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Pembrokeshire Herald
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
First Minister in Haverfordwest backing local union branch
By-election wins, surging polls and a reshaped Senedd system fuel Reform's rapid rise REFORM UK is no longer a fringe force in Welsh politics. With polling surges, a local by-election victory, and a favourable new voting system set to reshape the Senedd in 2026, the party is rapidly gaining traction—and some believe traditional parties are failing to grasp the scale of its momentum. On the rise: Reform in Wales A May 2025 YouGov/ITV Wales poll placed Reform UK second in Wales with 25% of the projected vote—just behind Plaid Cymru on 30%, and well ahead of Labour on 18%. That number is a stark decline: Labour won a 36% regional vote in 2021, making its current standing half of its previous share. Disillusionment among Labour voters is evident. Only 40% of those who backed Labour in the 2024 UK general election currently intend to do so for the next Senedd election, with substantial numbers shifting to Plaid Cymru (24%), Liberal Democrats (8%), Reform UK (5%), and Greens (4%). Local Shifts and Breakthroughs Michelle Beer has been elected as Carmarthenshire's first Reform councillor (Image: Reform) On May 29, Reform achieved a breakthrough when Michelle Beer won the Lliedi ward by-election in Llanelli—becoming the party's first elected councillor in Carmarthenshire. In a ward long seen as Labour territory, the win signalled a dramatic shift. Reform volunteers preparing election materials in Carmarthenshire (Image: Facebook) That momentum continued days earlier in Pembrokeshire, when Scott Thorley, a former Reform candidate, was co-opted onto Haverfordwest Town Council. His appointment ignited local opposition from campaigners concerned about Reform's stance on the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan (AWAP). The AWAP Dispute and Political Fallout Scott Thorley's co-option onto Haverfordwest Town Council has sparked a petition (Image: Supplied) Reform UK has openly opposed the AWAP, criticising its focus on identity-based policies, such as increased grants for ethnic minority student teachers and cultural accommodation in public spaces. Critics say these measures undermine meritocracy and divide communities. After Thorley's co-option, political graffiti at Withybush Retail Park—featuring slogans like 'VOTE REFORM' and 'GOD SAVE US'—only intensified debate. Thorley swiftly condemned the graffiti, calling it 'vandalism, plain and simple,' and defended the party's intentions. 'As I have been invited to help on the anti‑racist action plan … I'm really confused by their comments. … Politics is about talking and helping people. … stop acting like stroppy teenagers.' — Scott Thorley, Town Councillor, speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald Leadership turbulence and image strategy Reform has also faced internal turbulence. Chairman Zia Yusuf, a practising Muslim, resigned on June 5, citing exhaustion and policy disagreements—particularly over a proposed burka ban—but reversed that decision just two days later. He returned to lead a new strategy unit focused on governance, fundraising, and outreach. His continued presence is seen as key to diversifying Reform's image and countering claims of intolerance. Farage, culture wars, and language policy Nigel Farage: Wants to scrap Welsh Language targets and identity-based policymaking At the helm, Nigel Farage has declared Wales a top priority, urging voters to back 'real change'. He promised to scrap policies such as the 20mph default speed limit, the 'Nation of Sanctuary' scheme, and the Welsh Government's goal of one million Welsh speakers by 2050—labelled by Reform as cultural overreach. While Farage offered limited detail on his opposition to the Welsh-language target, his position aligns with a broader opposition to identity-based policymaking. Even Plaid warns: 'Reform could win' The growing momentum behind Reform UK has not gone unnoticed by its political opponents. Speaking at the party's Spring conference in Llandudno, Plaid Cymru's Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts warned party members that Reform could become the largest party in the Senedd if they are not taken seriously. 'If we—Plaid Cymru—do not provide solutions to Labour's failings, there is something worse waiting in the wings to take their place,' she said. 'If we do not take this threat seriously, they could become the biggest party in the Senedd—our national parliament. If that happens, it would be a disaster for Wales. This must galvanise us.' Saville Roberts accused Reform of thriving on division and warned that the party would seek to privatise the NHS, strip away workers' rights, and undermine Welsh identity and the language. Pushback from Welsh leaders Welsh Labour's First Minister Mark Drakeford condemned the proposal to remove the language goal, asserting that the Welsh language 'belongs to us all' and should be defended from external political interference. Plaid Cymru MS Llŷr Gruffydd dismissed Farage's claims as 'empty soundbites' and accused him of 'railing against Welsh culture and identity' to advance his own agenda. Labour's collapse in its historical heartlands is resonating at the grassroots. The Barn Cymru poll confirms their support is now the lowest since devolution began, under 20%. Meanwhile, local expressions of discontent are growing, with public services—especially in rural and post-industrial areas—seen as deteriorating, boosting calls for change. A once-unshakeable Labour dominance is cracking. With Plaid Cymru and Reform UK capitalising on voter fatigue, policy stumbles, and identity politics backlash, Wales is entering a new era of volatility. As the Senedd moves to proportional representation, the question isn't whether Reform will take seats, but whether Labour has already ceded too much ground.
Pembrokeshire Herald
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Pembrokeshire ranked eighth-worst in UK for dog mess complaints
By-election wins, surging polls and a reshaped Senedd system fuel Reform's rapid rise REFORM UK is no longer a fringe force in Welsh politics. With polling surges, a local by-election victory, and a favourable new voting system set to reshape the Senedd in 2026, the party is rapidly gaining traction—and some believe traditional parties are failing to grasp the scale of its momentum. On the rise: Reform in Wales A May 2025 YouGov/ITV Wales poll placed Reform UK second in Wales with 25% of the projected vote—just behind Plaid Cymru on 30%, and well ahead of Labour on 18%. That number is a stark decline: Labour won a 36% regional vote in 2021, making its current standing half of its previous share. Disillusionment among Labour voters is evident. Only 40% of those who backed Labour in the 2024 UK general election currently intend to do so for the next Senedd election, with substantial numbers shifting to Plaid Cymru (24%), Liberal Democrats (8%), Reform UK (5%), and Greens (4%). Local Shifts and Breakthroughs Michelle Beer has been elected as Carmarthenshire's first Reform councillor (Image: Reform) On May 29, Reform achieved a breakthrough when Michelle Beer won the Lliedi ward by-election in Llanelli—becoming the party's first elected councillor in Carmarthenshire. In a ward long seen as Labour territory, the win signalled a dramatic shift. Reform volunteers preparing election materials in Carmarthenshire (Image: Facebook) That momentum continued days earlier in Pembrokeshire, when Scott Thorley, a former Reform candidate, was co-opted onto Haverfordwest Town Council. His appointment ignited local opposition from campaigners concerned about Reform's stance on the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan (AWAP). The AWAP Dispute and Political Fallout Scott Thorley's co-option onto Haverfordwest Town Council has sparked a petition (Image: Supplied) Reform UK has openly opposed the AWAP, criticising its focus on identity-based policies, such as increased grants for ethnic minority student teachers and cultural accommodation in public spaces. Critics say these measures undermine meritocracy and divide communities. After Thorley's co-option, political graffiti at Withybush Retail Park—featuring slogans like 'VOTE REFORM' and 'GOD SAVE US'—only intensified debate. Thorley swiftly condemned the graffiti, calling it 'vandalism, plain and simple,' and defended the party's intentions. 'As I have been invited to help on the anti‑racist action plan … I'm really confused by their comments. … Politics is about talking and helping people. … stop acting like stroppy teenagers.' — Scott Thorley, Town Councillor, speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald Leadership turbulence and image strategy Reform has also faced internal turbulence. Chairman Zia Yusuf, a practising Muslim, resigned on June 5, citing exhaustion and policy disagreements—particularly over a proposed burka ban—but reversed that decision just two days later. He returned to lead a new strategy unit focused on governance, fundraising, and outreach. His continued presence is seen as key to diversifying Reform's image and countering claims of intolerance. Farage, culture wars, and language policy Nigel Farage: Wants to scrap Welsh Language targets and identity-based policymaking At the helm, Nigel Farage has declared Wales a top priority, urging voters to back 'real change'. He promised to scrap policies such as the 20mph default speed limit, the 'Nation of Sanctuary' scheme, and the Welsh Government's goal of one million Welsh speakers by 2050—labelled by Reform as cultural overreach. While Farage offered limited detail on his opposition to the Welsh-language target, his position aligns with a broader opposition to identity-based policymaking. Even Plaid warns: 'Reform could win' The growing momentum behind Reform UK has not gone unnoticed by its political opponents. Speaking at the party's Spring conference in Llandudno, Plaid Cymru's Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts warned party members that Reform could become the largest party in the Senedd if they are not taken seriously. 'If we—Plaid Cymru—do not provide solutions to Labour's failings, there is something worse waiting in the wings to take their place,' she said. 'If we do not take this threat seriously, they could become the biggest party in the Senedd—our national parliament. If that happens, it would be a disaster for Wales. This must galvanise us.' Saville Roberts accused Reform of thriving on division and warned that the party would seek to privatise the NHS, strip away workers' rights, and undermine Welsh identity and the language. Pushback from Welsh leaders Welsh Labour's First Minister Mark Drakeford condemned the proposal to remove the language goal, asserting that the Welsh language 'belongs to us all' and should be defended from external political interference. Plaid Cymru MS Llŷr Gruffydd dismissed Farage's claims as 'empty soundbites' and accused him of 'railing against Welsh culture and identity' to advance his own agenda. Labour's collapse in its historical heartlands is resonating at the grassroots. The Barn Cymru poll confirms their support is now the lowest since devolution began, under 20%. Meanwhile, local expressions of discontent are growing, with public services—especially in rural and post-industrial areas—seen as deteriorating, boosting calls for change. A once-unshakeable Labour dominance is cracking. With Plaid Cymru and Reform UK capitalising on voter fatigue, policy stumbles, and identity politics backlash, Wales is entering a new era of volatility. As the Senedd moves to proportional representation, the question isn't whether Reform will take seats, but whether Labour has already ceded too much ground.
Pembrokeshire Herald
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Milford Haven celebrates community heroes at Citizens' Awards 2025
By-election wins, surging polls and a reshaped Senedd system fuel Reform's rapid rise REFORM UK is no longer a fringe force in Welsh politics. With polling surges, a local by-election victory, and a favourable new voting system set to reshape the Senedd in 2026, the party is rapidly gaining traction—and some believe traditional parties are failing to grasp the scale of its momentum. On the rise: Reform in Wales A May 2025 YouGov/ITV Wales poll placed Reform UK second in Wales with 25% of the projected vote—just behind Plaid Cymru on 30%, and well ahead of Labour on 18%. That number is a stark decline: Labour won a 36% regional vote in 2021, making its current standing half of its previous share. Disillusionment among Labour voters is evident. Only 40% of those who backed Labour in the 2024 UK general election currently intend to do so for the next Senedd election, with substantial numbers shifting to Plaid Cymru (24%), Liberal Democrats (8%), Reform UK (5%), and Greens (4%). Local Shifts and Breakthroughs Michelle Beer has been elected as Carmarthenshire's first Reform councillor (Image: Reform) On May 29, Reform achieved a breakthrough when Michelle Beer won the Lliedi ward by-election in Llanelli—becoming the party's first elected councillor in Carmarthenshire. In a ward long seen as Labour territory, the win signalled a dramatic shift. Reform volunteers preparing election materials in Carmarthenshire (Image: Facebook) That momentum continued days earlier in Pembrokeshire, when Scott Thorley, a former Reform candidate, was co-opted onto Haverfordwest Town Council. His appointment ignited local opposition from campaigners concerned about Reform's stance on the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan (AWAP). The AWAP Dispute and Political Fallout Scott Thorley's co-option onto Haverfordwest Town Council has sparked a petition (Image: Supplied) Reform UK has openly opposed the AWAP, criticising its focus on identity-based policies, such as increased grants for ethnic minority student teachers and cultural accommodation in public spaces. Critics say these measures undermine meritocracy and divide communities. After Thorley's co-option, political graffiti at Withybush Retail Park—featuring slogans like 'VOTE REFORM' and 'GOD SAVE US'—only intensified debate. Thorley swiftly condemned the graffiti, calling it 'vandalism, plain and simple,' and defended the party's intentions. 'As I have been invited to help on the anti‑racist action plan … I'm really confused by their comments. … Politics is about talking and helping people. … stop acting like stroppy teenagers.' — Scott Thorley, Town Councillor, speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald Leadership turbulence and image strategy Reform has also faced internal turbulence. Chairman Zia Yusuf, a practising Muslim, resigned on June 5, citing exhaustion and policy disagreements—particularly over a proposed burka ban—but reversed that decision just two days later. He returned to lead a new strategy unit focused on governance, fundraising, and outreach. His continued presence is seen as key to diversifying Reform's image and countering claims of intolerance. Farage, culture wars, and language policy Nigel Farage: Wants to scrap Welsh Language targets and identity-based policymaking At the helm, Nigel Farage has declared Wales a top priority, urging voters to back 'real change'. He promised to scrap policies such as the 20mph default speed limit, the 'Nation of Sanctuary' scheme, and the Welsh Government's goal of one million Welsh speakers by 2050—labelled by Reform as cultural overreach. While Farage offered limited detail on his opposition to the Welsh-language target, his position aligns with a broader opposition to identity-based policymaking. Even Plaid warns: 'Reform could win' The growing momentum behind Reform UK has not gone unnoticed by its political opponents. Speaking at the party's Spring conference in Llandudno, Plaid Cymru's Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts warned party members that Reform could become the largest party in the Senedd if they are not taken seriously. 'If we—Plaid Cymru—do not provide solutions to Labour's failings, there is something worse waiting in the wings to take their place,' she said. 'If we do not take this threat seriously, they could become the biggest party in the Senedd—our national parliament. If that happens, it would be a disaster for Wales. This must galvanise us.' Saville Roberts accused Reform of thriving on division and warned that the party would seek to privatise the NHS, strip away workers' rights, and undermine Welsh identity and the language. Pushback from Welsh leaders Welsh Labour's First Minister Mark Drakeford condemned the proposal to remove the language goal, asserting that the Welsh language 'belongs to us all' and should be defended from external political interference. Plaid Cymru MS Llŷr Gruffydd dismissed Farage's claims as 'empty soundbites' and accused him of 'railing against Welsh culture and identity' to advance his own agenda. Labour's collapse in its historical heartlands is resonating at the grassroots. The Barn Cymru poll confirms their support is now the lowest since devolution began, under 20%. Meanwhile, local expressions of discontent are growing, with public services—especially in rural and post-industrial areas—seen as deteriorating, boosting calls for change. A once-unshakeable Labour dominance is cracking. With Plaid Cymru and Reform UK capitalising on voter fatigue, policy stumbles, and identity politics backlash, Wales is entering a new era of volatility. As the Senedd moves to proportional representation, the question isn't whether Reform will take seats, but whether Labour has already ceded too much ground.
Pembrokeshire Herald
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Are the traditional parties in Wales underestimating Reform UK?
By-election wins, surging polls and a reshaped Senedd system fuel Reform's rapid rise REFORM UK is no longer a fringe force in Welsh politics. With polling surges, a local by-election victory, and a favourable new voting system set to reshape the Senedd in 2026, the party is rapidly gaining traction—and some believe traditional parties are failing to grasp the scale of its momentum. On the rise: Reform in Wales A May 2025 YouGov/ITV Wales poll placed Reform UK second in Wales with 25% of the projected vote—just behind Plaid Cymru on 30%, and well ahead of Labour on 18%. That number is a stark decline: Labour won a 36% regional vote in 2021, making its current standing half of its previous share. Disillusionment among Labour voters is evident. Only 40% of those who backed Labour in the 2024 UK general election currently intend to do so for the next Senedd election, with substantial numbers shifting to Plaid Cymru (24%), Liberal Democrats (8%), Reform UK (5%), and Greens (4%). Local Shifts and Breakthroughs Michelle Beer has been elected as Carmarthenshire's first Reform councillor (Image: Reform) On May 29, Reform achieved a breakthrough when Michelle Beer won the Lliedi ward by-election in Llanelli—becoming the party's first elected councillor in Carmarthenshire. In a ward long seen as Labour territory, the win signalled a dramatic shift. Reform volunteers preparing election materials in Carmarthenshire (Image: Facebook) That momentum continued days earlier in Pembrokeshire, when Scott Thorley, a former Reform candidate, was co-opted onto Haverfordwest Town Council. His appointment ignited local opposition from campaigners concerned about Reform's stance on the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan (AWAP). The AWAP Dispute and Political Fallout Scott Thorley's co-option onto Haverfordwest Town Council has sparked a petition (Image: Supplied) Reform UK has openly opposed the AWAP, criticising its focus on identity-based policies, such as increased grants for ethnic minority student teachers and cultural accommodation in public spaces. Critics say these measures undermine meritocracy and divide communities. After Thorley's co-option, political graffiti at Withybush Retail Park—featuring slogans like 'VOTE REFORM' and 'GOD SAVE US'—only intensified debate. Thorley swiftly condemned the graffiti, calling it 'vandalism, plain and simple,' and defended the party's intentions. 'As I have been invited to help on the anti‑racist action plan … I'm really confused by their comments. … Politics is about talking and helping people. … stop acting like stroppy teenagers.' — Scott Thorley, Town Councillor, speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald Leadership turbulence and image strategy Reform has also faced internal turbulence. Chairman Zia Yusuf, a practising Muslim, resigned on June 5, citing exhaustion and policy disagreements—particularly over a proposed burka ban—but reversed that decision just two days later. He returned to lead a new strategy unit focused on governance, fundraising, and outreach. His continued presence is seen as key to diversifying Reform's image and countering claims of intolerance. Farage, culture wars, and language policy Nigel Farage: Wants to scrap Welsh Language targets and identity-based policymaking At the helm, Nigel Farage has declared Wales a top priority, urging voters to back 'real change'. He promised to scrap policies such as the 20mph default speed limit, the 'Nation of Sanctuary' scheme, and the Welsh Government's goal of one million Welsh speakers by 2050—labelled by Reform as cultural overreach. While Farage offered limited detail on his opposition to the Welsh-language target, his position aligns with a broader opposition to identity-based policymaking. Even Plaid warns: 'Reform could win' The growing momentum behind Reform UK has not gone unnoticed by its political opponents. Speaking at the party's Spring conference in Llandudno, Plaid Cymru's Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts warned party members that Reform could become the largest party in the Senedd if they are not taken seriously. 'If we—Plaid Cymru—do not provide solutions to Labour's failings, there is something worse waiting in the wings to take their place,' she said. 'If we do not take this threat seriously, they could become the biggest party in the Senedd—our national parliament. If that happens, it would be a disaster for Wales. This must galvanise us.' Saville Roberts accused Reform of thriving on division and warned that the party would seek to privatise the NHS, strip away workers' rights, and undermine Welsh identity and the language. Pushback from Welsh leaders Welsh Labour's First Minister Mark Drakeford condemned the proposal to remove the language goal, asserting that the Welsh language 'belongs to us all' and should be defended from external political interference. Plaid Cymru MS Llŷr Gruffydd dismissed Farage's claims as 'empty soundbites' and accused him of 'railing against Welsh culture and identity' to advance his own agenda. Labour's collapse in its historical heartlands is resonating at the grassroots. The Barn Cymru poll confirms their support is now the lowest since devolution began, under 20%. Meanwhile, local expressions of discontent are growing, with public services—especially in rural and post-industrial areas—seen as deteriorating, boosting calls for change. A once-unshakeable Labour dominance is cracking. With Plaid Cymru and Reform UK capitalising on voter fatigue, policy stumbles, and identity politics backlash, Wales is entering a new era of volatility. As the Senedd moves to proportional representation, the question isn't whether Reform will take seats, but whether Labour has already ceded too much ground.
Wales Online
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
Reform UK gets first Carmarthenshire councillor after huge by-election win
Reform UK gets first Carmarthenshire councillor after huge by-election win 'All I kept hearing was that people felt they weren't being listened to', said Michelle Beer, Carmarthenshire Council's newest councillor Michelle Beer (centre), who is Reform UK's first county councillor in Carmarthenshire (Image: courtesy of Michelle Beer ) Reform UK has planted a flag in south west Wales after candidate Michelle Beer comfortably won a council by-election in Carmarthenshire. She will represent Llanelli's Lliedi ward after comfortably securing first place out of eight candidates. She polled 568 votes, while Labour's Andrew Bragoli came second with 312 votes. Councillor Beer will be the first Reform UK county councillor in Carmarthenshire and neighbouring Swansea, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. The by-election was held following the death of the unaffiliated Independent Lliedi councillor Anthony Leyshon. Councillor Beer said the result hadn't been too much of a surprise although she stressed she hadn't been complacent. "I knew the support for Reform in that area had been very strong," she said. "We did face a lot of opposition, and we took nothing for granted." Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here The 47-year-old said she hadn't stood for public office before but had supported her husband, Gareth, also of Reform UK, who came second in the Llanelli seat in last year's general election. She said: "The opportunity came up and members said to me, 'Michelle, you would be the ideal candidate.' I love working with people and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to people. "We started door-knocking quite early. All I kept hearing was that people felt they weren't being listened to, and not enough was being done. They felt they had seen a deterioration. We formed our messages from there." She said this feeling of not being listened was directed at national and local politicians. Asked what she knew about how county councils were run, she said she had an idea and expected to get up to speed quickly. She added that she'd had a stint working for a district council in New Zealand when she and her husband lived there. Asked if she felt council tax was too high in Carmarthenshire, she said: "It can't keep going up. I feel there is a lot of wastage. You can look for better value in procurement for example, just like in business." She added that she did not advocate services being cut. Llanelli town centre (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) Reform UK had a lot of success in English council elections at the beginning of May, and leader Nigel Farage suggested that council diversity, equity and inclusion officers in any Reform UK-run authorities should look for another job. Was this a message that councillor Beer sought to bring to Carmarthenshire? "Not as a lone (Reform) councillor," she said. "But maybe something looking ahead to 2027 (the next council elections)." She said her priority was to respond to the needs of Lliedi residents, whether that concerns fixing potholes or ensuring bins were collected. Councillor Beer grew up in Llanelli where her parents, who had moved to the area from Hong Kong, ran a takeaway restaurant. After college she had different jobs, including running a marketing business. Later she attended and graduated from a Bible school, and then worked supporting her husband's business. The couple have four children - two boys and two girls. Councillor Beer lives in Kidwelly, around eight miles west of Llanelli. Asked if that had given her cause for any concern, given that she had been aiming to win a Llanelli seat, she said: "I travel to Llanelli almost every day, I know it very well. I would class it as my home town. I consider myself a Llanelli lass." Second-placed Mr Bragoli, a Llanelli town councillor, said he wished councillor Beer good luck. "She won, and I hope she sticks to her promises," said the Labour candidate. "I wasn't even a close second. If it wasn't for my local popularity and my experience being a union rep at Trostre (steelworks) I think it could have been worse." Asked for his opinion on why he thought that was the case, Mr Bragoli said the UK Labour Government's decision last year to means-test the winter fuel allowance for pensioners was, in his view, a "killer", politically-speaking. Last week, following mounting political pressure, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer signalled a change in the threshold to allow more pensioners to qualify for the payment of up to £300. Mr Bragoli credited Sir Keir for being "a bigger man" in changing direction but said the damage had been done. He said if the Lliedi by-election had happened 12 months ago he reckoned he would have been "a shoo-in". Carmarthenshire Council is run by a Plaid Cymru-Independent coalition. Lliedi is represented by two councillors, unaffiliated Independent Cllr Rob James and now Cllr Beer. The result of the May 29 by-election was: Article continues below Michelle May Beer - Reform UK - 568 Andrew Bargoli - Welsh Labour - 312 Sharon Burdess - Independent - 116 Jonathan Edward Burree - Welsh Liberal Democrats - 41 Wayne Erasmus - Gwlad, Wales Can Be Better – 9 Alison Leyshon - Independent - 86 Taylor Reynolds - Plaid Cymru, The Party of Wales - 107 Richard Williams - Welsh Conservative Party Candidate – 93 The turnout was 33.36%.
