Politics
Calls for independent Senedd harassment complaints process
WITNESSES called for a fully independent process to deal with bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct by Senedd Members amid concerns about politics trumping fairness.
Jane Runeckles, of the FDA trade union – which primarily represents civil service managers – urged Wales to follow Westminster’s lead by setting up an independent complaints process.
Currently, politicians in Wales “mark their own homework” with the standards committee – which is made up of Senedd Members – handling complaints against their peers. Similarly, the First Minister oversees complaints made against their own cabinet colleagues.
Ms Runeckles, a former special adviser to then-First Minister Mark Drakeford, argued politicians should play no part in the process nor decisions on sanctions.
Calling for a properly resourced complaints procedure, she suggested establishing a panel made up of independent experts as happened in Westminster five years ago.
The FDA warned: “If there is any opportunity for self-regulation, politics will take precedence over fairness and the victims of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment will be failed.”
The union also urged Wales to follow Westminster’s example by introducing a “risk-based exclusion policy”. Under the policy agreed by the House of Commons, politicians arrested on suspicion of a violent or sexual offence can be excluded from the parliamentary estate.
Giving evidence to the standards committee on June 2, Ms Runeckles called for a more appropriate process for dealing with bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct complaints.
She said handling complaints in the same way as, for example, misuse of expenses risks promoting a lack of confidence in the system. She also warned the current system is often overly complicated and legalistic for complainants to navigate.
Ms Runeckles told the committee: “Providing a full independent place as the first port of call is something that would encourage greater confidence in the system.”
She added: “The issues around gender balance in terms of people assessing those or doing any of the investigating or interviewing with complaints is, I think, extraordinarily important.”
Currently, Douglas Bain, the Senedd’s standards commissioner, investigates complaints and the standards committee considers his findings, deciding what – if any – action to take.

The committee, which includes Labour, Plaid Cymru and Conservative politicians, makes recommendations concerning complaints that the Senedd then votes on.
Pressed about the appropriate place for Senedd oversight, Ms Runeckles told the committee: “I think that’s a key question for you to consider.
“I think we’d argue the independent panel should make the recommendation to the Senedd but I can see you would be removing an enormous part of the work you currently undertake.
“For people to have confidence in the system, is the recommendation of the independent person going through another body – which is essentially back to the peers of the individual making that judgement – the right call?”
Ms Runeckles said: “The key in relation to bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct is that people understand there is a process dedicated to that, that has expertise and… independence behind it – and that is the fundamental bit that is missing at the moment.”
The FDA criticised a six-month limit for complaints, which cannot be made against former Senedd Members, warning this could incentivise politicians to “run down the clock”.
In Westminster, there is no such time limit for complaints of sexual misconduct and a one-year cut-off point for complaints centred on bullying.
Hannah Stevens, chief executive of Elect Her, which helps women enter politics, echoed calls for an independent process, as did the Unite union and Race Council Cymru.
Ms Runeckles said she has written to the Welsh Government, expressing concerns about the ministerial code and the First Minister being the “ultimate arbiter of a minister’s fate”.
The code governs the conduct of Senedd Members who are part of the Welsh Government and some have warned the First Minister acts as “judge, jury and executioner”.
Similarly, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) raised concerns about Elin Jones, the Senedd’s speaker or Llywydd, having discretion not to refer certain complaints.
In its evidence, the EHRC pointed to a 2023 complaint – centred on “discriminatory” remarks by a politician about the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community – which was shut down.
Business
Rosemarket Dawn Till Dusk golf club 18-hole plans lodged
A CALL to extend a long-established Pembrokeshire golf club, bringing it up to a full 18 holes, has been submitted to county planners.
In the application, Mr and Mrs Young, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seek a change of use of land adjoining the Dawn Till Dusk Golf Club, Furze Hill Farm, Bastleford Road, Rosemarket, to form an extension to the existing golf course, along with landscaping and associated works.
A supporting statement through the agent says: “The application seeks full planning permission for the enlargement of the existing golf course to provide an additional six holes, to provide a total of 18 holes.
“The proposal would involve minor landscaping works to the fields and boundaries and the creation of a small number of ponds and bunkers. The extension would be located on land to the west of Furze Hill Farm and on the opposite side of the road to the existing golf course and clubhouse.
“An altered access to the land parcel is proposed as part of this application, which would provide an improved route for users crossing the public highway to avoid conflict with movements at the main entrance.
“The application site exceeds 1ha and therefore the proposal is considered major development necessitating a Pre-Application Consultation prior to formally submitting the planning application to the Local Planning Authority.”
It adds: “The existing golf course has operated in excess of 30 years and is popular with both visitors and locals. Club membership currently stands at approximately 350 and there is demand for enhancing the provisions of the course.
“The applicants’ sons have recently increased their involvement in the enterprise and in recent years wet winter months have necessitated the closure of the course, or parts of it, due to the ground becoming waterlogged, primarily due to the flat nature of the existing course.
“The extension would provide variation to the terrain, providing, dryer conditions, as well as the ability to alternate between the existing and proposed to maintain use, enhancing the viability of the enterprise.”
The application will be considered by Pembrokeshire County Council planners at a later date.
Business
Plans to rebuild arson hit building at farm with one of largest sheep flocks in Wales
A CALL to rebuild a fire-damaged Pembrokeshire farm building, as a family home to help manage one of the largest sheep flocks in Wales, has been submitted to the national park.
In the application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, D B Davies and Sons through agent Harries Planning Design Management, with a supporting statement by Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd, seek permission to renovate an existing fire-damaged dwelling, together with the conversion and extension of outbuildings to form an agricultural worker’s dwelling at Mynydd Du, Rosebush.
The supporting statement through Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd says Mynydd Du is part of a wider holding which includes Eisteddfa Fawr and land around the village of Brynberian, the farms approximately six km apart, with land under control of the applicant amounting to some 1,500 acres, with a further 3,000 acres of Preseli mountain common land also used; the land accommodating a 5,000-ewe flock with 10 suckler cows and followers.
It says DB Davies & Sons Unlimited, has five partners: the two Davies brothers, Berian and Ken; their wives; and Berian’s son, Dyfed.
Berian and Ken are in their late 70s, with most of the heavy work on the farm is undertaken by Dyfed.
Dyfed and his wife Megan are first language Welsh speakers, living some 10 km away in Nevern, while Berian and Ken, and their wives, live at Eisteddfa Fawr, Brynberian.
The dwelling at Mynydd Du, where most sheep are now wintered, is structurally sound and repairable but has been unoccupied since 1990, and was subject to arson circa 2013, the statement says.
It says Dyfed works full-time on the farm, alone with increasing frequency as the older business members are above retirement age, working “long hours out of necessity to undertake all the work associated with one of the largest flocks of sheep in Wales”.
“His working hours are extended further due to the fact that he lives remote (6kms) from the main block of land at Tyllosg, where Mynydd Du is situated in the centre of the farm. Travelling back and forth several times each day during lambing and other times during poor weather, to check on flock welfare is an arduous task and can be dangerous, particularly if driving when tired during inclement conditions.”
The statement adds: “The application seeks permission to repair the fire damaged dwelling at Mynydd Du and bring it back to serve a useful purpose to enable Dyfed to closely monitor the ewes, not only at lambing, but throughout the year when the flock is grazing on the adjacent common land.
“It will also enable Dyfed to be with his partner and young child on a more regular basis than simply at the end of a long day when he is away from their current home, tending the sheep at Mynydd Du.”
The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.
News
Council unveils plans for new state-of-the-art secondary school in Milford Haven
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has revealed plans for a new state-of-the-art school in Milford Haven, promising modern, inspiring learning spaces for children and young people across the community.
A newly released video accompanying the announcement features the First Minister, the local authority’s Deputy Leader, the Cabinet Member for Education and the headteacher, outlining what the development will deliver. The plans include specialist teaching areas, improved accessibility, and high-quality outdoor learning and play spaces.
The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient features and modern building standards designed to reduce environmental impact while delivering long-term value.
The scheme forms part of a Strategic Outline Case approval. Any final funding commitment will depend on the project successfully progressing through the full business case process.
Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This project represents a major investment in our children’s future. The new school will offer a safe, modern and inclusive environment where pupils can thrive, and we are delighted to share this vision with the community as we move towards the next stage of this exciting process.”
First Minister Eluned Morgan added: “This is fantastic news for pupils, parents, teachers and the whole community. Modern learning environments can make a real difference to pupils and staff alike. The Welsh Government has shown its commitment to new schools in Pembrokeshire as part of our wider programme of improving schools and colleges across Wales.”
Speaking on behalf of staff, pupils and governors, Deputy Headteacher Daryl John said the school community was excited by the plans.
He said: “Milford Haven School recently welcomed a visit from the First Minister, along with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, to mark initial progress on proposals for a new, aspirational school building.
“The development will provide inspirational learning and teaching spaces, offering high-quality, ambitious and equitable opportunities for all pupils. It aims to support our young people to thrive, develop their talents and grow into confident, successful individuals, supported by dedicated staff and the wider school community.”
Stephen Thomas, Headteacher at Milford Haven Primary School, said the project had been long awaited.
He said: “This new school building has been long awaited, and I know how much it will mean to our children, staff and the community as a whole in Milford Haven.
“For many years, our community has hoped for facilities that truly reflect the potential, pride and ambition of our children, and now that vision is becoming a reality.
“This is more than just a new building. It is a statement of belief in our young people and in the future of Milford Haven. It will provide modern, high-quality learning environments, improved spaces for wellbeing and inclusion, and facilities that will open up wider opportunities for our pupils and families.
“As Headteacher, I feel incredibly proud and grateful to see this investment in our community. Our children deserve the very best, and this new school will help us continue raising aspirations, strengthening community links and ensuring every child can thrive.”
The council will now begin a period of consultation and engagement with pupils, staff, parents and local residents to ensure the new school reflects the needs and ambitions of the whole community.
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