News

General Election 2024: Everything you need to know as the polls close

Published

1 year ago

July 4, 2024

Polling stations were open from 7am to 10pm, with the much-anticipated exit poll expected at shortly afterwards. This election is critical not only for the nation as a whole but also for Wales, where key battles are being fought across several constituencies.

*Party leaders at polling stations earlier today* (Images: BBC Newshub/Sky News)

Key figures await results

Following the exit poll, Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer will be eagerly awaiting results from the nation’s 650 constituencies. Opinion polls throughout the six-week campaign have consistently predicted a significant Labour majority, with some suggesting Sir Keir could surpass Tony Blair’s historic victory in 1997. In Wales, Labour’s stronghold is under scrutiny, with the party looking to maintain or even expand its influence.

In a potential blow to the Conservatives, a recent Telegraph poll indicated that Mr. Sunak could become the first sitting Prime Minister to lose his seat in a general election. The impact of such an event would be felt across the UK, including in Wales, where Conservative seats are also at risk.

Tracking the results

Results will start to trickle in from around 11.30pm, with most constituencies declaring their outcomes in the early hours of the next day. The first declaration in 2019 came at 11.27pm from Newcastle City Council. This year, Blyth and Ashington is expected to be the first to announce around 11.30pm, followed closely by Houghton and Sunderland South at 11.45pm.

In Wales, results will be closely watched in constituencies such as Cardiff North, a seat that has seen significant campaigning from both Labour and the Conservatives. Early results here could indicate broader trends across the country.

Key Welsh constituencies to watch

Several Welsh constituencies will be key indicators of the election’s outcome. In Cardiff North, Labour’s Anna McMorrin is defending a majority against a strong Conservative challenge. In Wrexham, the Conservatives are hoping to retain the seat they won in 2019 for the first time in history.

Other significant Welsh constituencies include:

Swansea West: Traditionally a Labour stronghold, any significant shift here could signal wider changes in voter sentiment.
Ceredigion: Held by Plaid Cymru, this seat is a battleground for multiple parties, reflecting the unique political landscape of Wales.
Monmouth: A Conservative seat since 2005, Labour is hoping to make gains here, reflecting a broader strategy to win back seats lost over the past decade.

Constituencies to watch across the UK

Key results will be eagerly anticipated, particularly around 4am when Rishi Sunak’s Richmond and Northallerton seat results are expected. Predictions indicate he may face an unprecedented defeat. Similarly, Sir Keir Starmer’s result in Holborn and St Pancras is expected shortly after.

Top Tory figures such as Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, Grant Shapps, and Jeremy Hunt will also learn their fates during the night. Jeremy Corbyn, now standing as an independent in Islington North, will discover if he retains his seat.

Detailed timetable

11pm: Blyth and Ashington, Houghton and Sunderland South.
Midnight: Basildon and Billericay, Broxbourne, Sunderland Central, Swindon South.
1am: First results from Scotland, providing an early indication of SNP’s performance.
2am: Results from key constituencies including North West Essex, Burnley, and Redcar.
3am: Major declarations from Tory strongholds and Labour’s contested seats.
4am: Critical results for Rishi Sunak, Sir Keir Starmer, and key Reform UK candidates.

Major political movements

This election could reshape the political landscape, with Reform UK making significant strides. Notable figures like Nigel Farage and Richard Tice will find out if their efforts have secured them a seat in the Commons. In Wales, the influence of Reform UK and other smaller parties like the Green Party and Liberal Democrats will be under the spotlight, particularly in areas where they have focused their campaigns on local issues and dissatisfaction with the main parties.

Welsh political landscape

Wales has traditionally been a Labour stronghold, but recent elections have shown an increasing willingness among voters to explore alternatives. The Conservatives made significant inroads in 2019, capturing seats like the Vale of Clwyd and Wrexham. This election will test whether these gains were temporary or indicative of a longer-term shift.

Plaid Cymru, advocating for Welsh independence and greater autonomy, remains a significant force, particularly in rural and Welsh-speaking areas. Their performance in this election will be crucial in determining the future political direction of Wales.

Welsh voter sentiment

Voter sentiment in Wales has been shaped by a range of issues, including economic recovery post-COVID, healthcare, and local governance. The impact of Brexit, while less dominant than in previous elections, still plays a role in voter decision-making, especially in border constituencies.

The response to the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by both the UK and Welsh governments is also a key factor. The Welsh Labour government’s distinct approach compared to the UK government’s policies will be scrutinized by voters as they head to the polls.

Potential upsets and final declarations

As dawn approaches, the final results will reveal whether Labour’s projected success holds true and if the Liberal Democrats can achieve any last-minute upsets in traditionally Conservative areas. In Wales, attention will focus on whether Labour can reclaim seats lost to the Conservatives in 2019 and if Plaid Cymru can expand its influence.

The Liberal Democrats are hoping for a resurgence in places like Montgomeryshire, a seat with a history of Liberal representation. Meanwhile, the Greens are targeting constituencies where environmental issues are particularly resonant.

Conclusion

Stay tuned to herald.wales and pembrokeshire-herald.com for live updates and comprehensive coverage of this pivotal election night. With the potential for significant shifts in both the UK and Welsh political landscapes, this election promises to be one of the most consequential in recent history. As results come in, the political future of Wales and the UK will become clearer, setting the stage for the next phase of governance and policy direction.

Community

Craig Flannery appointed as new Chief Fire Officer

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID AND WEST WALES FIRE SERVICE LEADERSHIP CHANGE

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has announced the appointment of Craig Flannery as its new Chief Fire Officer, with effect from Monday, December 15, 2025.

Mr Flannery has served with the Service for more than twenty years, progressing through a wide range of middle management and senior leadership roles across both operational and non-operational departments.

During his career, he has been closely involved in strengthening operational delivery, risk management and organisational development. His work has included leading innovation in learning and development, overseeing the Service’s On-Call Improvement Programme, and driving investment in key enabling functions such as workforce development and information and communication technology.

The appointment followed a rigorous, multi-stage recruitment process led by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority. Candidates were assessed through structured interviews, strategic leadership exercises and scenario-based assessments designed to test operational judgement, organisational vision and the ability to lead a modern fire and rescue service.

External professional assessors were also engaged to provide independent scrutiny, ensuring the process met high standards of fairness, transparency and challenge.

Mr Flannery emerged as the strongest candidate, demonstrating clear strategic leadership capability, detailed organisational knowledge and a strong commitment to community safety and service improvement.

Councillor John Davies, Chair of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “Craig brings a deep understanding of our Service and a clear vision for its future. His appointment will strengthen our ability to innovate, support our workforce and deliver high-quality protection for the communities we serve.

“As we navigate a rapidly changing landscape, Craig’s experience in driving innovation and organisational development will be invaluable in helping us adapt and transform for the future.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Flannery said: “It is a privilege to lead this outstanding Service. I am committed to supporting our people, strengthening partnerships and building on the strong foundations already in place.

“As the challenges facing fire and rescue services continue to evolve, we must modernise and innovate, ensuring we have the skills, technology and capability needed to meet the needs of our communities. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners across Mid and West Wales to deliver a resilient, progressive Service that keeps people safe and places our staff at the heart of everything we do.”

Health

Resident doctors in Wales vote to accept new contract

Published

10 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENT doctors across Wales have voted to accept a new contract, with 83% of those who took part in a referendum backing the agreement, according to BMA Cymru Wales.

The contract includes a four per cent additional investment in the resident doctor workforce and introduces a range of reforms aimed at improving training conditions, wellbeing and long-term workforce sustainability within NHS Wales. The BMA says the deal also supports progress towards pay restoration, which remains a central issue for doctors.

Key changes include new safeguards to limit the most fatiguing working patterns, measures intended to address medical unemployment and career progression concerns, and reforms to study budgets and study leave to improve access to training opportunities.

Negotiations between the BMA’s Welsh Resident Doctors Committee, NHS Wales Employers and the Welsh Government concluded earlier this year. Following a consultation period, a referendum of resident doctors and final-year medical students in Wales was held, resulting in a clear majority in favour of the proposals.

Welsh Resident Doctors Committee chair Dr Oba Babs Osibodu said the agreement marked a significant step forward for doctors working in Wales.

He said: “We’re proud to have negotiated this contract, which offers our colleagues and the future generation of doctors safer terms of service, fairer pay, and better prospects so that they can grow and develop their careers in Wales.

“This contract will help to retain the doctors already in training, and also attract more doctors to work in Wales, where they can offer their expertise and benefit patients.”

Dr Osibodu added that the BMA remains committed to achieving full pay restoration and acknowledged that challenges remain for some doctors.

“Whilst this contract sets the foundations for a brighter future for resident doctors in Wales, we recognise that there are still doctors who are struggling to develop their careers and secure permanent work,” he said. “We need to work with the Welsh Government and NHS employers to address training bottlenecks and underemployment.”

The Welsh Government has previously said it recognises the pressures facing resident doctors and the importance of improving recruitment and retention across NHS Wales, while also highlighting the need to balance pay agreements with wider NHS funding pressures and patient demand.

The new contract is expected to be phased in from August 2026. It will initially apply to doctors in foundation programmes, those in specialty training with unbanded rotas, and new starters, before being rolled out to all resident doctors across Wales.

Crime

Swansea man jailed for online child sex offence dies in prison

Published

11 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A SWANSEA man who was jailed earlier this year for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child has died while in custody.

Gareth Davies, aged 59, of the Maritime Quarter, was serving an 18-month prison sentence after being convicted in May of sending sexually explicit messages to what he believed was a 14-year-old girl. The account was in fact a decoy used as part of an online safeguarding operation.

The court heard that Davies began communicating with the decoy between November and December 2024 and persistently pursued the individual, later attempting to arrange a face-to-face meeting. He was arrested after being confronted by the decoy operators.

Davies had pleaded not guilty but was convicted following a trial. At the time of sentencing, police described the messages as extremely concerning and said his imprisonment was necessary to protect children.

It has now been confirmed that Davies died at HMP Parc on Wednesday (Nov 27) while serving his sentence.

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has launched an independent investigation into the death, which is standard procedure in all cases where someone dies in custody. No cause of death has been released at this stage.

A coroner will determine the circumstances in due course.