News
All the candidates in Mid and South Pembrokeshire – who has got your vote?
Stephen Crabb (Conservative Party)

Stephen Crabb, the Conservative candidate for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, brings extensive experience and a strong local connection to his campaign. Crabb, who has served as the MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, emphasises his commitment to local issues and his track record of delivering results for his constituents. His platform includes a focus on economic development, particularly through initiatives like the Celtic Freeport, which he claims will bring significant investment and job opportunities to the area.
Crabb is also committed to improving local infrastructure. He highlights his efforts to secure better broadband services and town center regeneration projects, which he believes are crucial for boosting the local economy and improving the quality of life for residents. His campaign stresses the importance of local industry, including farming and tourism, and he pledges to continue supporting these sectors
Healthcare is another major focus of Crabb’s campaign. He positions himself as a defender of local health services, criticising the Welsh Labour government for what he describes as cuts to essential services. He promises to fight for better healthcare access and to ensure that local hospitals and clinics receive the funding and support they need.
Crabb also highlights his efforts to address environmental issues, including securing funding for coastal protection and promoting renewable energy projects. He aims to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, ensuring that new developments do not harm the natural beauty of Pembrokeshire.
Henry Tufnell (Labour Party)

Henry Tufnell, the Labour candidate, presents a platform focused on change and renewal. He criticises the Conservative government’s handling of the economy and public services, arguing that their policies have led to economic mismanagement and declining living standards. Tufnell promises a fresh start with a Labour government that will prioritise the needs of ordinary people over corporate interests.
Tufnell’s campaign emphasises the importance of cooperation between the UK and Welsh Labour governments. He believes that a unified Labour approach can bring better outcomes for Pembrokeshire, particularly in terms of economic development and public services. He advocates for policies that support local businesses and create good jobs, aiming to revitalise the local economy and reduce unemployment.
Healthcare is a central issue in Tufnell’s campaign. He promises to tackle the long waiting times and accessibility issues that residents face under the current system. By working closely with the Welsh Government, Tufnell aims to ensure that everyone in Pembrokeshire has timely access to high-quality healthcare services.
Education and social services are also key components of Tufnell’s platform. He pledges to invest in schools and social care, ensuring that these services are well-funded and can meet the needs of all residents. Tufnell believes that by strengthening these essential services, Pembrokeshire can become a more equitable and prosperous community.
Alistair Cameron (Liberal Democrats)

Alistair Cameron, the Liberal Democrat candidate, is campaigning on a platform of sustainable development and support for local industries. Cameron emphasises the need for quality local jobs that offer fair wages, and he believes that investing in green industries is the key to achieving this goal. He advocates for the development of offshore wind and green hydrogen projects off the Pembrokeshire coast, which he argues will create sustainable employment opportunities and help combat climate change.
Cameron also focuses on improving healthcare access. He highlights the frustrations many residents face with long waiting times and difficulty accessing GPs, NHS dentists, and hospital treatments. Cameron promises to fight for better healthcare services and ensure that residents can get the care they need without excessive delays.
Support for established local industries like tourism and farming is another priority for Cameron. He believes that these sectors are vital to the local economy and that they need more support to thrive. Cameron advocates for policies that make it easier for local businesses to trade with the EU, arguing that better trade relationships can help these industries grow and prosper.
Education and social services are also important to Cameron’s campaign. He pledges to work towards better funding for schools and social care services, ensuring that they can meet the needs of all residents. Cameron believes that by investing in these areas, Pembrokeshire can become a more vibrant and supportive community.
Cris Tomos (Plaid Cymru)

Cris Tomos, representing Plaid Cymru, focuses on strengthening Welsh autonomy and supporting local Welsh culture and language. Tomos advocates for better local governance, arguing that local communities should have more control over their own affairs. He believes that this will lead to more effective and responsive governance, better reflecting the needs and priorities of Pembrokeshire residents.
Tomos emphasises the importance of sustainable development, advocating for policies that promote environmental sustainability and protect natural resources. He supports initiatives that balance economic growth with environmental protection, ensuring that new developments do not harm the local environment. Tomos also aims to promote renewable energy projects, which he believes can create jobs and help combat climate change.
Healthcare is another key issue for Tomos. He promises to fight for better healthcare services and ensure that all residents have access to high-quality care. Tomos argues that the current system is failing many people, and he pledges to work towards a more efficient and effective healthcare system that meets the needs of everyone in Pembrokeshire.
Education and social services are also important to Tomos’s campaign. He advocates for better funding for schools and social care services, ensuring that they can provide the support that residents need. Tomos believes that by investing in these areas, Pembrokeshire can become a more equitable and prosperous community.
James Purchase (Green Party)

James Purchase, the Green Party candidate, focuses on environmental sustainability and social justice. His campaign emphasises the need to address climate change and promote renewable energy. Purchase advocates for policies that support the development of renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar power, arguing that these initiatives can create jobs and reduce carbon emissions.
Purchase also highlights the importance of protecting natural habitats and biodiversity. He supports measures to conserve local wildlife and natural landscapes, ensuring that Pembrokeshire’s natural beauty is preserved for future generations. Purchase believes that environmental protection and economic development can go hand in hand, and he advocates for sustainable development practices that do not harm the environment.
Social justice is another key component of Purchase’s platform. He pledges to fight for policies that reduce inequality and ensure that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Purchase advocates for better funding for public services, such as healthcare and education, and he believes that these services should be accessible to all residents, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Stuart Marchant (Reform UK)

Stuart Marchant represents Reform UK, focusing on reforming public policies and governance. His campaign includes reducing government bureaucracy and promoting free-market principles. Marchant argues that reducing the size of government and cutting red tape can lead to more efficient and effective governance, benefiting businesses and individuals alike.
Marchant also emphasises the importance of direct democracy and accountability. He advocates for measures that increase transparency in government decision-making and give citizens more control over their own affairs. Marchant believes that by empowering local communities, Pembrokeshire can become a more dynamic and responsive region.
Hanna Andersen (Women’s Equality Party)

Hanna Andersen from the Women’s Equality Party focuses on gender equality and social justice. Her campaign emphasises the need to close the gender pay gap and ensure that women have equal opportunities in all areas of life. Andersen advocates for policies that promote gender equality in the workplace and support women in achieving their full potential.
Andersen also highlights the importance of improving healthcare access for women. She argues that women often face unique health challenges and that the healthcare system should be more responsive to their needs. Andersen pledges to work towards better funding for women’s health services and ensure that all women have access to high-quality care.
Social justice is another key component of Andersen’s platform. She advocates for policies that promote equity and inclusion, ensuring that all residents have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Andersen believes that by addressing systemic inequalities, Pembrokeshire can become a more just and equitable community.
Vusi Siphika (Independent)

Vusi Siphika is running as an independent candidate, focusing on specific local issues and aiming to represent constituents without party-political constraints. Siphika’s campaign is less defined in terms of specific policies, but independent candidates typically emphasise direct community engagement and tailored local solutions. Siphika likely advocates for a more grassroots approach to governance, ensuring that the voices of all residents are heard and considered in decision-making.
Crime
Man charged with attempted murder after Carmarthen park incident
57-year-old due in court following alleged knife and stalking offences
A MAN has been charged with attempted murder following a serious incident in Carmarthen town centre last week.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that James McKenna, aged 57, from Carmarthen, has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and stalking.
The charges relate to an incident in Carmarthen Park on Thursday (Jan 29), which prompted a significant emergency services response and caused concern among residents.
Police have not yet released full details of the circumstances, but officers were seen in and around the park area for several hours following the incident while enquiries were carried out.
McKenna is due to appear before Llanelli Magistrates Court on Thursday (Feb 5).
The Herald understands the case involves allegations of both violence and targeted behaviour towards an individual, with stalking listed among the charges.
Public concern
Carmarthen Park is a popular and busy public space used daily by families, dog walkers and joggers, and incidents of this severity are rare.
The news has prompted concern locally, particularly as the alleged offences include possession of a knife in a public place.
Residents have previously raised questions about safety in parks and open spaces across west Wales, especially during darker winter evenings.
Court proceedings
At this stage, the charges remain allegations and the case will now proceed through the courts.
Magistrates will decide whether the case is sent to Crown Court due to the seriousness of the attempted murder charge.
Further details are expected to emerge during Thursday’s hearing.
The Herald will be attending court and will provide updates as they become available.
Crime
Sex offender jailed after living off grid in Pembrokeshire and refusing to register
Man walked into police station after months avoiding authorities
A CONVICTED sex offender who told police he intended to live “off grid” rather than comply with legal monitoring rules has been jailed after handing himself in at a Pembrokeshire police station.

Christopher Spelman, aged 66, of no fixed address, appeared for sentence at Swansea Crown Court after admitting breaching the notification requirements of the sex offenders register.
The court heard Spelman was released from prison in Dorset on July 4 last year but immediately refused to provide police with an address, despite being legally required to do so within three days.
Instead, he indicated he planned to buy a tent and live outdoors.
Prosecutor Brian Simpson said officers subsequently launched a nationwide search when Spelman failed to make contact with police. Public appeals were issued and his case featured on the television programme Crimewatch.
Detectives believed he had been travelling around the UK using public transport and staying at campsites. He was known to have links to several areas including Merseyside, Manchester, Devon, Cornwall and Hampshire.
His whereabouts remained unknown until January 3 this year, when he walked into Haverfordwest police station and was arrested. It is unclear how long he had been in Pembrokeshire.
Spelman previously served seven years in prison after being convicted in 2014 of 12 counts of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 14. He was placed on the sex offenders register for life.
The court heard this was not the first time he had failed to comply with the rules. After an earlier release in 2016, he again failed to register his address and avoided police for around five years before being caught.
He has 11 previous convictions for 29 offences.
Defence barrister Andrew Evans described the case as unusual and said his client had long disputed his original conviction and had expressed a wish to live “outside society”.
However, he said Spelman had gradually accepted that he remained subject to court orders and now wanted more stable accommodation and a chance to rebuild his life. The defendant asked the court to impose a custodial sentence so arrangements could be made for his future release.
Judge Geraint Walters noted there were signs Spelman wished to change but warned that any further breaches would result in longer prison terms.
With credit for his guilty plea, Spelman was sentenced to 10 months in prison. He will serve up to half in custody before being released on licence.
Crime
Former Wales rugby star admits Christmas Day drink-driving offence
Ex-Ospreys captain was almost twice over limit in Pembroke town centre
Former Wales back row Jonathan Thomas has admitted driving through Pembroke town centre on Christmas Day when he was almost twice over the drink-drive limit.
This week Haverfordwest magistrates heard that Thomas, 43, was stopped by officers as he drove his Mercedes CLA 220 along The Green, Pembroke, at around 5pm on Christmas Day.
“The officers were very concerned at the manner of his driving, as the car was being driven erratically and was swerving to the other side of the road,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.
“When Jonathan Thomas got out of the car, the officers could see that he was having difficulty standing and was unsteady on his feet.”
Subsequent breathalyser tests showed Thomas had 62 mcg of alcohol in his system, the legal limit being 35.
Thomas, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the drink-drive charge and was represented in court by solicitor Jess Hill.
“He has family in the area and had travelled to spend time with them on Christmas Day,” she told the magistrates. “He’s very remorseful for his actions and hugely regrets his decision that day.”
Jess Hill concluded by saying that Thomas is currently “between jobs and living off his savings”.
Thomas, who gave his address as Main Road, Bredon, was disqualified from driving for a total of 18 months.
“The length of your disqualification reflects the fact that you were more than a little bit over the limit,” commented the presiding magistrates when imposing sentence.
He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 court surcharge.
The former Wales back row left his role as Swansea RFC head coach at the beginning of December 2025 as a result of ongoing health concerns. He was forced to retire from playing in 2015 on medical advice after being diagnosed with epilepsy and is one of the 390 former rugby union players currently taking part in a concussion lawsuit against the sport’s authorities.
“Long-standing issues linked to the head trauma have caused me some concern recently and it has been impossible for me to give the role everything it needs,” he said in a previous interview with the BBC.
His rugby career started out with Pembroke RFC juniors before moving to Swansea RFC, which he captained when he was 19. He then joined the Ospreys where, over a ten-year period, he won four league titles and an Anglo-Welsh Cup. He was the youngest player to captain the Ospreys and, at the time of leaving, was the joint highest appearance holder, together with Andrew Bishop, on 188 appearances.
His international career saw him play for Wales at Under-16, Youth, Under-19, Under-21 and Sevens levels. He made his senior international debut against Australia in 2003, featured at the 2007 Rugby World Cup and was part of two Six Nations Grand Slam-winning sides in 2005 and 2008. Between 2004 and 2011, Thomas was included in every Wales Six Nations squad. In his appearances for Wales, he scored seven tries.
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