THE WELSH Government has announced a new addition to its Cabinet team. Sarah Murphy has been appointed as the Minister for Social Partnership, bringing her expertise and leadership to a critical role within the government.

First Minister Vaughan Gething made the announcement earlier today, expressing his enthusiasm for Sarah Murphy’s appointment. In his statement, Gething highlighted Murphy’s responsibility to advance the government’s collaborative efforts with its valued social partners. Her role will also encompass providing leadership across the creative, hospitality, tourism, and retail sectors—areas vital to Wales’ economic and cultural vitality.

“I warmly welcome Sarah to my talented and ambitious Cabinet team,” said Gething. “Her experience and dedication will be invaluable as we continue our work in these key sectors.”

Sarah Murphy’s appointment is expected to bolster the Welsh Government’s initiatives and strengthen partnerships across various industries, ensuring continued growth and innovation within Wales.

Photo: Matthew Horwood

DOLLY Parton has expressed her delight over the interest in her Welsh heritage, saying she is “tickled pink” about the curiosity. The country music star traced her ancestry to South Wales for a TV programme.

In a brief clip played on Radio 4’s Today Programme, Parton mentioned she couldn’t “give away all the secrets yet”. She added that “all the juicy details” will be revealed when her documentaries air later this year.

Parton, born in Tennessee, has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Her niece, singer Jada Star, found it “a lot of fun” to discover their Welsh roots.

“Finding out about that side of our family is really extraordinary,” Jada said. “Especially with everything we’re uncovering about our musical connections—how it’s always been with us—is wonderful.”

Jada suggested that some of Parton’s music, and her own, may have been inspired by their Welsh heritage. “A lot of music, especially from the Appalachians and east Tennessee where we come from, reflects where those people settled. The skill of hearing a story and then relaying it memorably, so it lives on forever, is a big part of Welsh music. These are stories passed down for centuries.”

Jada also mentioned she is currently learning Welsh and hopes to use it when she visits the country. “I’m trying my best. I’ve got that little owl on Duolingo working double time for me. I can do some morning and afternoon greetings. I’m trying not to butcher it, and I hope everyone can help me when I get there.”

This isn’t the first time the “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” singer has been linked to Wales. During a 2008 concert at the Cardiff International Arena, Parton reportedly told fans she had Welsh ancestry.

GREGORY EDWARD BAKER, aged 43, Rhydcymerau, Llandeilo, was convicted at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on April 25 for multiple counts of animal neglect. The court found Baker guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to six animals, including five equines and one foxhound, due to prolonged neglect.

The incidents, which occurred between March 21 and April 19, 2023, were investigated by the RSPCA. The charges included failing to investigate or address the poor bodily conditions of the equines, which scored between 0 to 0.5 out of 5 in body condition, and failing to provide veterinary care for a foxhound suffering from paraphimosis with associated ulceration and fracture.

The court heard that the neglect was so severe that one horse had to be euthanised. Baker was found guilty of failing to address the equines’ lameness, skin diseases, and malnutrition, as well as neglecting to provide a suitable environment and diet for the animals.

Baker, who had originally pleaded not guilty to all charges on November 15, 2023, was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, suspended for 24 months. The sentence includes a requirement for Baker to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work within the next twelve months. Additionally, Baker is to pay a surcharge of £154 to fund victim services and cover prosecution costs assessed at £2719.45 to the RSPCA.

Despite the seriousness of the offences, the magistrates decided not to disqualify Baker from keeping animals. This decision was influenced by an RSPCA visit in July 2023, which noted improvements in the conditions of the horses. The court also considered Baker’s previous good record in animal keeping, the low risk of reoffending as assessed by probation services, and the disproportionate impact a disqualification would have on his dependants.

Chairman of the bench, Mrs Alison Elizabeth Dorothy Evans, stated that the decision to suspend the sentence was due to the prospect of Baker’s rehabilitation and his role as the primary carer for his dependent children and wife.

The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the legal responsibilities of pet owners to ensure their animals’ health and well-being.