Latest news with #Mark
South Wales Argus
21 hours ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Gwent police and crime commissioner on first year of role
I can honestly say that is has been one of the most challenging, but also most rewarding, times of my career. In the last year alone, I have made three of the biggest decisions that a police and crime commissioner is responsible for. I have appointed a new chief constable, published my Police and Crime Plan, and set Gwent Police's budget. I appointed Mark Hobrough as chief constable of Gwent Police in December 2024. The appointment followed significant public engagement and a series of interviews with panels made up of partner organisations, community members, and young people. Mark's knowledge, and dedication to the people of Gwent, came through strongly. Six months on, I remain convinced of his passion and commitment for making Gwent a safer place for our residents. At the start of this year, I formally set Gwent Police's budget for 2025 – 2026. A significant part of this is now made up directly by money received through council tax, and it is my job to set the level of the council tax precept which is paid by residents. I believe the final budget is a fair balance between affordability and the money needed to create a safer Gwent and deliver on the commitments I have made in my Police, Crime and Justice Plan. The plan was launched in March and has five priorities which are: preventing crime and antisocial behaviour, making our communities safer, protecting the vulnerable, putting victims first, and reducing reoffending. I decided to focus on these areas following months of public engagement and focus groups with residents. They also reflect the commitments I made when campaigning for election. They are underpinned by my unwavering commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion. While it has been a challenging year, I can honestly say that it has been a joy getting to know the different communities that make up Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen. I have attended community groups, local events, spoken to residents and visited many of our schools to talk to children and young people. I remain incredibly proud of the trust and confidence residents placed in me when they voted for their commissioner. I promise to continue to work hard to make a difference for our communities and make Gwent a safer place for us all. Jane Mudd is the police and crime commissioner for Gwent.
Edinburgh Live
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
The Chase star points out major issue ‘ruining' rival ITV gameshow
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A star of The Chase has taken a swipe at a rival ITV gameshow, pointing out a major issue that seemingly "ruined" an episode. Mark Labbett, known as The Beast, is one of the six Chasers on the ITV show, having been a part of the line-up ever since its launch 16 years ago. The TV star recently took to social media to share his verdict on new gameshow Genius Game, which launched on ITV earlier this month. The programme, hosted by Doctor Who favourite David Tennant, sees contestants competing in a series of unique tasks to win a big cash prize. While they begin by working together, eventually contestants are forced to put themselves first as only one person can win the game. (Image: ITV) Watching at home, Mark criticised the show's editing and claimed that a big surprise had been made obvious. "Editing is ruining the play-along factor #geniusgame," Mark wrote on X, alongside a sad-face emoji. The Chase star's comment about the show was seemingly supported by Genius Game contestant Rebecca, who featured in the episode Mark had been watching. A post shared on an account which appears to belong to Rebecca, 37, read: "Totally agree," in response to Mark's initial tweet. Also, when a fellow X user said: "The editing of this show is awful. We know the Red Team has won now – there's no jeopardy," the same account responded: "I know! I wish they'd held off telling us white had lost." (Image: ITV) Rebecca wrote about her stint on Genius Game on Instagram, under the handle northernblondeabroad. She penned: "As most of you know I have always been a fan of escape rooms, trivia and problem-solving, so to be part of a show where brains, strategy and fun collide is a dream come true!" Genius Game has continued to divide viewers since its launch. 1.2 million viewers tuned into the first episode, according to Broadcast Now, but Race Across the World, which aired in the same time slot on BBC One, managed to rake in significantly more, at 3.1 million. The description for Genius Game reads: "Eleven strategically minded players participate in a host of never before seen games designed to test their intellect, while carefully and creatively using the art of manipulation to outfox their opponents and win a cash prize." The Chase airs on weekdays on ITV at 5pm
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Desperate tourists sprint to secure poolside spots even after queuing for hour
British holidaymakers had been queuing up for an hour before they made a mad dash for the best sun loungers it is the latest incident of its kind caught on camera in recent weeks Desperate Brits have been snapped yet again running to secure the best sunbed spots after queuing for an hour. The sun-thirsty holidaymakers in Lanzarote made their move as soon as staff opened up the pool area, with some even breaking out into a little dash. They had been queuing from 8am onwards before an orderly queue turned into an all-out war. In the footage, one punter can even be seen throwing a rope barrier out of the way so he could get to the beds sooner. It is the latest incident of its kind captured on camera, sparking more ridicule. Isabelle Hanssen watched on stitches as pool-goers flooded her surroundings. The hilarious footage was captured at the Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort, Las Palmas. The Netherlands native enjoyed her holiday morning watch on Thursday. It came after she filmed Brits and Germans lining up for their desired beds the day before. Despite the rush from guests, Isabelle confirmed that there are more than enough sunbeds for all at the hotel. 'Nothing like the 9:30am sunbed sprint to start your relaxing holiday,' Isabelle told Luxury Travel Daily. Members of the public slammed the Brits' behaviour abroad. One said: 'Faith in humanity destroyed.' A second added: 'Clampits on tour.' A third said: 'Stayed many times at this exact hotel, never seen this happen.' A fourth wrote: 'Worst plan ever.' While a fifth said: 'Why? This would not be considered a holiday for me.' Earlier this week, scores of sun-seeking Brit holidaymakers were mocked after queuing for half an hour before desperately scrambling for sun loungers. Tourists in Benidorm could be seen lining up in the hotel before the gates to the pool opened, sparking a frantic bid to secure the best spots. Once they were allowed in, they rushed to the poolside sunbeds carrying towels. Mark and Karen Gregory, both 50, said people were queuing for half an hour before the pool opened at 10am on Sunday. It happened at the Hotel Rosamar in Benidorm. 'It was quite comical to see people trying to get the best spots," said Mark, from Swansea. 'People were queuing at least half an hour before the pool area opened. I reckon there were at least 50 to 60 people queuing that morning. 'They were mainly British but a lot of Spanish too. We're more 'go with the flow' type of people and don't bother with the sunbed wars. It's more fun to watch. 'When it comes to people reserving sunbeds with their towels, it's an age-old problem, there's not enough sunbeds for everyone. I understand why they do it of course but it's the ones who chuck their towels down at 8am and don't turn up till the afternoon that's the problem. 'At the end of the day it's all about having the best holiday possible and if that means queuing for the best sun beds so be it.'
STV News
a day ago
- Sport
- STV News
Partick Thistle confirm Mark Wilson as club's new head coach
Mark Wilson has been confirmed as the new head coach at Partick Thistle. The former Dundee United and Celtic defender was part of an interim joint-management team with Brian Graham at the Championship club at the end of last season. He had been in charge of the under-18s at Firhill since 2023 before being promoted to the first team in February after Kris Doolan left the role. Wilson and Graham led the Jags to a six-game unbeaten run and eventually a play-off place before losing to Ayr United. Thistle announced on Friday that the 40-year-old would take charge of the side into next season. Wilson said: 'I am really pleased to be the Head Coach at Partick Thistle and I cannot wait to get started. It is going to be a busy summer but one I am looking forward to.' Chairman Richard Beastall said: 'We fully appreciate that supporters will feel frustrated that it has taken us longer than we anticipated to make this announcement, particularly as there has been a great deal of speculation throughout the course of this week. 'However, it is important that a thorough recruitment and interview process was carried out, and that public announcements are not made until contracts have been negotiated and paperwork signed. 'As part of our process, we considered candidates with various levels of experience in management. However, the role of Head Coach is different to that of Manager – a Head Coach will lead training, set the tactics, be responsible for squad development and play a part in the player recruitment decision-making process. 'They won't be directly involved in contract negotiation which will be led by our Sporting Director, Ian Baraclough. 'We held both preliminary conversations and formal interviews with a number of candidates and we believe Mark is the best fit for Partick Thistle. His knowledge and commitment to promoting our own talent shone through, as did the leadership he showed on the training pitch, in the dressing room and during matches as we enjoyed a memorable end to the season. 'It was always clear to us throughout the process that Mark was an integral part of our future aspirations. 'We would now ask all Thistle fans to get behind Mark and the squad as we focus on Season 2025/26.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
As allies turn on B.C. NDP, house leader Farnworth celebrates ‘great session'
VICTORIA – Can a government have a 'great session' if its flagship legislation draws condemnation from a coalition of historical allies? B.C. NDP house leader Mike Farnworth thinks so, celebrating the end of the legislature's spring sitting that culminated Wednesday night with the passage of two controversial bills that fast-track infrastructure projects, thanks to rare tiebreaking votes from Speaker Raj Chouhan. 'Yeah, Bill 14 and Bill 15 were controversial,' Farnworth said Thursday after the final question period of the session. 'There were a lot of people opposed and a lot of people in favour, but we made it clear that we want to get things done in this province. The public expects us to be doing that.' The bills had become a flashpoint for the government, attracting criticism from the First Nations Leadership Council, environmentalists and some business groups. They said the fast-track bills undermined environmental standards and constitutional obligations to consult First Nations. Farnworth said the federal government and other provinces have been grappling with the same issues of how to expedite big projects amid a trade war with the United States. 'At the end of the day, we made it clear that these bills were going to get through, our agenda was going to get through this session and that is what happened.' To the very end, the bills came under fire. As legislators were sitting down to vote on Wednesday night, Farnworth's former cabinet colleague Melanie Mark added her voice to the chorus. Mark, the first First Nations woman elected to B.C.'s legislature, called the government's behaviour 'astounding and disheartening' as she accused Eby and his cabinet of 'turning their backs' on First Nations, local governments and environmentalists. 'Politics should not stand in the way of progressive policies,' Mark said in a statement. 'Trampling on Indigenous rights just ends up getting reversed in the highest courts — taxpayers will end up paying for this oversight.' Bill 14 speeds up renewable energy projects and transmission lines, while Bill 15 speeds up public and private infrastructure projects like hospitals, schools and mines. 'Former minister Mark has an opinion,' Farnworth said. 'The Nisga'a Nation came out very much in favour of the legislation. This is one of the things, where government makes decisions … there are going to be people who are not happy and people who are going to be happy.' The Nisga'a Nation is one of the few Indigenous groups to back the legislation. Among the unhappy was Chief Don Tom of the Tsartlip First Nation, who declared an end to the 'era of trust' with the government. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs called the bills 'unilateralism.' Terry Teegee, a B.C. Assembly of First Nations regional chief, said the bills were 'regressive.' Mark said the government should reconsider the bills, saying the province had walked back plans in the past. She pointed to a controversial $789-million plan to rebuild the Royal B.C. Museum under former premier John Horgan that the government ultimately suspended after intense criticism. 'It didn't go over as planned but former premier John Horgan had the fortitude to recalibrate, pause the project and mandate more meaningful consultation,' Mark said. Mark said Eby can do the same in this situation, which would show the government honours the Crown's duty to consult with Indigenous people. 'It's never too late to do the right thing,' she said. But Eby said Wednesday that both bills were 'critically important' because they respond to a 'rapidly evolving situation.' He said B.C.'s largest trading partner, the United States under President Donald Trump, was attacking the provincial economy in the 'name of annexing' Canada as the 51st state. And Farnworth predicted British Columbians would come to see government's perspective. 'As time goes by, people will see how it's intended to work, and a lot of the fears will, in fact, be unfounded,' Farnworth said. Stewart Prest, a political science lecturer at UBC, said Eby's government seemed 'hell-bent on being able to demonstrate vigorous action' to move the economy forward. 'But I think in doing so, they're placing a number potential landmines in their path,' he said. While they might be able to avoid them, they are already taking a toll, he added. Prest said the passage of the bills 'fragments' Eby's coalition, mobilizing groups that had broadly supported his government to instead act against it in a 'significant' way. He said the bills could potentially pit First Nations supporting particular projects against those opposed to the government granting itself additional powers through the bills. 'We are showing those divisions show up already,' Prest said, pointing to Mark's reaction. Farnworth quoted one of the bills' critics to argue that the relationships would withstand the current furor. 'Grand Chief Stewart Phillip once said that 'reconciliation is not for wimps,'' Farnworth said. 'It's not an easy road, and there will be bumps along the way, and there will be disagreements along the way. But reconciliation is a key cornerstone of our government, our party's values, and it's going to continue to be that.' Overall, the session saw the passage of 11 government bills and two private member's bills, one from the NDP, one from the Opposition Conservative Party of B.C. Eby acknowledged that government 'reduced the overall legislative agenda' during this spring session while adding more hours for debate. Farnworth said he did not see that as a failure. 'One of my key roles is to ensure, that we can come back in the fall, we have got work to do, that we have got bills ready to debate right away,' Farnworth said. B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad was, naturally, less generous in his assessment. 'What we have seen from the government, is scrambling from crisis to crisis, and if that is what he (Farnworth) calls a great session, oh my gosh, I'm really looking forward to next spring.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2025. Note to readers:This is a corrected story. A previous version said Bill 14 passed by four votes. In fact, it passed by one vote.
