News

Badenoch demands resignation as budget backlash intensifies

Published

7 months ago

November 26, 2025

Opposition claims Reeves faces ‘total humiliation’ after leaks and tax-heavy plans

OUTRAGE over Rachel Reeves’ budget has escalated sharply after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch publicly called on the Chancellor to resign, branding the announcement a “total humiliation” and accusing Reeves of breaking key promises on tax.

The row erupted in the hours following the budget’s publication, which itself was overshadowed by the unprecedented early release of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecasts. The OBR later apologised for publishing the figures ahead of schedule, prompting confusion and irritation across Westminster.

Opposition fury

Speaking in the Commons, Badenoch said Reeves “should make this her last budget,” arguing that the Chancellor had betrayed voters by imposing a second consecutive year of substantial tax rises despite previously claiming last year’s increases were a one-off.

Badenoch told MPs that Reeves would “go down as the worst Chancellor in history”, adding that the scale of new tax measures amounted to “an admission that Labour cannot deliver growth.”

Her intervention followed confirmation that freeze extensions to income tax thresholds, tighter rules on pension salary sacrifice, higher taxes on dividends and property income, and a new levy on high-value homes would all form part of the Government’s long-term fiscal strategy.

Pressure mounts after leaked forecasts

The OBR’s accidental publication of its economic outlook shortly before Reeves stood up in the chamber intensified the political fallout. The leaked documents showed taxes rising to their highest level on record by the end of the forecast period, while GDP expectations were revised down to 1.5 per cent growth across the period.

The leak prompted cabinet disciplinarian Darren Jones to admit that the “riot act” had been read to officials and MPs involved in unauthorised disclosures.

Despite the chaos, borrowing costs dipped and markets responded more calmly than some analysts had expected, with sterling edging higher during the morning’s trading.

Labour defends strategy

Reeves insisted the package was “fair, responsible and unavoidable”, arguing that without extending the threshold freeze and closing what she described as “unfair loopholes” on capital and pension taxation, the Government would be forced to take billions out of public services.

She also pointed to measures she said would ease pressures on households, including a £150 reduction in average energy bills and increases to the state pension and child benefit.

The Prime Minister told ministers the budget was “about choices grounded in fairness”, despite acknowledging the leaked documents had disrupted the rollout.

Wider political reaction

Liberal Democrat and Conservative MPs criticised the scale of tax rises, with some warning they would hit middle-income earners hardest. Business groups gave a mixed response, welcoming the commitment to stability but warning that higher taxes on investment and property could dampen growth.

In Wales, politicians were assessing the implications for devolved services, with the Treasury confirming that the package would deliver additional consequential funding for Cardiff Bay but far less than many departments had hoped for.

What happens next

With Badenoch now publicly demanding Reeves step down, the Chancellor faces renewed pressure both inside and outside Parliament. Further scrutiny is expected when detailed Treasury costings and departmental allocations are released later this week.

Local Government

Major improvement works completed at Fleming Crescent

Published

3 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NEW roofs, structural upgrades and solar panels have been installed across three residential blocks at Fleming Crescent as part of a major housing improvement scheme.

Pembrokeshire County Council said the project has delivered safer, warmer and more energy-efficient homes for residents, with the full replacement of roofs serving 54 flats.

The works also included structural improvements designed to support the long-term performance of the buildings, alongside the installation of solar panels to help improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs for tenants.

The council received a funding contribution from the Welsh Government through the Optimised Retrofit Programme, which supports energy-efficiency improvements alongside wider investment works.

The scheme was completed on schedule, with W B Griffiths & Son Ltd appointed as the main contractor.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Michelle Bateman said: “Delivering a project of this scale on schedule is a significant achievement.

“The new roofs and external upgrades will help reduce future maintenance issues and improve the long-term resilience of the buildings, while the solar panels form an important part of our wider decarbonisation programme.

“By working closely with W B Griffiths & Son Ltd, we have delivered high-quality improvements that will benefit tenants both now and in the future.

“Pembrokeshire County Council continues to invest in housing improvements across the county, ensuring homes remain safe, modern, energy efficient and fit for the future.”

The project has also received national recognition after being shortlisted for a Constructing Excellence in Wales Award.

Neil Griffiths, Managing Director of W B Griffiths & Son Ltd, said: “We are proud to have delivered this important project at Fleming Crescent to a high standard and within the agreed timescales.

“The combination of full roof replacement and solar panel installation will provide long-term value, improve the performance of the buildings and support better outcomes for residents.

“It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council on this scheme.”

News

Tenby lifeboat tows yacht to safety after skipper falls ill near Caldey

Published

16 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A YACHT was towed back to Tenby after its skipper became unwell off Caldey Island.

Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 1:40pm on Monday (Jun 15), after the coastguard received a call from the occupants of a yacht reporting that the skipper had become ill around one mile south of Caldey Island.

The volunteer crew quickly made their way to the vessel, which had three people and a dog on board.

Once alongside, the lifeboat crew discovered that the skipper was suffering badly from seasickness and that the other two people on board were unable to sail the yacht themselves.

After a full assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that the safest course of action was to tow the yacht back to Tenby. The vessel was drifting with the tide towards Caldey Island and was also considered a potential navigational hazard to other boats.

Two lifeboat crew members were placed aboard the yacht to help set up the tow and to monitor the unwell skipper during the journey back.

After a tow of around an hour, the yacht was placed on the lifeboat mooring in the calmer waters of North Bay.

The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving back at 3:15pm.

Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

Published

17 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.