News

Carmarthenshire Council leader ousted in secret ballot

Published

9 years ago

May 11, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Ousted: Kevin Madge

CARMARTHENSHIRE County Council will have a new leader after next week’s Annual General Meeting.

Last week’s Herald revealed the threat to Cllr Madge’s position from potential challenger Bigyn Councillor Jeff Edmunds, and it is Mr Edmunds who is to replace Mr Madge as Council Leader on May 20.

At a meeting of the Labour Group’s caucus, Kevin Madge, who has led the Council since the 2012 elections, was ousted following a secret ballot of Group members.

The veteran Garnant representative had come under increasing pressure over the last fifteen months. Strong criticism levelled at the Council by the Wales Audit Office, the Public Services Ombudsman, and the Welsh Government, has caused widespread disquiet. The recent departure of the Council’s only female director, Christine Harrhy, after only three months was a further embarrassment.

The furore over this year’s budget, when the Council refused to dip into its vast reserves to stave off cuts also had a wider effect outside the Council chamber. Intervention by controversial Chief Executive Mark James CBE in the political debate around the budget was seen as further evidence of far too close a relationship between the Council’s political direction and Carmarthenshire’s senior staff. Cllr Madge was also seen as being firmly under the thumb of former Council leader Meryl Gravell.

As The Herald reported in its May 8 edition, the overwhelmingly negative reaction to the local authority on the doorstep during the General Election sealed Cllr Madge’s fate.

On her blog, Carmarthen Planning Problems and More, commentator Jacqui Thompson wrote: “He has been seen as weak and a puppet leader. He has now failed to win the confidence of even his own party.”

The election of Cllr Edmunds by his peers is perhaps a sign that the Labour Group are becoming more eager to draw a line under past failures and move on. However, it was only at April’s meeting of the Council that Labour members of the ruling coalition sang the praises of the Council and stated that it was an authority to which others in Wales look for leadership.

How the ousting of the leader of such an allegedly successful authority is sold to Carmarthenshire’s electors remains an open question.

News

Tigers second division Cup Champions

Published

6 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.

The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.

The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.

As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.

But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.

With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.

The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.

Crime

Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop

Published

10 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.

A window was smashed and the door handle broken.

Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”

News

Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2

Published

11 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Luke Sinclair

THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.

Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.

They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.

A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.

This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.

If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.