Politics

Plans for crackdown on lying politicians unveiled

Published

1 year ago

February 21, 2025

A SENEDD committee unveiled plans to address deliberate deception by politicians but stopped short of recommending the creation of a new criminal or civil offence.

The standards committee called for in-house rules for Senedd Members to be strengthened and for an existing offence for candidates to be expanded to include deception.

Other recommendations included appointing non-politicians to make the committee, which is made up of Senedd Members from the main three parties, more independent.

In the 72-page report, the committee also recommended giving the standards commissioner powers to initiate investigations against Senedd Members without first needing a complaint.

As part of an inquiry on accountability, the committee published a separate report last month calling for a “recall” system to allow voters to remove Senedd Members between elections.

Under the proposals, Senedd Members would be required to correct the record and severe breaches of the code of conduct could lead to a “remove or replace” public vote.

However, the committee’s report is not the final word on the matter and the Welsh Government will formally respond to the 11 recommendations.

In July, Mick Antoniw, then-counsel general, the Welsh Government’s chief legal adviser, cut a last-minute deal to avoid defeat in a crunch vote on creating an offence of deception

Senedd counsel general Mick Antoniw — Labour MS Mick Antoniw

As a result, proposals tabled by Plaid Cymru’s Adam Price were withdrawn.

Mr Antoniw, now a member of the standards committee, committed to introducing legislation to disqualify politicians found guilty of deception through an independent judicial process.

Huw Irranca-Davies, the Deputy First Minister, reiterated this commitment in December.

During the inquiry, some witnesses warned that creating an offence would politicise the courts, lead to vexatious complaints and endanger free expression in the Senedd.

But others called for radical reform, with faith in democracy at an all-time low, calling for more independence to avoid the perception of politicians marking their own homework.

Hannah Blythyn, who chairs the standards committee, said strengthening rules for Senedd Members and candidates is critical at a time when public trust in politicians is low.

Hannah Blythyn, Welsh Government deputy minister for social partnership — Labour MS Hannah Blythyn

The Labour Senedd Member said: “Our report is putting forward recommendations to radically enhance our rules and make it clear to anyone who wants to hold public office that deliberately deceiving is not acceptable.

“By strengthening the law governing elections, toughening our code of conduct and giving more power and independence to those investigating complaints, we can start to rebuild public trust in our political institutions and support a parliament fit for the future.”

Sam Fowles, a barrister who is one of the architects of the initial proposals, welcomed the standards committee report but called for an independent tribunal to enforce the rules.

He said: “This report is, quite rightly, a rejection of the counsels of doom who say that demanding politicians are honest is just too difficult.”

But Dr Fowles, who has been involved in high-profile cases including the post office scandal and the prorogation of UK Parliament, stressed that the report is only the start of the process.

“The focus now switches back to the Welsh Government,” he said. “It has committed to a law which will genuinely penalise political liars before 2026.

“The standards committee has told them it can be done – the Welsh Government now needs to draft a law that isn’t just symbolic but genuinely effective.”

Jennifer Nadel, co-director of Compassion in Politics, a think tank which has been campaigning on the issue, warned that deliberate deception threatens democracy.

“This report puts Wales firmly at the forefront of the battle against political deception,” she said. “This proposal to make it a criminal offence for candidates to deceive the public, if adopted …, is a crucial first step in shoring up our democracy and restoring voters’ trust.”

But the journalist warned the report “falls short” of calling for Senedd Members to be subject to the same criminal sanction, instead relying on “beefing up” existing arrangements.

“We would like to see it go further in this respect,” she said. “Serving politicians should be under the same sanction for deliberate deception as candidates, not a lesser one.

“The Senedd is acting and we now call on Westminster to follow suit with a genuinely robust criminal offence to show it is serious about cleaning up politics.”

Plaid Cymru’s Peredur Owen Griffiths was in a minority of committee members in favour of a model that captures both Senedd Members and those standing for election.

South Wales East MS Peredur Owen Griffiths

Adam Price, Labour’s Lee Waters and Lib Dem Jane Dodds, observer members of the committee, argued the recommendations will be insufficient to meet the commitment.

Mr Price warned: “Self-regulation – with one group of politicians acting as judge and jury on the truth of another politician’s case – will not restore public trust, and is open to abuse.”

But he told the Senedd extending an offence for candidates to cover deception would make Wales the first democracy in the world to ban lying by politicians to win elections.

Ms Dodds said: “This report goes a long way in addressing major concerns that people have about the process of accountability in the Senedd…. Lack of action would prove to be a serious threat to democracy here in Wales.”

Community

Key changes approved for forthcoming Llantwd Eisteddfod site

Published

13 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for permission for works clearing part of the 2026 Eisteddfod site ahead of this year’s festival in Pembrokeshire has been given the go-ahead county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Cardiff-based Angharad Davies sought permission for the removal of multiple small sections of hedge on a temporary basis for the forthcoming Eisteddfod at Glanrhyd Road, Llantood/Llantwd.

A supporting statement said: “Preparation works have been undertaken to reduce hedge growth in several locations where openings are required for festival access, with all arisings shredded and retained within the hedgerow to support natural regeneration.

“Any openings created will be carefully excavated, with the soil set aside and preserved for reinstatement upon completion, ensuring that all materials are returned as found. Where herringbone stonework is uncovered, we will reinstate it to match the original as closely as possible, typically engaging a specialist local stone mason experienced in traditional methods.

“Following the event, reinstatement works will be completed prior to leaving site, and we will return in November to plant a mix of seven hedgerow species and we will consult with yourselves to ensure the selected species are appropriate and in line with your recommendations, maintaining the character and biodiversity of the site.

“Where possible, we have incorporated original gates into a number of the proposed openings to retain the character and integrity of the site, ensuring consistency with existing features.

“In selecting locations for access points, we have prioritised sections of hedgerow with minimal growth to reduce the extent of intervention required and to minimise impact of the surrounding vegetation. This approach supports efficient installation while maintaining the natural appearance and structure of the hedgerows.”

The application was unconditionally approved by county planners.

The 2026 festival, running from August 1-8 at Llantwd holds particular historical significance, marking the 850th anniversary of the first recorded Eisteddfod, held in 1176 at Castell Aberteifi.

With this year’s Maes located close to the original site, the event is expected to be a landmark occasion for the region and for Wales as a whole.

The National Eisteddfod is the largest cultural festival in Europe and one of the most prominent events in the Welsh cultural calendar, attracting approximately 175,000 visitors annually.

The festival celebrates Welsh language, literature, music, and the arts, with a diverse programme of competitions, performances, exhibitions, and community activities.

The Eisteddfod proclamation took place in Narberth last May, with hundreds attending.

At the time, Narberth County Councillor Mark Tierney posted: “One of the biggest parades through Narberth in a long time and we provided the warmest of welcomes to visitors from near and far for the Eisteddfod proclamation procession.”

Business

Council seeks senior officer with salary of £132,063 – £145,050 plus perks

Published

13 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council is on the lookout for a new senior officer with a salary, including allowances, that could top £150,000 a year.

In an advertisement posted on its own social media page, the council is seeking a new Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Place.

It says: “Are you an experienced leader with a passion for place, regeneration and economic growth? Pembrokeshire County Council is seeking a Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Place to help shape the county’s future.

“This influential role will lead on regeneration, economic development, planning, transport, environmental services, climate change and major capital projects, supporting ambitious investment opportunities including the Celtic Freeport.

“Based in Haverfordwest/agile, Pembrokeshire: £132,063 – £145,050 plus £9,576 lease car allowance and relocation package.

“If you have a strong track record of delivering growth and transformation in complex environments, we’d love to hear from you.”

A linked page quotes Chief Executive Will Bramble, which also features a video of him promoting the county as a place to work: “Pembrokeshire is a great place to learn, live and grow. With some of the finest natural assets in the whole of Wales, we are immensely proud of our county and everything it has to offer.

“Since I joined Pembrokeshire as Chief Executive in 2021, I have been hugely impressed by the passion and dedication of our officers and members, and their shared commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for our residents.

“As part of our journey towards being an even better organisation, we are looking to recruit for this critical post.”

Crime

Fears wildlife at Mill Pond beauty spot being targeted by catapults

Published

13 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

WILDLIFE at Pembroke’s Mill Pond beauty spot may be being killed after being deliberately targeted by what appears to be catapult attacks, the town council has said.

The beauty spot close to the town’s castle has long been a haunt of swans and other wildlife, and concerns have been raised recently that several reported deaths of animals may be related to levels of algae present in the pond.

In a statement issued by Pembroke Town Council it said it has received a number of comments and enquiries from concerned residents regarding deceased wildlife recently found at Pembroke Mill Pond.

“We are aware that there has been speculation on social media suggesting that the deaths may be linked to the water quality or algae currently present in the pond. We would like to reassure residents that this is not the case.

“For the past seven years, Pembroke Town Council has employed Aqua Clear to help manage algae growth and control the spread of reeds within the pond. This ongoing work has been highly successful, with algae levels reducing by approximately 45 per cent since the programme began. The pond’s water quality continues to be monitored and remains in good condition.

“Following reports from residents, council representatives visited the pond and retrieved some of the deceased wildlife.

“On examination, it appears that around five different animals had suffered injuries consistent with being intentionally targeted using a catapult. This is an extremely distressing and cruel act against wildlife.

“The matter has been reported to the Wildlife Crime Officers, who are aware of the incident and will be investigating.

“Pembroke Town Council strongly condemns any form of cruelty towards wildlife and would encourage anyone who witnesses this type of behaviour, or has any information that may assist enquiries, to report it immediately. Information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“We would like to thank residents for bringing this matter to our attention and for their continued care and concern for Pembroke Mill Pond and the wildlife that calls it home.”

Pembrokeshire County Council has been contacted for a statement.