News
Mixed reactions in Wales to the dramatic European Election Results
THE BREXIT PARTY has dominated in Wales, winning 32.5% of the vote, two of the nation’s four MEPs and coming top in 19 of 22 council areas.
Nigel Farage’s party won an unprecedented triumph for a six-week-old political party.
The Brexit Party has thumped the traditional two parties in Wales who both have suffered a huge collapse in their vote.
Nathan Gill (Pictured) looked triumphant at the count in Haverfordwest posing for the press with a Winston Churchill V for victory, and demanding that his party was not a flash in the pan, but here to stay until Brexit was delivered.
Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Paul Davies AM, said: “These results are extremely disappointing for our hard-working candidates and the Party must now reflect long and hard on them.
“Here in Wales, Welsh Conservatives will continue their hard work in the National Assembly holding the Welsh Government to account and will welcome a healthy campaign in the run-up to the next Assembly elections in 2021.”
Labour’s Vaughan Gething AM said: “The results in Wales show that in Welsh Labour we have some questions to ask ourselves. Pro-referendum and remain parties gained more votes than leave parties.
“The room for a middle of the road approach has disappeared & attempting more of the same will not serve us or Wales well.”
Mark Drakeford congratulated Jackie Jones on retaining the party’s seat.
He warned that the election of a new Conservative leader would increase the chances of a “catastrophic no-deal exit from the EU”.
“Faced with the damage of a hard-line, Tory Brexit, Welsh Labour believes that the final decision must be made by the public in a referendum.
“And, for the avoidance of any doubt, a Welsh Labour government would campaign, in such a vote, for Wales to remain in the EU,” he said on social media.
Ex-Welsh Government minister Alun Davies blamed the huge drop Labour in Labour support on both Mr Drakeford and the party’s UK leader, Jeremy Corbyn.
“This is the reality we face. Poor leadership from London and no leadership from Wales,” he said
The result in Wales was a significant change on 2014 when Labour won 28.15% of the vote and Ukip 27.55%. Then, the Tories were third with 17.43% and Plaid Cymru came fourth with 15.26%.
Turnout across Wales this year was up on 2014 at 37.29%, compared to 32% five years ago.
Wales’s MEPs are now Nathan Lee Gill (The Brexit Party), James Wells (The Brexit Party), Jill Evans (Plaid Cymru – Party of Wales) and Jacqueline Jones (We;sh Labour).
Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds has praised the party’s success in the European elections, claiming they’re a clear example of the Welsh Liberal Democrat fightback.
Welsh Liberal Democrats won 13.6% of the vote, enough to secure 4thplace, but not enough to win a seat. The Liberal Democrats are on course to finish 2nd across the UK.
The Brexit Party were the largest party in Wales, their 32.5% of the vote was enough to win the 1st and 3rd seats, whilst Plaid Cymru won the 2ndseat with 19.6% of the vote and Labour the 4th seat with 15.3% of the vote.
Incredibly, the Conservatives finished 5th meaning Labour and the Conservatives won only 21.8% of the vote between them. The Green Party finished 6th.
Brexit landslide: The tables at the count in Haverfordwest showed the obvious pattern (Pic T Sinclair/Herald)
Jane Dodds said told The Herald: “I’m proud of the entire Welsh Liberal Democrat team that allowed us to secure this successful result. We have secured our best ever European election result and our best result in Wales since 2010. To finish 4th and come close to electing Wales’ first ever Welsh Liberal Democrat MEP is a real achievement.
“We achieved this result because of our longstanding, unambiguous and passionate campaign to stop Brexit. Poll after poll has repeatedly shown that the Welsh people want to be given the final say and the opportunity to choose an Exit from Brexit. We stood up for them and we have been rewarded.
“It is deeply disappointing the Brexit Party have won two seats in Wales, particularly since their share of the vote was less than the combined vote share of us, Plaid Cymru and the Greens – the three pro-remain parties. We will continue to oppose the Brexit Party and all they stand for with all our might.
“Labour and the Conservatives must take a long, hard look at these disastrous results. They’re supposed to be the two leading parties. Yet in Wales and across the UK they’ve seen their share of the vote plummet. They have been punished for their incompetence and their attempts to deliver Brexit.
“This result shows the Welsh Liberal Democrat fightback is in full effect. Voters are listening to us again, supporting us again and believing in us again. These results show we’re on course to return a strong and effective Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Group in 2021.”
National declaration: Results for the Wales Region were announced in Haverfordwest on Sunday night (Pic T Sinclair/Herald)
Political organisation Wales For Europe suggested that the results show a swing towards remain.
A spokesman told The Herald: “On the balance of votes across all parties, pro-Europeans have won.
“The Brexit parties have lost.
“The result is yet more evidence that over the past three years Wales has changed its mind on Brexit, as has the UK as a whole.
“It confirms polling evidence that if there were a referendum tomorrow, Wales would now vote Remain. The case for a new referendum remains strong.
“But there is no room for complacency, especially in a situation where the Tory leadership election is likely to increase sharply the risks to the country, not least to Wales.
“We still have a real fight on our hands against a nasty populism that seems to be endemic across the Western world.
Despite the passionate effort of many activists, the pro-EU side did not cover itself in glory in this campaign. In any new referendum – which must remain the key goal – victory will only be won by an effective, unified cross-party campaign.
“The result also sends a clear message to Labour’s UK leadership: it now has every reason urgently to adopt a more robust line and to proclaim it clearly and loudly. The leadership in Wales has even more reason to use its influence to ensure there is no delay.”
THE RESULTS –
Vote totals and share
Brexit Party – 271,404 – 32.5%
Plaid Cymru – 163,928 – 19.6%
Labour – 127,833 – 15.3%
Lib Dems – 113,885 – 13.6%
Conservatives – 54,587 – 6.5%
Green – 52,660 – 6.3%
UKIP – 27,566 – 3.3%
Change UK – 24,332 – 2.9%
LOCAL RESULTS
Pembrokeshire
• Brexit Party: 38.1%
• Plaid Cymru: 15.6%
• Lib Dems: 12.2%
• Labour: 11.2%
• Conservative: 10.0%
• Green: 7.0%
Turnout: 39.55%
Carmarthenshire
• Brexit Party: 32.8%
• Plaid: 31.1%
• Labour: 12.5%
• Lib Dems: 7.8%
• Green Party: 4.9%
• Conservative Party: 4.9%
• Ukip: 3.2%
• Change UK: 2.7%
Turnout: 41.80%
Ceredigion:
• Plaid Cymru: 37.2%
• Brexit Party: 32.9%
• Lib Dems: 16.3%
• Green Party: 6.8%
• Labour: 5.1%
• Conservatives: 3.7%
• Ukip: 2.4%
• Change UK: 1.4%
Turnout: N/A
A PLANNED appearance by former Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards at this year’s Llandeilo Lit Fest has been cancelled, despite growing praise for his recently published memoir Into the Abyss.
Mr Edwards, who represented the constituency in Westminster for 14 years, had been due to speak about his book on 25 April. The event had originally been billed as “a must for Welsh political enthusiasts” — and many local readers had welcomed the opportunity to hear directly from a man whose political and personal life has played out under intense public scrutiny.
But organisers announced on Tuesday that they had taken the decision to cancel the session, saying: “Upon further review, we believe that the nature and content of the recently published book are not aligned with the values and principles of our festival.” In a follow-up statement, they added: “The potential for harm and distress to some individuals mentioned in the book is too significant to overlook.”
Into the Abyss recounts the most difficult and controversial chapter of Edwards’ life — including a domestic incident in May 2020 that resulted in him accepting a police caution and stepping away from his role in Plaid Cymru. But far from attempting to brush aside the events, the book tackles them head-on with unflinching honesty.
In our earlier review, we described Into the Abyss as “a stark, emotionally raw account of a man confronting the lowest point in his life — not to seek pity, but to take responsibility.” Far from being a political memoir in the traditional mould, Edwards’ writing is deeply personal, exploring themes of shame, regret, and the long, painful road to self-understanding.
While the decision to withdraw his appearance has drawn support from some quarters, others have expressed concern that the festival’s move risks shutting down important conversations.
“It’s a powerful and uncomfortable read,” the review continues, “but that’s what gives it value. In an age where public figures often hide behind PR statements and half-apologies, Edwards has laid himself bare — and that deserves recognition, not rejection.”
Mr Edwards, who stood down at the 2024 general election, has not commented publicly on the festival’s decision. However, those close to him say the memoir was written not to cause harm but as a form of personal and public accountability — a chance to own past mistakes and reflect on what it means to rebuild after failure.
The book has quietly built a following among readers interested not only in politics but in the human cost of public life, and the toll taken by personal breakdown. As our review noted, Into the Abyss is “not a justification — it’s a reckoning.”
Organisers of Llandeilo Lit Fest stressed that they are “dedicated to curating a festival that upholds the values of inclusivity and literary celebration for everyone involved.” But for some, the decision to remove one of the most candid and introspective political memoirs in recent Welsh publishing history raises difficult questions about whose stories are allowed to be heard — and under what circumstances.
Into the Abyss which was co-published by Herald.Wales remains available from major booksellers and online.
A BEAUTIFUL and affectionate four-year-old British Shorthair cat is looking for a calm and loving home through Greenacres Rescue in Pembrokeshire.
Maple, described by staff as having a “luxurious plush coat” and a “gentle, affectionate nature,” came into the charity’s care through no fault of her own. With her classic round face, soulful eyes, and teddy bear-like fur, she is proving popular with volunteers at the centre.
Greenacres said Maple would make an ideal companion for someone seeking a calm and elegant feline friend. She enjoys gentle fuss and quiet company and has previously lived harmoniously with other cats.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “Maple would thrive in a peaceful environment where she can settle in at her own pace and be treated with the patience and love she deserves. She may be happy to share her home with another gentle-natured feline.”
The rescue centre is based in Pembrokeshire, but rehomes animals across the UK. However, potential adopters are reminded that visits to the centre are essential, and priority may be given to homes closer to the charity’s location.
Anyone interested in adopting Maple is asked to complete an online application form, clearly stating her name:
Cat Adoption Form – Greenacres Rescue
Applications are processed Monday to Thursday and are subject to home and vet checks. For more information on the adoption process, visit:
Adoption Procedure – Greenacres Rescue
Greenacres thanked all potential adopters for supporting their mission to find loving homes for animals in need.
Could you be the one to give Maple the home she deserves?
A MAN who allowed members of an organised crime group to set up a large-scale cannabis factory at his rural property has been jailed.
Martin Evans, 37, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he claimed to be unaware of the extent of the illegal operation. However, the court heard that by renting out part of his home near Kidwelly, Evans had become a “facilitator” for the criminal enterprise.
During a warrant executed in February under Operation Scotney, police discovered nearly 200 cannabis plants—worth up to £264,100—being cultivated at the property.
Further investigation of Evans’s mobile phone revealed incriminating messages referencing police drones and discussions about increasing heat and humidity to accelerate plant growth, confirming his knowledge and involvement.
Evans was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Another man, Fatjon Xafa, who was actively cultivating the plants, received a 29-week prison sentence.
Detective Chief Inspector Rich Lewis said: “I am in no doubt that Evans knew exactly what was going on at his home. He clearly hoped the rurality of the location would allow the operation to go undetected, and he would have allowed it to continue had we not intervened.”
Police said the bust was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organised drug networks operating in west Wales.
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