Latest news with #DanThomas
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
We've hit rock bottom
The new leader of the Conservative group on Shropshire Council has said support for the party has "hit rock bottom" in the county. Dan Thomas, 33, has taken the reins of a Tory group that lost 30 seats at this month's election - and with it, control of the council. Both the Liberal Democrats, who will form the next administration, and Reform UK took seats from the Conservative group on 1 May. The party is now the third largest group on the council having held just seven seats. Shropshire's Conservative influence has been in freefall in recent years, with the party losing support in almost every vote since the last set of Shropshire Council elections in May 2021. The party unexpectedly lost the North Shropshire parliamentary seat to Lib Dem Helen Morgan in the 2021 by-election; four councillors in the 2023 set of Telford and Wrekin Council elections; and two further MPs, in Shrewsbury and Telford, in last year's general election. The nail in the coffin was losing control of Shropshire Council, in a large, rural county, which the Tories had led since it became a unitary authority in 2009. "In our worst nightmares we didn't think we'd be down this low, to just seven [councillors]," said Dan Thomas, a father-of-two from Much Wenlock, who was elected in 2021 along with 42 other Conservatives. "It's a real shame because there were so many respected, hardworking Conservative councillors who lost their seats. "I can't see it getting any worse," he added. Despite his party's dire performance in this month's local elections, Dan Thomas did incredibly well in Much Wenlock, receiving more than 50% of the vote. The new town mayor for 2025-26 said he was "relieved" to have kept his seat but described the loss of experienced politicians, from all parties, as "ugly". He blamed national politics and a lack of central government funding for the decline of Conservative support since 2021. "When things aren't going well it's the parties in power that pay the price and we saw that with the general election last year," Thomas said. "For us, [introducing a] garden waste charge didn't help, but that's something we had to do because that's £4m of revenue, which has made a massive difference to the council's finances. "We weren't good enough at explaining that to the electorate. "We were ultimately, and the Liberal Democrat group will be the same, asking people to pay more tax but essentially get less." Thomas has replaced Lezley Picton, who led Shropshire Council from 2021, as leader of the Conservative group. She announced earlier this year that she would not be standing for re-election. "We can certainly come back," said Thomas, who lives in Much Wenlock with his US wife Sara and two children, Eric and Penelope, aged three and 18 months. "We need to define what we are and win the battle on the economy. "Whether it's in Westminster or in Shropshire, we must be responsible in opposition to show that we're the grown ups." Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Reform UK new group leader 'up for the challenge' Council looks for way out of relief road scheme Lib Dems win control of Shropshire Council Shropshire Council's new councillors
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Shropshire Tory group leader: 'We've hit rock bottom'
The new leader of the Conservative group on Shropshire Council has said support for the party has "hit rock bottom" in the Thomas, 33, has taken the reins of a Tory group that lost 30 seats at this month's election - and with it, control of the the Liberal Democrats, who will form the next administration, and Reform UK took seats from the Conservative group on 1 party is now the third largest group on the council having held just seven seats. Shropshire's Conservative influence has been in freefall in recent years, with the party losing support in almost every vote since the last set of Shropshire Council elections in May party unexpectedly lost the North Shropshire parliamentary seat to Lib Dem Helen Morgan in the 2021 by-election; four councillors in the 2023 set of Telford and Wrekin Council elections; and two further MPs, in Shrewsbury and Telford, in last year's general nail in the coffin was losing control of Shropshire Council, in a large, rural county, which the Tories had led since it became a unitary authority in 2009."In our worst nightmares we didn't think we'd be down this low, to just seven [councillors]," said Dan Thomas, a father-of-two from Much Wenlock, who was elected in 2021 along with 42 other Conservatives."It's a real shame because there were so many respected, hardworking Conservative councillors who lost their seats."I can't see it getting any worse," he added. Despite his party's dire performance in this month's local elections, Dan Thomas did incredibly well in Much Wenlock, receiving more than 50% of the new town mayor for 2025-26 said he was "relieved" to have kept his seat but described the loss of experienced politicians, from all parties, as "ugly".He blamed national politics and a lack of central government funding for the decline of Conservative support since 2021."When things aren't going well it's the parties in power that pay the price and we saw that with the general election last year," Thomas said."For us, [introducing a] garden waste charge didn't help, but that's something we had to do because that's £4m of revenue, which has made a massive difference to the council's finances."We weren't good enough at explaining that to the electorate."We were ultimately, and the Liberal Democrat group will be the same, asking people to pay more tax but essentially get less." 'We'll bounce back' Thomas has replaced Lezley Picton, who led Shropshire Council from 2021, as leader of the Conservative group. She announced earlier this year that she would not be standing for re-election."We can certainly come back," said Thomas, who lives in Much Wenlock with his US wife Sara and two children, Eric and Penelope, aged three and 18 months."We need to define what we are and win the battle on the economy."Whether it's in Westminster or in Shropshire, we must be responsible in opposition to show that we're the grown ups." Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Scottish Sun
09-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Moment teen yob on ‘stolen motorbike' smashes head-first into cop during dramatic broad-daylight arrest
WATCH the moment a teen yob on a "stolen motorbike" smashes head-first into a cop during a dramatic arrest in broad daylight. Police had been called by a woman who had spotted the pair acting suspiciously near Birmingham Children's Hospital at around 4pm. Advertisement 4 Two teens were reported acting 'suspiciously' in Birmingham 4 The yobs ploughed into a police officer during their getaway 4 The officers immediately arrested both teens CCTV operators guided the officers to the location and intercepted the teenagers near the Bullring shopping centre and Moor Street train station. Video footage shows the two yobs perched on the stolen motorbike before ramming into the officer. They were seen hurtled through Birmingham city centre yesterday before the police officers arrived. When the cop gets out of his vehicle, the teens aim the bike at him and start racing towards him. Advertisement The officer can be seen raising his hand up at the vehicle before it ploughs into him. He's sent crashing to the ground but is able to get up and immediately arrest one of the suspects. The other suspect is The West Midlands Police officer, who was left with bruising, can be heard yelling at the teen: "Stay there. You're under arrest, do you understand?" Advertisement The motorbike had been stolen from Solihull, West Mids., around two hours earlier. The pair, aged 17 and 16, remained in custody yesterday (Thurs) on suspicion of attempted wounding of an officer and theft of the motorbike. Moment would-be Easter egg thiefs are trapped in shop trying to steal five boxes Inspector Dan Thomas, whose city centre officers made the arrests, said: "This was absolutely fantastic collaborative work across our CCTV, Force Contact and city centre policing teams. "I am really grateful to everyone involved, especially my two officers who intercepted the pair putting themselves in harm's way, I am thankful that they were not more seriously injured." Advertisement This comes as a different set of yobs were caught stealing on CCTV in North London, prompting an aggressive response from a security guard. The Tesco worker was spotted hurling baskets and storage boxes at a pair of crooks - after ordering them to leave the store. The cause of the incident is unknown, but shoppers were left shaking after the terrifying standoff took place. The incident seemingly began in a tame manner, with a security guard telling two men to exit the Tesco store in Finsbury Park, North London. Advertisement He can be heard on the video saying: 'Take your stuff and go.' Next, one of the men ejected from the store fired back with 'f*** you' prompting the security guard to make a chilling threat. The security guard can be heard saying: 'You come next time and I'll f*** your a** up, okay? Call the police.' Tensions reached a boiling point when the men threw yet another storage tray, causing a uniformed worker to hurl a metal basket at them. Advertisement Finally, the two men toppled a metal shelf which was standing outside the store before hurling another object into the shop. A spokesperson for the supermarket said: "We're investigating what happened here as the conduct does not meet the high standards we set ourselves, and we apologise for this.'
The Irish Sun
09-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Moment teen yob on ‘stolen motorbike' smashes head-first into cop during dramatic broad-daylight arrest
WATCH the moment a teen yob on a "stolen motorbike" smashes head-first into a cop during a dramatic arrest in broad daylight. Police had been called by a woman who had spotted the pair acting suspiciously near Birmingham Children's Hospital at around 4pm. 4 Two teens were reported acting 'suspiciously' in Birmingham 4 The yobs ploughed into a police officer during their getaway 4 The officers immediately arrested both teens CCTV operators guided the officers to the location and intercepted the teenagers near the Bullring shopping centre and Moor Street train station. Video footage shows the two yobs perched on the stolen motorbike before ramming into the officer. They were seen hurtled through Birmingham city centre yesterday before the police officers arrived. When the cop gets out of his vehicle, the teens aim the bike at him and start racing towards him. Read more The officer can be seen raising his hand up at the vehicle before it ploughs into him. He's sent crashing to the ground but is able to get up and immediately arrest one of the suspects. The other suspect is The West Midlands Police officer, who was left with bruising, can be heard yelling at the teen: "Stay there. You're under arrest, do you understand?" Most read in The Sun The motorbike had been stolen from Solihull, West Mids., around two hours earlier. The pair, aged 17 and 16, remained in custody yesterday (Thurs) on suspicion of attempted wounding of an officer and theft of the motorbike. Moment would-be Easter egg thiefs are trapped in shop trying to steal five boxes Inspector Dan Thomas, whose city centre officers made the arrests, said: "This was absolutely fantastic collaborative work across our CCTV, Force Contact and city centre policing teams. "I am really grateful to everyone involved, especially my two officers who intercepted the pair putting themselves in harm's way, I am thankful that they were not more seriously injured." This comes as a different set of yobs were caught stealing on CCTV in North London , prompting an aggressive response from a security guard. The Tesco worker was spotted hurling baskets and storage boxes at a pair of crooks - after ordering them to leave the store. The cause of the incident is unknown, but shoppers were left shaking after the terrifying standoff took place. The incident seemingly began in a tame manner, with a security guard telling two men to exit the Tesco store in Finsbury Park, North London. He can be heard on the video saying: 'Take your stuff and go.' Next , one of the men ejected from the store fired back with 'f*** you' prompting the security guard to make a chilling threat. The security guard can be heard saying: 'You come next time and I'll f*** your a** up, okay? Call the police.' Tensions reached a boiling point when the men threw yet another storage tray, causing a uniformed worker to hurl a metal basket at them. Finally, the two men toppled a metal shelf which was standing outside the store before hurling another object into the shop. A spokesperson for the supermarket said: "We're investigating what happened here as the conduct does not meet the high standards we set ourselves, and we apologise for this.' 4 Handcuffs were placed on both teens
Wales Online
01-05-2025
- Wales Online
Stunning country home hiding near one of Wales' favourite towns with a bonus in the garden
A handsome home boasting Victorian grandeur and splendour with timeless and tasteful interiors hiding near a popular Welsh town is waiting to impress you - and it will. Constructed in 1856 and recently renovated with careful thought, with the emphasis on preserving the period features from the past but updating the spaces also to provide a comfortable home for the present and future, Greenway House stands proudly on the outskirts of the bustling market town of Narberth. But the house is not the only place to call home at this peaceful, wooded site, because the property also offers a beautiful second dwelling attached to it at the rear called Greenway Lodge. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here READ MORE: Remote rural cottage in secret spot has no neighbours or noise just glorious sea views Offering flexibility for multi-generational living or as a generously spacious family home, these magnificent Victorian residences sit within just under an acre of private grounds, blending historical charm and character with luxurious contemporary living. Accessed via a private driveway that diverges towards Greenway House and Greenway Lodge, these homes are brimming with historical allure, boasting original design features throughout. A comprehensive refurbishment was carried out approximately ten years ago, resulting in a striking period property equipped with modern luxuries. The location of this pair of pretty properties is special too, hidden away on the edge of Narberth, a bustling market town in east Pembrokeshire, frequently features in the Sunday Times' best places to live guide. It offers a variety of independent shops, pubs, medical facilities, cafes, hairdressers and barbers, antique shops, restaurants, a library, and social clubs, all housed within colourful Edwardian and Georgian buildings. Excellent road and rail links are available, with a train station just a short walk away, making travel to further destinations easy. With Tenby, Saundersfoot, and Amroth nearby, and regular direct services to Paddington, it's well connected to Haverfordwest, Tenby, Cardigan, and Carmarthen. Dan Thomas from Luxury Welsh Homes says: "Greenway House with Greenway Lodge is a beautiful duo of homes ready for new occupants to move straight in without the need to change a thing, but for those looking to create a substantial family home in a wonderful town like Narberth there is great scope to utilise some, if not all, of Greenway Lodge to create an even bigger family home. "While as it stands it offers a great opportunity for those seeking properties for multi-generational living, or perhaps for a rental income from holiday rentals. "It is clear that the work carried out ten years ago was done without compromise and gives the new custodians of this fantastic home a great platform to start from and put their stamp on and as quite surprisingly it is not yet listed any changes new owners may want to make will not be subject to the same complications one would find with similar listed properties." Greenway House with Greenway Lodge are on the market with Luxury Welsh Homes for £1.25m, call to find out more. For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.
