News

Historic by-election win and growing local power leave Welsh parties on alert

Published

11 months ago

May 2, 2025

Is Reform UK heading for the Senedd?

REFORM UK has shocked Westminster and sent tremors through political circles this week after securing its first-ever parliamentary by-election win in Runcorn and Helsby — by just six votes. Labour’s once-safe seat fell after a dramatic recount, and the result has triggered a wave of commentary and speculation across the UK.

But here in Wales, a bigger question now looms: is Reform on the march towards the Senedd?

Nigel Farage’s party isn’t stopping at parliamentary ambition. As celebrations broke out in Widnes and Greater Lincolnshire — where Dame Andrea Jenkyns swept into the mayoral office by over 40,000 votes — senior figures in Reform were already turning their attention to Wales.

A serious Senedd strategy

Reform UK is now openly targeting the 2026 Senedd elections. Their goal? To take advantage of the new electoral system and secure a sizeable bloc of seats in Cardiff Bay. With the chamber expanding from 60 to 96 members and moving to a closed proportional list system, the conditions are ripe for smaller parties to make major gains — especially those with growing national visibility and momentum.

Reform insiders have spoken of ambitions to win “20 to 40 seats” in the new Senedd. Their strategy includes setting up local associations, holding regional events across Wales, and recruiting candidates well ahead of the vote — a far more professional operation than in 2021, when they stood in just a few constituencies.

Crucially, the new system will reward strong second-place showings and broaden representation. With Reform finishing a close second to Labour in three major English mayoral contests this week, the signs are clear that their support base is not only wide but growing — particularly among those disillusioned with both Labour and the Conservatives.

Welsh political identity under pressure

In Wales, where national identity and devolution have traditionally shaped politics, Reform will face different challenges. But their messaging around immigration, cost of living, and public services has already struck a chord in Leave-voting and economically disadvantaged areas — including parts of South Wales, the North East, and coastal constituencies like Clwyd South and Delyn.

In those areas, Labour is watching nervously. Some internal polling, leaked to national media earlier this year, suggested that Reform could overtake Labour in parts of the former “red wall” in Wales. With support from both ex-Tories and working-class voters fed up with economic decline and political promises, Reform is pitching itself as the party of blunt answers and bold change.

Pembrokeshire in the frame?

So far, Reform has made limited inroads in West Wales — but that could change. Issues like NHS centralisation, rural crime, post-Brexit farming policy, and housing unaffordability have created fertile ground for anti-establishment sentiment.

Whether Reform can tap into that frustration depends on its ability to build local operations, recruit credible Welsh candidates, and engage seriously with devolved policy — not just reheated Westminster soundbites. That will be a major test for a party often accused of being too “English-focused.”

The verdict

Farage said this morning that Reform had “bitten quite hard” into Labour’s heartlands and claimed to have supplanted the Conservatives as the “main opposition party.” While that may be premature, what’s clear is that the political establishment is scrambling to respond to a new force that is no longer a protest vote.

In Wales, the challenge for Labour and Plaid Cymru is urgent. For now, Reform’s victories are in England — but their ambitions lie firmly across the border too.

Come 2026, Welsh voters may be offered something they haven’t seen before: Reform UK on the ballot for their Senedd. And based on this week’s results, it would be unwise to write them off.

Crime

New pilot offers dedicated advocates for trafficking survivors

Published

25 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National scheme aims to support hundreds of victims of modern slavery across the UK

MORE than 600 adult survivors of modern slavery are set to receive dedicated support through a new national pilot scheme providing accredited, independent advocates.

The initiative will see specially trained professionals working directly alongside survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, helping them navigate complex legal, social, and recovery processes.

While survivors of crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse already have access to specialist advocacy, no equivalent provision previously existed for victims of modern slavery—despite the often severe and long-term trauma they experience.

Over the next three years, 24 Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) will be deployed across the UK. Each advocate will complete a postgraduate qualification and receive support from a central hub hosted by anti-trafficking charity Hope for Justice.

Tim Nelson, CEO at Hope for Justice, said the pilot aims to tackle inequalities in support: “We want to end the postcode lottery that adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking are experiencing in the UK.

“There are many organisations already doing incredible work, but by working together and setting new standards, we can give survivors the best possible chance of rebuilding their lives.”

The scheme is backed by a £1 million National Lottery grant and involves several organisations, including Unseen UK, Medaille Trust, Bawso, SOHTIS, Hope for Justice, and the Snowdrop Project.

Since the pilot began six months ago, advocates have already supported 121 survivors, helping to secure housing, legal recognition, and access to vital services.

Key outcomes so far include:

Ten survivors provided with safe and secure housing
Seventeen Home Office decisions successfully challenged, granting victims access to support
Humanitarian protection secured for a young adult survivor

Advocates have also helped individuals access healthcare, mental health support, education, employment, and secure immigration status.

One survivor described the support as “life changing” after escaping a trafficker. In a letter to her advocate, she said: “You have fought our corner tirelessly when I did not have the strength. You stood beside us every step of the way.

“You helped me rebuild trust, believe in myself, and slowly find my voice again.”

The IMSA role aligns with international guidance on independent advocacy and has been shaped by experts and those with lived experience.

Louise Mensah, Head of Frontline at Unseen, said: “This pilot is a step towards a world without slavery. We are proud to be part of something that will improve outcomes and change futures.”

Ben Ryan, Deputy CEO at Medaille Trust, added: “We know the value of long-term support in recovery. This partnership allows us to embed best practice and develop new approaches.”

Organisations wishing to join the final phase of the pilot have until May 2026 to apply.

Further information is available at www.hopeforjustice.org/imsa/

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

32 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

46 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.

For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.

The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.