Latest news with #RoyalWelshShow
South Wales Argus
4 hours ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Conservatives defeat Reform to win Wyesham ward by-election
The South Wales East Senedd Member's defection was unveiled in a shock announcement by party leader Nigel Farage at the Royal Welsh Show and resulted in acrimonious comments from some of her former colleagues. But the Conservatives are now celebrating after defeating a Reform UK candidate in a by-election for the Wyesham ward on Monmouth Town Council. Ms Jones had previously represented the area on Monmouthshire County Council. It is the second community council by-election in Monmouthshire in a week in which the Conservatives have seen off the challenge from Reform UK with two more by-elections, in separate Monmouthshire villages, to be held over the coming fortnight. Conservative candidate Xavier Turner topped the poll in the election to the volunteer council while Reform's Robert Kavanagh came in last behind independent candidate Jem Lin Jenkins-Jones. The 22-year-old winning candidate said: 'I'm incredibly grateful to the residents of Wyesham for putting their trust in me. I'm ready to work and make sure your voices are heard.' Councillor Richard John, who leads the Conservative opposition group on Monmouthshire County Council, described the new community councillor as a 'breath of fresh air' and said his victory means the county, which voted to remain in the European Union at the 2016 referendum, is still 'Reform free'. 'Reform were confident of winning in Wyesham, a ward previously represented by their Reform MS, so coming last is quite a humiliating defeat,' said Cllr John. 'Residents could clearly see there's no substance behind their soundbites and they don't offer any solutions to the challenges experienced by families in Monmouthshire. Monmouthshire remains a Reform-free zone.' Ms Jones had represented Wyesham on Monmouthshire County Council, as part of the group led by Cllr John and previously current Conservative MS for Monmouthshire Peter Fox, before stepping down at the 2022 council elections. The county council seat was won by independent Emma Bryn, who defeated both Labour and Conservative candidates. During the campaign Ms Jones had posted a photograph of herself with Cllr John and other local Conservative activists and endorsed the Tory candidate as 'a strong local voice'. It is understood Ms Jones hadn't campaigned in her former ward since switching to the Reform party. An X post shared by Laura Anne Jones of her and campaigning with then Conservative colleagues in Wyesham during the July, 2025 by-election campaign. The town council by-election was caused by the resignation of Labour councillor Alice Fletcher. Though town and community councils aren't run on political lines councillors can stand under party banners and Monmouth Town Council has 19 members from five wards which have the same boundaries as the county council wards. Monmouth Town Council has eight independent members, six Labour members and five Conservatives including Cllr Turner. A by-election is due to be held in the Leechpool ward to Portskewett Community Council on Thursday, July 31 with only a Reform UK and a Conservative candidate nominated, while both parties, and two unaffiliated candidates, will contest the Goytre ward election to Goetre Community Council on Thursday, August 7. Any registered voter, aged 16 or over, can vote in council elections and there is no requirement to show voter ID to do so. Result Monmouth Town Council, Wyesham ward by-election JENKINS-JONES Jem Lin Independent: 184 KAVANAGH Robert James Andrew Reform UK: 124 TURNER Xavier John Pierre Local Conservatives: 201 (Elected) Spoilt: 2 Turnout: 30 per cent
Leader Live
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Leader Live
MS shares an update on the Coastal Path in Flintshire
MS for North Wales As Chair of the Senedd's Cross-Party Group on Disability, I met Amnesty International UK's Government and Political Relations Manager - Wales to discuss how we might ensure that the rights of disabled people are given proper legal effect in Wales. I also met with Wrexham-based Community Organising Charity TCC and other members of the coalition of organisations campaigning for the removal of barriers along the Wales Coastal Path in Flintshire, for discussion on further action. I have been working with disabled people and others across Flintshire for a decade, seeking to work with Flintshire County Council to remove all barriers along the Wales Coastal Path that are managed by the Council, allowing access for all. The current situation contravenes both the UK Equality Act (2010) and the legal and policy frameworks of the Welsh Government and Flintshire County Council itself. It was a pleasure to visit the 2025 Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells, where I was a member of the Gylfinir Cymru/Curlew Wales Panel as Wales Species Champion for the Curlew. My other meetings and visits there included, Adferiad, the member-led charity operating services across every constituency in Wales, that campaigns for and provides services to people with mental health, addiction, and co-occurring and complex needs; British Veterinary Association's Welsh Branch Reception as one of their Honorary Associate Members; The British Army Stand, to meet serving personnel, explore interactive displays, and learn more about the Army's contribution to Welsh society; Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW), to discuss the significant issues facing Welsh Agriculture at the moment; and Natural Resources Wales (NRW), to discuss some of their recent work and my priorities and concerns, and to meet their Senior Leadership team and area specialists. The Senedd's Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee, which I Chair, has identified significant failings in the Welsh Government's handling of the acquisition of Gilestone Farm, near Talybont-on-Usk in Powys. In March 2022, the government paid £4.25m for the freehold of the Farm, as part of a plan to secure the future of Greenman Festival held nearby. There has since been a £0.5 million drop in the asset's value. The Committee's report, published on Monday (28th July) highlights that the purchase was rushed due to end-of-year budget pressures, resulting in avoidable mistakes. To ensure lessons are learned, the Committee will want to carry out further work looking at the Welsh Government's approach to property investments, to assess whether current processes are sufficiently rigorous and fit for purpose. For help, email or call 0300 200 7219.
Powys County Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Sarn YFC team to compete in National YFC Tug of War finals
The Sarn YFC Men's Tug of War team have secured a place in the finals of the National YFC Tug of War competition. The team came runners-up at the Royal Welsh Show on Wednesday, July 23, after losing to last year's champions, Brecknock. They were trained by Gwyn Bennett Jones and will compete in the finals at Tenbury Show next month. This comes after their County Rally win in May.
Western Telegraph
2 days ago
- General
- Western Telegraph
Support from Pembrokeshire YFCs after Sally Allen, dies in A40 crash
Keen horsewoman Sally, from Cresswell Quay, was driving home from the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells last Wednesday morning, July 23, when her car was involved in the collision on the A40 between Llandeilo and Carmarthen. Sally was a member of Martletwy YFC - where she excelled in public speaking and stock-judging - and had spent the previous evening in the show's members tent with her friends, said the 'heartbroken' club in a tribute on Facebook. Sally was 'endlessly caring, unintentionally hilarious and the most amazing supportive and joyful person,' her loving family said. (Image: Family photo) They added: 'Sally was the warmest, most loving person and with her big beaming smile she would light up the room. She was always very generous with her hugs and free with her advice. She was a friend to everyone, young or old. 'Sally's family are heavily involved in our club, with brother William and sister Issie also being active members. Sally's Mum Kate is an active leader and her Dad Richard an ever-present helper." The club subsequently passed on the thanks of Sally's family for the kindness and support they have received from everyone. The family described her as 'a much-loved sister', a 'treasured daughter' and a 'beloved granddaughter' and added: "In only 18 years of her life, she touched the hearts of so many people." Sally is remembered as 'the warmest, most loving person'. (Image: Family photo) Tonight, Monday July 28, representatives of bereavement charity Sandy Bear will be at the Martletwy YFC Hall at Cresselly to offer support, while a book of condolence will be at the hall from tomorrow, Tuesday July 29. A book of condolence has also opened at Greenhill School, Tenby, where former pupil Sally was a member of the school's successful showjumping team. Sally enjoyed horseriding and her day-to-day life at home in the riverside community of Cresswell Quay. (Image: Family photo) Pembrokeshire YFC is now working with agricultural sector mental health charity, the DPJ Foundation, along with Sandy Bear, to ensure that support is available to all YFC members in Pembrokeshire and across the wider YFC community. Describing Sally as a 'cherished member of Martletwy YFC' and 'a much-loved part of our YFC family', the organisation reminded members: ' If you have been affected by this news, please don't hesitate to reach out. "Support is available through Wales YFC's Designated Wellbeing and Safeguarding Officer, or the NFYFC's Wellbeing and Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@
South Wales Guardian
2 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Top Harper Adams student collects award at Royal Welsh Show
A scholar aiming to use his graduate career to 'advocate for Welsh agriculture' has won the 2025 Harper Cymry/Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Student of the Year award. Osian Richards, who grew up on his family's dairy farm in Llangadog, Carmarthenshire, spoke of how much the prize – and the show – meant to him after receiving his prize. He said: 'Receiving the award at the Royal Welsh Show was an enormous honour. I've been attending the show since I was a child in a pram, and the show truly represents the heart of Welsh agriculture - and remains a highlight of my year. 'That personal connection made the award all the more meaningful. 'The award was established in memory of Bill Ratcliffe, who had deep ties to South Wales and the agricultural sector, and whose contributions were recognised with the Royal Welsh Silver Medal. To be associated with his award is incredibly special.' Mr Ratcliffe, who was renowned for his outstanding contribution to the agricultural industry, was a Harper Adams University Fellow – and founder of the Harper Cymry alumni association. Osian – himself a member of the Harper Cymry student society - has just completed the final year of his BSc (Hons) Rural Enterprise and Land Management degree. He added: 'The award carries a bittersweet note, marking the end of my Harper Adams journey. But for me, it also stands as recognition of the dedication and hard work I've poured into my degree and university life over the past four years. Now, I'm excited to begin the next chapter, armed with the skills and support Harper and Harper Cymry have given me.' Looking back at his time at Harper Adams, Osian added: 'The University has offered much more than an academic qualification. 'It created a unique atmosphere built on friendship, encouragement, and a real sense of community. 'From my lecturers to fellow students, I've felt supported throughout my journey. I'd especially like to acknowledge the REALM lecturers in my second and final year; their dedication and guidance went far beyond expectation. 'Academically, the course was both challenging and rewarding. Its emphasis on practical application and real-world scenarios means I've gained knowledge and skills I know will serve me well professionally. 'The placement year also played a key role in strengthening this foundation.' It was while on placement that Osian discovered a taste for auctioneering – something which he is hoping to hone further in his first graduate role. He added: 'Having grown up on a pedigree dairy farm in South Wales, I'd heard of Gwilym Richards & Co. The firm - and Gwilym Richards himself - are well respected within the dairy industry, so the choice felt natural. 'My placement offered a wealth of experience, from handling compensation claims to managing rentals and conducting valuations. I also had the opportunity to auctioneer under Gwilym's guidance, a skill that has since shaped my career ambitions. 'The placement allowed me to apply classroom theory to practical scenarios and ultimately helped me secure a graduate role. The placement year gave me a taste of industry and made me want to work harder in my final year to secure a place within the industry.' Having returned to University, Osian applied himself keenly to his final year studies – and during that final year, also secured his first graduate role. This gives him both a chance to test his auctioneering skills, and an opportunity to speak up for Welsh farming. He added: 'During my placement year with Gwilym Richards, I worked in conjunction with Greenslade Taylor Hunt, a property and auction specialist - and from there, I have secured a graduate surveyor and auctioneer position which starts this August at Sedgemoor. 'In the future, I'm particularly keen to stay connected with the dairy sector and hope to specialise in dairy cattle due to my dairy upbringing. 'I'll be based near Redhill, close to Bristol and Sedgemoor Market, one of England's largest livestock markets - which gives me a great platform to advocate for Welsh agriculture in a dynamic setting.'
