News

Vacant council seat sparks tensions over racism concerns in Haverfordwest

Published

11 months ago

August 8, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has rejected accusations that it left a vacant seat unfilled to avoid addressing concerns about racism, following the decision not to co-opt a prospective councillor.

Earlier this year, the council co-opted Reform UK member Cllr Scott Thorley to fill a vacancy. A more recent opening, created by another resignation, prompted local businesswoman Elaine Gunning to apply — but her bid was voted down nine to three on 17 July.

In her introduction to councillors, Ms Gunning criticised the earlier co-option of Cllr Thorley, who had stood as a Reform UK candidate in county council elections. She told members she was “concerned” the council had chosen someone from “a notoriously racist political party” and said she believed the seat was now being left vacant “rather than acknowledge community concerns of racism.”

Ms Gunning, who is supported by West Wales Stand Up to Racism, later said: “It appeared the council was disinterested in diversity of opinions, preferring to protect their decision to co-opt a rejected Reform candidate. Reform was transparent in their intention to disband the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan 2024 and end the Wales Nation of Sanctuary Plan. It was therefore incredulous that a Reform candidate would be co-opted when the party he stood for directly opposed the council’s stated intentions.”

Cllr Thorley dismissed the criticism, saying: “Haverfordwest Town Council is not political — we are there for the people of Haverfordwest. Elaine was there for me, not the town. Her group has constantly harassed me for no good reason other than a party I represented in February. The vote was by secret ballot, based on councillors’ opinions on the night. I suspect she lost the vote by making it political and should respect democracy. To accuse the town council of protecting their decision is bonkers.”

In a statement, Haverfordwest Town Council stressed it is “not affiliated with any political party” and that councillors “are entitled to hold personal political views, provided they act within the law and adhere to the council’s code of conduct.”

The council said Ms Gunning’s application was “strong in many respects” but that opening with a “firmly directed criticism of a sitting councillor” might not have aligned with its efforts to promote “respectful collaboration and unity.” It also pointed out that other candidates over the years had failed to secure co-option.

The statement added that Cllr Thorley “continues to play a positive and active role” in supporting the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan 2024, and that vacancies in both Prendergast and Priory wards remain open to applicants.

News

Former West Wales MS says Starmer resignation felt ‘increasingly inevitable’

Published

32 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Samuel Kurtz says public frustration has grown after two years of Labour controversies and policy decisions

FORMER West Wales MS Samuel Kurtz has said Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation felt “increasingly inevitable” after months of controversy and public frustration.

The Welsh Conservative said he watched the Prime Minister’s Downing Street statement with “genuine frustration”, adding that he wanted the UK to be respected regardless of which party was in government.

Starmer announced on Monday (Jun 22) that he would resign as Prime Minister and Labour leader, just 12 days before the second anniversary of Labour’s 2024 general election victory.

Mr Kurtz said: “As a British citizen, I sighed genuine frustration while watching this morning. Whatever the political colour of the Government, I want our country to be respected at home and on the international stage.

“But, in truth, this moment has felt increasingly inevitable as the weeks turned into months.”

He pointed to a series of controversies and policy decisions, including the Lord Alli gifts row, winter fuel allowance cuts, the Family Farm Tax, rising National Insurance, defence spending and domestic energy production.

Mr Kurtz said people “simply feel worse off”, adding that confidence in the economy remained low.

He said: “A Government should ultimately be judged on whether life is getting better for the people it serves.

“After two years marked by the controversies and a series of damaging policy decisions mentioned above, it’s difficult to argue this Government has passed that test.”

Mr Kurtz also questioned what would happen next, asking whether Labour would see an “Andy Burnham coronation”, whether Wes Streeting could build enough support, or whether an outsider could emerge.

He added that he would be watching the leadership contest “from the sidelines with interest”.

Labour is expected to open nominations for a new leader on July 9, with Starmer remaining in office until his successor is chosen.

Community

Haverfordwest lounge praised for charity work

Published

38 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST venue has been praised for raising more than £2,600 for local charities through a series of community events.

Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor visited The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest with Henry Tufnell MP, where they met manager Stephanie Davies.

Cllr Tudor said Stephanie had “truly embraced” her role in the community, organising events including a duck race, sports quiz, Mad Hatter’s tea party for Little Loungers, a bake sale and a drag night show.

Together, the events have raised £2,637 for local good causes.

Charities to benefit include The VC Gallery, Tŷ Hafan and Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to introduce Henry Tufnell MP to Stephanie Davies, manager of The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

“Stephanie has truly embraced her role in the community of Haverfordwest, running many exciting initiatives and raising a staggering £2,637 for local charities.”

The fundraising continues this week, with Rock ’n’ Roll Bingo and a Wild West country and western night featuring a rodeo bull.

Caption: Community support: Thomas Tudor, Stephanie Davies and Henry Tufnell MP outside The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

News

Motorcyclist dies after four-vehicle crash on A40 in Carmarthenshire

Published

1 hour ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a four-vehicle collision on the A40 between St Clears and Whitland.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 12:00pm on Sunday (Jun 21) and involved a grey Audi, a blue Seat, a grey Vauxhall and an orange KTM motorbike.

Sadly, the rider of the KTM died from their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.

The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and reopened at around 8:30pm.

The latest tragedy follows two other serious motorcycle crashes in west Wales.

On Sunday afternoon, another motorcyclist was injured in a separate collision and is recovering in hospital.

Last week, a 22-year-old rider sadly died in a crash near Narberth, while his female pillion passenger was taken to hospital.

Anyone with information, or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: DP-20260621-177.