First Minister Eluned Morgan says renewables, apprenticeships and retraining will drive growth, while warning that rival parties risk business confidence

WELSH LABOUR has set out a fresh pitch to voters on jobs, apprenticeships and green industry ahead of the Senedd election, with First Minister Eluned Morgan claiming her party offers the stability needed to attract future investment to Wales.

During a visit to electrical firm Dec Elec in Aberdare on Thursday (Apr 9), the Welsh Labour leader met staff and apprentices to discuss expansion opportunities linked to renewable energy infrastructure and skills development.

The visit formed part of Labour’s wider economic message for the election campaign, with the party promising a new industrial strategy for Wales, more apprenticeships and a long-term retraining scheme for workers whose industries are changing.

Speaking during the visit, Baroness Morgan said Welsh Labour wanted to “move into the next chapter of the Welsh economy” by investing in what she described as “the jobs of the future”.

She said the party’s plans would include a new industrial strategy, further apprenticeship opportunities in areas such as renewables and planning, and a “Lifelong Retraining Guarantee” aimed at helping workers adapt at any stage of their careers.

Labour has also pledged to create a National Jobs Council chaired by the First Minister, deliver 100,000 all-age apprenticeships over the next Senedd term, and speed up the planning system to support economic development.

Other promises include a new strategy for vocational education and training, targeted support for the South Wales Valleys, backing for Welsh steel through public procurement, and work to unlock major projects in north Wales including Wylfa and the proposed AI Growth Zone.

At the Aberdare visit, third-year apprentice Jordan said his apprenticeship had helped him gain practical skills that would have been difficult to learn in the classroom alone. He said expanding apprenticeships would help more young people gain hands-on experience and improve their chances of finding work.

Labour also used the visit to draw political dividing lines with its opponents. Baroness Morgan claimed Reform UK’s opposition to net-zero projects would put jobs at risk, while also arguing that Plaid Cymru’s support for independence and its approach to renewable energy could deter business investment.

Those claims are likely to be strongly contested during the campaign, with opposition parties expected to argue that their own policies would provide a better route to economic growth, energy security and stronger public services.

The row underlines how jobs, industrial policy and the future of green investment are set to become major battlegrounds in the run-up to polling day.

Welsh Labour is seeking to present itself as the party of economic continuity and managed transition, while opponents are likely to question whether its record in government matches the scale of the promises now being made.

Carmarthenshire defendant denies deleting internet history contrary to court order

A MAN from Llandeilo has been sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial after appearing before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

Ben Barrett, 37, of Maes Y Farchnad, Llandeilo, appeared before the court on Thursday (Apr 9).

The court heard that Barrett is accused of breaching a sexual harm prevention order made by Swansea Crown Court on March 15, 2018.

It is alleged that between October 13 and October 19, 2025, at Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, he deleted the history of internet use without reasonable excuse, despite being prohibited from doing so by the order.

The case was sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Barrett gave no guilty indication and the matter was treated as not guilty for the purposes of sending.

He was granted unconditional bail and is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court, The Law Courts, St Helens Road, on Friday, May 8 at 9:00am for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

AHEAD of the Welsh election on May 7, 2026, the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) has met First Minister Baroness Eluned Morgan in Pembrokeshire to underline the vital role small shops play in the Welsh economy and in communities across the country.

The Fed was represented by senior members Vince and Fiona Malone at their business in Tenby, which has recently undergone a refit and now trades under the Morrisons Daily fascia.

Since launching its Welsh election manifesto in January, the Fed has been inviting Senedd candidates to visit members’ businesses across Wales to discuss both the opportunities available to small retailers and the challenges they face.

The manifesto calls for grant support for small independent retailers, as well as action to tackle rising costs — particularly business rates, which are controlled by the Welsh Government. The Fed is also calling for a cost-neutral Deposit Return Scheme that works for smaller shops.

Mr Malone described the meeting as “very positive”.

He said: “In particular, I highlighted the value of our Post Office and the vast range of government services it provides to people in the town and the many visitors who stay in Tenby, especially in the coming summer months.”

Baroness Morgan said: “I would like to thank Vince and the Fed for once again highlighting their important work representing the vital small independent shops that serve the people of Wales.

“I was particularly interested to hear about the work of the Post Office, especially at a time when the Westminster government is looking to engage retail stakeholders on the modernisation of the Post Office network, so businesses like Vince’s can continue to thrive in the years ahead while serving local people.”

If you want it, I can also turn this into a more punchy Pembrokeshire Herald version with a stronger headline and sub-heading.