Former economy and transport minister takes charge after party’s historic Senedd election defeat

KEN SKATES has been confirmed as the permanent leader of Welsh Labour after receiving the unanimous backing of the party’s nine remaining Senedd members.

The former Welsh Government minister had served as interim leader since May, following Eluned Morgan’s resignation after Labour’s historic defeat in the Senedd election.

Welsh Labour opened nominations for a permanent successor last week, beginning with nominations from the Labour group in the Senedd. All nine members nominated Mr Skates, meaning he was confirmed as leader without the need for a wider contest.

He now faces the considerable task of rebuilding a party which governed Wales for more than a quarter of a century but was reduced to third place at the election, behind Plaid Cymru and Reform UK.

Accepting the leadership, Mr Skates said he was “deeply honoured” to have received the unanimous support of his Senedd colleagues.

He said: “I joined the party as a 14-year-old, and my belief still stands that no child’s future should be determined by their background.

“That no young person should be judged on anything other than the efforts they make and the decency they show to others.

“The Labour movement for me is a movement for fairness, justice, security and liberty. It is a movement that seeks to empower people and communities, to fight against injustice, intolerance, nepotism and cruelty.”

Mr Skates was first elected to the Senedd in 2011 and has held a series of senior Welsh Government positions, including responsibility for transport, the economy and infrastructure.

He was returned to the Senedd in May as a member for the new Fflint Wrecsam constituency.

His appointment comes as Welsh Labour attempts to understand the reasons behind its dramatic electoral decline and establish a new role in opposition.

Deputy Welsh Labour leader Carolyn Harris MP said Mr Skates had her full support as he began the process of rebuilding the party.

She said: “I offer my warm congratulations to Ken. He has my full backing as he undertakes the big task ahead of him, listening, learning, rebuilding and doing that crucial job of holding Plaid Cymru and Reform UK to account in the Senedd.

“I have no doubt he has the energy, thoughtfulness and optimism to take us forward and I look forward to working alongside him.”

Mr Skates must now seek to restore public confidence in Welsh Labour while distinguishing the party from the new Plaid Cymru-led Welsh Government and the Labour administration at Westminster.

Thousands of farmers, exhibitors and families from Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion are expected to travel to Llanelwedd as Wales’s biggest agricultural event opens on Monday

THE ROYAL WELSH SHOW returns on Monday, with visitors from across west Wales preparing to make the journey to Llanelwedd for four days of livestock competitions, rural displays, shopping and entertainment.

The 2026 show runs from Monday, July 20, until Thursday, July 23, at the Royal Welsh Showground, near Builth Wells.

Regarded as one of the highlights of the British agricultural calendar, the event brings together farmers, rural businesses, politicians, charities and families from throughout Wales.

The sprawling showground will host thousands of competitions, hundreds of trade stands and a packed programme of displays, demonstrations, food, crafts and live entertainment.

Allow extra time for the journey

Motorists travelling from Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion are being advised to leave plenty of time for their journey.

Heavy traffic is expected around Builth Wells throughout the week, particularly during the morning arrival period and as visitors leave during the late afternoon.

The showground is situated at Llanelwedd, close to the junction of the A470 and A483.

Drivers are advised to follow the temporary yellow “Show” signs rather than relying entirely on satnav directions. The traffic arrangements are designed to direct vehicles towards the correct car parks depending on the route being used.

Those travelling from west Wales should also check for roadworks, delays and traffic incidents before leaving home.

Free park-and-ride available

There is no general free parking on the showground itself during the Royal Welsh Show.

Instead, free satellite park-and-ride sites will operate on the main routes into Builth Wells. Drivers will be directed to the appropriate site depending on the direction from which they arrive.

Free shuttle buses will carry visitors between the satellite car parks and the showground throughout the day and into the evening.

The buses are suitable for wheelchair users, while forward parking spaces are available at the satellite sites for Blue Badge holders.

Visitors are advised to make a note of the name, colour or symbol of their car park before boarding the shuttle bus, particularly after a long day at the show.

Travelling by train

Visitors hoping to avoid the traffic can travel to Builth Road railway station on the Heart of Wales line.

The station is just over a mile from the showground, with shuttle buses operating between the station and the show throughout the week.

Passengers should check train times carefully before travelling, particularly for the return journey, as services on the Heart of Wales line can be limited.

TrawsCymru bus services also stop in Builth Wells and Llanelwedd.

What is happening on Monday?

The opening day will feature livestock and equine competitions, forestry demonstrations, rural crafts, food and drink, agricultural machinery and activities across the showground.

Among this year’s attractions is the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir, formed to help raise awareness of mental health within the farming community. The choir is due to perform in the Main Ring on Monday afternoon.

The RAF Falcons parachute display team is also scheduled to appear during the show, subject to weather and operational conditions.

Other attractions include the Shetland Pony Grand National, birds of prey displays, sheepdog demonstrations, carriage driving, heavy horses and military displays.

Wood-chopping competitions and pole-climbing demonstrations will take place in the forestry section, while the Main Ring will host a changing programme of entertainment and competition throughout the day.

Visitors can download the bilingual Royal Welsh Show app, which includes an interactive map, competition results, traffic information, weather updates and safety advice.

Prepare for a long day outdoors

Visitors should check the latest weather forecast before setting off and come prepared for changing conditions.

Sunscreen, hats and refillable water bottles are recommended during warm weather, while waterproof clothing may still be useful if conditions change.

Comfortable footwear is essential. The showground is extensive and most visitors will spend several hours walking between livestock areas, the Main Ring, food halls, agricultural displays and trade stands.

Families should also consider agreeing on a meeting point in case members of their group become separated.

Accessibility and family facilities

Accessible entrances and facilities are available around the showground.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be hired through Event Mobility, although advance booking may be advisable because of the size and popularity of the event.

Assistance dogs are permitted in most areas of the showground, but restrictions may apply inside buildings containing livestock or horses.

Identification wristbands for children are available from family facilities and information points. Parents and guardians can write their telephone number on the band in case a child becomes separated from their group.

Police activity near campsite

Visitors travelling to the show may notice a continued police presence around Penmaenau Farm following the sudden death of a 25-year-old man on Saturday night.

Dyfed-Powys Police attended a report of a medical emergency at the farm at around 10.30pm on Saturday, July 18.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Three men were arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences and remained in custody while police enquiries continued.

The police activity is not expected to prevent the Royal Welsh Show from opening as planned.

The Royal Welsh Show begins on Monday, July 20, and continues until Thursday, July 23.

Pictures: Royal Welsh Agricultural Society

Live music, stalls, refreshments and children’s entertainment will fill Haverfordwest High School this August

FAMILIES from across Pembrokeshire are being invited to enjoy an afternoon of music and entertainment at a special fundraising event in Haverfordwest.

The Maisie Moo Foundation Family Funday will take place at Haverfordwest High School on Saturday, August 8, from 12pm until 5pm.

The Pembrokeshire charity supports families whose children have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. It provides financial help towards medical expenses, specialist equipment and the cost of travelling to hospital appointments and treatment.

Live entertainment will include a performance by 3 Man Jam from 12pm until 2pm, followed by Tom and Abz at 2.30pm.

Visitors will also be able to browse a variety of stalls, enjoy food and refreshments and take part in raffles.

Entertainment for younger visitors will include a magician and bouncy castles, with one of the inflatable attractions being provided free of charge.

Organisers are hoping the event will bring the community together for an enjoyable summer afternoon while raising awareness and support for the foundation’s work with families throughout Pembrokeshire.

Admission costs £3 per person, with a discounted family ticket for four people available for £10.

The event runs from 12pm to 5pm at Haverfordwest High School on Saturday, August 8.