News
Plaid Cymru surges as Labour slumps to historic low in Senedd poll
Reform UK also gains ground as Welsh politics enters period of upheaval
A NEW poll suggests Welsh politics could be heading for a dramatic shake-up in the run-up to the 2026 Senedd election, with Plaid Cymru pulling ahead and Labour hitting its lowest level of support since devolution began.
The YouGov survey, commissioned by ITV Cymru Wales and Cardiff University, puts Plaid Cymru in the lead with 30% of the vote, followed closely by Reform UK on 25%. Labour trails in third place with just 18%—a record low for the party that has dominated Welsh politics for over a century.
Seat projections based on the poll suggest a possible minority government led by Plaid Cymru, which could win around 35 seats in the 60-member Senedd. Reform UK is projected to take 30, Labour 19, the Conservatives 9, and the Liberal Democrats 3. However, with around 10 seats falling within the poll’s margin of error, the balance of power could still shift depending on voter sentiment.
ITV Cymru Wales’ Political Editor, Adrian Masters, compared the situation to Scotland’s political turning point in 2007, when the SNP formed a minority government that went on to secure a majority.
A breakdown of support by age shows Plaid Cymru performing strongest among younger voters, with 46% of 16 to 24-year-olds backing the party. Reform UK’s support grows with age, peaking at 34% among voters aged 50 to 64. Labour’s support is more evenly spread across age groups but remains lower than that of its rivals.
First Minister Eluned Morgan responded to the poll by warning of the “real danger” that Labour could lose power in Wales. She called for a clearer “red Welsh way” that speaks directly to Wales-specific concerns, setting the party apart from UK Labour policy.
With Plaid Cymru and Reform UK now posing serious challenges to Labour’s long-held dominance, the stage is set for a transformative election in 2026—potentially reshaping the future of Welsh governance.
Crime
Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach
Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order
ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.
The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.
Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.
Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.
He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.
The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.
A pre-sentence report was ordered.
News
Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest
Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply
A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
No further details about the deceased have been formally released.
Crime
Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe
FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.
At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.
The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.
The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.
In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.
Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.
Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.
While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.
The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.
“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”
He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”
Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.
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