THE HAVENS Electoral Ward in Pembrokeshire – which includes Little Haven, Broad Haven, Nolton and the surrounding area – is set for a by-election on October 10, following the sad passing of the popular Councillor Peter Morgan.

This election has sparked significant interest due to the candidacy of controversial figure Mike Harris, alongside other notable candidates who bring diverse experiences and ambitions to the fore.

Mike Harris, who previously served as a councillor in Pontypool until 2017, is well-known for his controversial term, particularly for a Facebook post that wrongfully linked a local man to Jimmy Savile, suggesting a paedophilic connection.

This led to his censure by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales and severe criticism from the ethics and standards committee for actions that brought his office into disrepute.

He faced backlash for derogatory comments about refugees, which were exposed in a WalesOnline report, highlighting his use of the term ‘rapefugees’ on social media.

Last week he defended his controversial comments on the Facebook group Pembrokeshire Musings, stating unremorsefully: “Turns out I was not far of the mark way back then!”

In regards to the false claims about a man being a sex offender he wrote: “Members of the group were supporters of known local paedophiles. Hence the link to Saville. They were miffed I exposed them. I hope that clears it up for you.”

He says that he has now changed his mind on gay adoption, saying he is now for it, and that his previous views, despite being controversial, had been supported by an Archbishop.

Since 2018, Harris and his wife Clare have operated Newgale Campsite. They have focused on enhancing guest facilities while maintaining the coastal charm, offering a variety of activities and welcoming families, groups, and pets.

Challenging Harris are candidates like Jony Griff, an independent focused on local issues, and Thomas James Hughes from the Welsh Liberal Democrats, who advocates for enhanced community services.

However, it is Nick Neumann of the Welsh Conservative Party who stands out with his impressive background and visionary projects.

Pembrokeshire-born Nick Neumann and his wife run Newgale Holidays, a self-catering, camping and beachside cafe located in one of Pembrokeshire’s most stunning coastal areas.

With a degree in agriculture and business, Neumann spent eight years developing Pembrokeshire Agrisolutions, a farming business that he established in July 2000, focusing on combinable crops, livestock, and residential property interests.

His career took him to China in 2008, where he worked for British Sugar plc as an agriculture development manager and later as director for the Asia Pacific region, gaining significant international experience.

Upon returning to Pembrokeshire in 2021, Neumann continued to expand his local business ventures.

His tourism enterprise at Newgale, which includes a 205-acre farm and a property portfolio under Assured Shorthold Tenancy, has recently gained planning approval for a holiday lodge development.

As the by-election approaches, the voters of The Havens face a big decision. The election not only serves as a reflection on the candidates’ past actions but also on their visions for the area’s future services, development and sustainability.

This by-election represents a pivotal moment in that small coastal community, at a time when there are many key issues in the ward – as well as the the future of road through Newgale, and the proposed DARC deep space radar project in Brawdy are being discussed in wards nearby.

Watch this space.