, a suspension of at least ten sitting days, or an expenses offence conviction – make a good starting point.

Nia Thomas, ERS Cymru’s research officer, agreed rules should be the same for Senedd Members as councillors who can be removed if they do not attend meetings for six months.

Ms Blair added: “In any other job, you wouldn’t be able to do that? If I didn’t turn up to work … people would be like ‘what’s happening here?’, I think there has to be a line in the sand and I think a recall petition is probably appropriate in this instance.”

In an earlier evidence session on November 19, Clare Sim, of the Association of Electoral Administrators, warned against replicating Westminster’s “flawed” system of recall.

Ms Sim described the recall process as a massive administrative burden as she raised concerns about the cost to the public purse.

She argued recall petitions, which are open for six weeks in Westminster, should close once the threshold of 10% of the electorate signing has been met.

Mr Antoniw, the former counsel general, suggested a simple yes-no public vote on whether a politician should remain in office in place of a “pointless” two-stage process.

Colin Everett, chair of the Wales Electoral Co-ordination Board, said it could be a feasible alternative to reduce the administrative burden while protecting the voice of electors.

Ms Sim added that a minimum 25-day timetable would be required for a quasi by-election.

She warned of complications with the 32 constituencies used in July’s general election being paired to create 16 for the Senedd poll in 2026, with each returning six members.

She said: “We’re talking about potentially three-four authorities being involved … it’s far more complex than any other process anywhere else in the UK.”

Calling for consistency and simplicity, Mr Everett said electors would expect to be able to vote in person on a designated day or days, with a right to a postal or proxy vote.

He rejected suggestions the 10% threshold should need to be met in each of the paired constituencies, saying this would question why they were combined in the first place.

Community

Tenby girl Poppy Brown wins national bravery award for heart disease battle

Published

1 hour ago

November 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A BRAVE four-year-old girl from Tenby, who has undergone ten life-saving operations since being diagnosed as a newborn with congenital heart disease, has been honoured by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

Poppy Brown received the BHF Young Heart Hero Award from Dr. Charmaine Griffiths, the charity’s CEO, at an event held at Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey.

The awards, now in their seventh year, celebrate inspirational children who have faced serious heart health challenges with courage or raised vital funds through extraordinary efforts.

Hosted by CBBC’s Dr. Dan and Dr. Raph Olaiya, the event treated Poppy and her family, along with other young award recipients, to a fun-filled day. Tours of the park and party activities sponsored by Claire’s added sparkle to the occasion.

Dr. Griffiths praised Poppy for her bravery and determination, saying: “Poppy is an incredible example of strength and resilience. Her story inspires everyone in our mission to fight heart disease.”

The family described the day as “truly special” and thanked the BHF for recognising Poppy’s journey and achievements.

Community

Get into the festive spirit with a new Christmas market and Gingerbread family trail at Milford Winterfront

Published

6 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Design Team

Pembrokeshire’s Milford Waterfront will transform from the end of November in the lead up to Christmas to Milford Winterfront.

New for 2024, it will host an indoor Christmas market filled with the festive delights of local produce, craft, food and drinks stalls. Running across the weekend of 14-15^th December, alongside the wide range of independent shops at Milford Waterfront there will be pop-up refreshments with food stalls, live music and free Christmas crafts for the children. Sparkle the Elf will roaming the destination too, creating mischief on adults and children alike.

Throughout the festive period, from 29^th November to 2^nd January, families will be able to follow a FREE special Gingerbread Family Trail to find the hidden characters in and around the Waterfront, on a prize-winning quest.

Finally, for a real dose of festive magic, from 13^th to 29^th December, the Torch Theatre will be staging its annual pantomime, which this year will be Jack and the Beanstalk.

Alongside the entertainment, visitors will be able to stock up on gifts from the many independent businesses. From artisan chocolates at Trwffl or Dilly’s to natural skincare products at Akamuti, plus a whole host of gift and clothing shops, there’s plenty of choice for support-local present ideas. And, adding to the pre-Christmas conviviality, visitors can head to one of the many independent restaurants that overlook the marina. With festive menus available from mid-November onwards, options range from locally sourced seafood specialities to family favourites.

Stay: Right in the heart of the action is Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront. Overlooking the marina, the hotel has a special Happy Holly-Days Festive offer with standard rooms from £58 per room per night and family rooms from £101 per night based on four sharing. www.ty-hotels.com

For more information on the festive season at Milford Waterfront, visit www.milfordwaterfront.co.uk.

Community

Find out more about what’s coming next in Haverfordwest’s regeneration journey

Published

11 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A COMMUNITY evening will be held this week with the contractor taking on construction of the new modern Public Transport Interchange (PTI) for Haverfordwest.

Kier Construction Ltd will be at HaverHub on Thursday, 21^st November for people to meet the team and find out more about the development which is due to start its rebuild phase imminently.

The event will be open 3pm to 7pm and is a fantastic opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the plans.

The scheme forms part of the South West Wales Metro project and will provide a modern and innovative transport hub, integrating all transport modes.

Designs include improvements to pedestrian and cycle facilities through the site, a more efficient and integrated bus station, and construction of a new modern multi-storey.

Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change and Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said: “This is another exciting step in the extensive regeneration of Haverfordwest and we are looking forward to seeing construction starting on this latest project.”

The bus station will be integrated within the PTI with seven bus bays and upgraded passenger facilities and a new multi-storey will have around 280 spaces, and be much easier to use for drivers.

Green credentials are also important with electric vehicle charging points included – with further vehicle charging expansion built-in and future-proofed – and solar panels installed on the new car park roof.

An upgraded public realm will further improve the environment around the Interchange and promoting Active Travel such as walking and cycling.

The project also involves improving car parking provision and local bus access at Haverfordwest railway station.

Local Member, Cllr Thomas Tudor said: “I welcome this public engagement event which is an opportunity for all to come together to share and learn about the various projects that are ongoing, which can only improve our county town for both residents and visitors alike.”

No booking is required for the event, just drop in at a time that suits you.

Jason Taylor, regional director at Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: “We look forward to meeting with the residents of Haverfordwest at this community evening and sharing the exciting plans we have for this project.

“Kier is incredibly proud of its Welsh roots and can trace them back over 40 years and are thrilled to be extending this experience in Haverfordwest.”

Kier also plans to have a presence on the Riverside Shopping Centre, where people will be able to drop in to find out more once work begins this month.

The temporary Riverside car park has closed to allow for the development to start.

More information on car parking in Haverfordwest is available at: Haverfordwest car parks