Campaign group highlights hospital’s unique role across Mid Wales catchment

A PUBLIC “Health Question Time” event for Senedd election candidates will take place in Aberystwyth next month as concerns continue over the future of services at Bronglais Hospital.

Protect Bronglais Services has announced the meeting will be held at Neuadd Goffa Penparcau Memorial Hall on Friday, March 13, at 7:00pm.

The discussion will focus on healthcare provision in rural and semi-rural areas, particularly across Mid and West Wales, with organisers saying the timing is significant because Hywel Dda University Health Board is expected to have made decisions on its Clinical Services Plan consultation before the event.

That consultation covers nine clinical disciplines across the health board area and has raised concerns among campaigners about potential changes to services affecting patients who rely on Bronglais.

Campaigners have also circulated a graphic highlighting what they describe as the hospital’s unique position as the only district general hospital serving large parts of Mid Wales, with some communities located between fifty and seventy-five miles from alternative facilities. Bronglais serves not only Ceredigion residents but also patients from southern Meirionnydd and western Montgomeryshire.

Organisers say twelve candidates from major political parties have been invited to take part — two representatives each from the Green Party, Plaid Cymru, Reform UK, Welsh Conservatives, Welsh Labour and Welsh Liberal Democrats. Those invited are candidates standing in the new Senedd constituencies of Ceredigion Penfro and Gwynedd Maldwyn, both of which fall within the hospital’s catchment area.

Questions will be submitted in writing before the meeting, with those selected able to ask them directly on the night. Supplementary questions from the audience will also be encouraged.

Translation facilities will be available and the meeting will be live-streamed to enable wider participation.

Lisa Francis, Chair of Protect Bronglais Services, said the group was looking forward to welcoming candidates and members of the public to the event, which aims to ensure rural healthcare remains a key election issue ahead of the May 2026 Senedd elections.

Former General Election candidate steps down after just a few months in role as party faces upcoming electoral tests

THE CHAIRMAN of Reform UK’s Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire branch has resigned after only a few months in the role — just months before the crucial Senedd elections.

Stuart Marchant, who stood as the party’s candidate for Mid and South Pembrokeshire in the July 2024 General Election, confirmed he has stepped down from the position he has held since being elected chairman in October 2025.

Mr Marchant received almost 8,000 votes at the General Election, finishing third out of eight candidates. He later helped establish the Reform UK branch covering Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire in September 2024, initially serving as interim chairman before being formally elected.

In his resignation statement, he said he was no longer able to balance the demands of the role with his professional and personal commitments, adding that the position required someone able to devote full time and energy to it.

He said: “I have reached the conclusion that I am no longer able to balance the demands of the role — or the approach required to take the branch to the next stage — alongside my professional and personal commitments. The role deserves the full attention and energy of someone who can give it without compromise, and at this time I cannot do so.”

Mr Marchant said he remained proud of what had been achieved locally and thanked members for their support during his time in office. He added that he had confidence the branch would continue to grow under new leadership.

His resignation comes at a significant time for the party locally, with campaigning expected to intensify ahead of the Senedd elections later this year.

There is also an important local electoral test on the horizon, with a by-election due to take place in Hakin, Milford Haven, following the death of respected councillor Mike Stoddart. Reform UK is understood to be hoping to field a candidate, although no selection has yet been confirmed.

Reform UK has not yet announced who will replace Mr Marchant as chairman of the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire branch.

Councillors demand £2m savings removed amid safeguarding concerns in schools

THE INDEPENDENT GROUP on Pembrokeshire County Council has warned it will not support the Cabinet’s proposed council tax increases unless planned reductions to the education budget are reversed.

Cabinet has recommended a council tax rise of 4.6% for 2026/27, followed by 5% the following year and potential increases of up to 7.5% in future years. The Independent Group has criticised the proposals, describing them as a “ballot box” budget which they claim postpones difficult financial decisions for future administrations.

The group also said it had not been consulted during the budget process by Council Leader Jon Harvey, despite representing a significant number of councillors.

Safeguarding concerns raised

Councillor Huw Murphy said the group’s main concern relates to education funding, particularly following the recent placement of three Pembrokeshire schools into special measures.

He said: “The seriousness of the situation facing education in Pembrokeshire cannot be overstated. All councillors need to place school safeguarding above party politics.”

The Independent Group argues that reducing the education budget by more than £2 million would be inappropriate at a time when schools face financial pressures and scrutiny from inspectors.

The councillors have called for the proposed savings to be reinvested to help improve standards at Ysgol Harri Tudur, Milford Haven School and the Pembrokeshire Learning Centre in Neyland, as well as addressing wider infrastructure concerns including building maintenance issues at several schools across the county.

Budget pressures acknowledged

The group acknowledged efforts by the council’s finance leadership to achieve savings, noting projections that the authority could finish the financial year under budget.

However, Councillor Murphy questioned whether some efficiencies may have affected services, including education provision and safeguarding.

He also highlighted that councillors had previously reduced proposed education cuts during last year’s budget process following cross-party support.

Political tensions

The statement also criticised the position of councillors from other parties, questioning whether Labour and Plaid members would support reductions in education spending given the current challenges facing schools.

It further referenced previous proposals from Liberal Democrats councillors for higher council tax increases to protect school funding, suggesting the current position appeared inconsistent.

The Independent Group says it will only support the budget if education cuts are removed, placing what it describes as safeguarding, wellbeing and educational attainment as its priority.

The Herald has approached Pembrokeshire County Council for comment.