News

Tufnell joins Labour welfare rebellion as frontbench crisis looms

Published

6 months ago

June 24, 2025

Only three Welsh MPs break ranks as Starmer faces biggest revolt to date

A MAJOR rebellion is erupting inside the Labour Party, with 108 MPs—including Welsh frontbencher Henry Tufnell—signing a motion to block controversial welfare cuts, in what has been described as the biggest internal revolt since Keir Starmer became leader.

The MPs have backed a reasoned amendment that would kill off the government’s new Welfare Reform Bill at its second reading, arguing the proposals would “strip support” from hundreds of thousands of disabled people and low-income claimants across the UK.

Among the signatories is Henry Tufnell, Labour MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire.

Tufnell’s decision to break ranks has put him on a collision course with party whips and leadership figures, with Angela Rayner warning that Labour MPs who defy the official party line may face disciplinary consequences.

Risking his role

Sources inside Westminster suggest several Labour frontbenchers are now “considering their positions”, and may resign rather than vote against the amendment or abstain.

The vote comes amid widespread concern over the government’s plan to cut £5 billion from welfare spending, including changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and stricter Universal Credit assessments.

Welsh voices divided

Of the 27 Labour MPs representing Welsh constituencies, just three have signed the amendment, highlighting a cautious approach from most Welsh representatives. While their names have not all been confirmed publicly, only Tufnell holds a frontbench post among them.

The Welsh Government has previously criticised UK benefit reforms, but has stopped short of direct confrontation over the latest proposals.

One disability rights campaigner in Cardiff told The Herald: “It’s disappointing to see so few Welsh MPs take a stand. Tufnell should be applauded for putting principle above position.”

The stakes for Starmer

The rebellion is particularly damaging for Keir Starmer, who has tried to present Labour as a party of “discipline and government readiness.” With more than a quarter of his MPs now defying the whip, the amendment has become a litmus test for party unity.

The vote on the bill is expected later this week, and could see Labour leadership punish MPs who support the amendment—potentially withdrawing the whip or removing them from internal positions.

The party has not confirmed whether it will allow a free vote, abstain, or formally oppose the amendment—but the rebellion shows growing backbench unrest over Labour’s positioning on social justice issues.

Why this matters for Pembrokeshire

If Tufnell is forced to resign, it may weaken local influence in Labour’s policy-making.
Disability charities in Wales warn that cuts could disproportionately affect rural and coastal communities with fewer support services.
The row highlights the gap between Labour’s leadership and its grassroots members, especially on issues of poverty and welfare.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.