News

Mixed bag for local democracy

Published

11 years ago

December 3, 2014

Cllr Jamie Adams:

A MOTION to be placed before next Monday’s meeting of the council’s Corporate Governance Committee could pave the way for greater accountability and democracy in relation to the position of Council Leader, the post currently held by Cllr Jamie Adams. The proposal, made by East Williamston’s Jacob Williams, calls for the position of Leader to be subject to annual election at the County Council’s AGM. If passed it would come into force at the end of the current municipal year, when current leader Jamie Adams could be challenged for the leadership of the local authority. In his submissions supporting his motion, Cllr Williams makes it clear that he regards the decision as essentially a political one, and not one that Council Officers should take a stance upon.

The supporting statement concludes by saying: “I don’t know which officer of the authority will compile a report on my proposal, however I would like to use this supporting statement to say that I believe it would be improper for the report to conclude with either a recommendation in favour of approval or of refusal.” In an embarrassing turn of events, a motion previously adopted referring to the thorny subject of member-officer and member-tomember relationships has been forced off the agenda. The motion was originally backed by Bob Kilmister of the Pembrokeshire Alliance, the unaffiliated St Davids member David Lloyd and Conservative group leader David Howlett.

Council Leader Jamie Adams had co-signed the motion on behalf of the ruling IPPG group. However, the three opposition signatories have now withdrawn their backing and Cllrs Lloyd and Kilmister were clear that the reason they had pulled their support was due to a lack of trust in Jamie Adams’ good faith. A motion from Labour Leader Paul Miller calling for the extension of democratic scrutiny of the recruitment process for chief officers beyond the end of the current municipal year has been recommended for refusal by the Head of Human Resources.

That recommendation is bound to cause anger among council members who feel that that the scandal over remuneration that engulfed and ultimately put paid to Bryn Parry-Jones could have been avoided had ordinary members been able to vote on the matter. In addition, those who feel that members should take a more active role in the recruitment process and not delegate effectively unchecked powers to officers are likely to question why, if a procedure was appropriate during the current council year, it is not appropriate to continue it in others.

That point is given greater force by Paul Miller’s recent revelation that during the current council, officers have systematically ignored the council’s democratic vote on the subject. In relation to the vexed question of council democracy and executive accountability, Monitoring Officer Laurence Harding – widely regarded on opposition benches as a hanger on from the Bryn Parry-Jones era – has recommended refusal of a motion that seeks to place the whole of debate before the public.

Objecting to Mike Stoddart’s motion that asks only that members read out their questions to Cabinet members, the Monitoring Officer and the Acting Head of Legal Services, Claire Incledon, have instead supported the status quo. Their view is likely to please Cabinet members who can flannel questioners on camera safe in the knowledge that questions are not widely known to the watching public. A motion by Cllr David Bryan to prevent the repetition of a farcical situation which permitted executive members to duck questions when the members asking them were absent from the Chamber has, however, been recommended for adoption.

Farming

Plaid urged to move faster on farming reforms amid subsidy concerns

Published

19 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Conservatives accuse Plaid Cymru of failing farmers as ministers call for patience over changes to agricultural support

CONCERNS over the pace of farming reforms in Wales have intensified after the Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of failing to act quickly enough on promised changes to agricultural subsidy schemes.

The criticism comes after Welsh Government Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister, Llyr Gruffydd, urged farmers to be patient as major changes to support payments continue to be developed.

Speaking to ITV Wales, Mr Gruffydd acknowledged that “change is difficult” as the government seeks to reshape agricultural support across rural Wales. The comments come at a time of growing unease among parts of the farming community over the future of post-Brexit subsidy arrangements and concerns about financial pressures facing farms.

The reforms centre on replacing previous support systems with a new approach intended to balance food production, environmental sustainability and rural resilience. However, some farmers and unions have warned that uncertainty over payments and policy changes risks damaging confidence in the sector.

Reacting to the minister’s remarks, Welsh Conservative Shadow Farming Minister, Andrew RT Davies, said Plaid Cymru was not moving quickly enough to deliver on commitments made to Welsh farmers.

Mr Davies said: “Change is not difficult – contrary to Plaid Cymru separatists’ claims.

“If the will is there, there’s no reason reforms can’t be implemented immediately.

“Plaid Cymru separatists must fulfil their promises to Welsh farmers now.”

The comments reflect wider political tensions over the direction of farming policy in Wales, with opposition parties arguing that delays and uncertainty are creating anxiety for agricultural businesses already facing rising costs and economic pressures.

Farming remains a major part of the Welsh economy, particularly in rural counties such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, where many communities rely heavily on agriculture and associated industries.

The Welsh Government has previously said changes to support schemes are aimed at creating a more sustainable long-term future for farming, though ministers have acknowledged the transition period will take time and may prove challenging for some in the industry.

The debate over subsidy reform is likely to remain a key political battleground as the government finalises details of its future support model and seeks to reassure farmers concerned about their livelihoods.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

19 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Business

WestJet’s first Toronto flight lands at Cardiff Airport

Published

19 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New seasonal service restores direct link between Wales and Canada after nearly 20 years

CARDIFF AIRPORT has welcomed the first WestJet flight from Toronto, marking the return of a direct air link between Wales and Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.

The inaugural service from Toronto Pearson International Airport landed at Cardiff on Saturday (May 23), officially launching a new transatlantic route between South Wales and North America.

Passengers on the first arrival were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while Penarth choir Criw Canu welcomed the crew and customers with Welsh songs at the aircraft steps.

The new route will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Cardiff Airport said the service would open up new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada.

Toronto Pearson is also a major hub, offering onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, attended the launch alongside guests including Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, Visit Wales and aviation industry partners.

Mr Price said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.

“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.

“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, described the launch as a landmark moment for the airport and for Wales.

He said: “The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.

“We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”

Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the route was an important addition to the airline’s transatlantic network.

He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities.

“Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”

The Cardiff to Toronto service departs Cardiff at 11:35am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Toronto to Cardiff flights depart at 10:10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.