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Powys County Times
4 days ago
- General
- Powys County Times
Community fund in memory of Powys politician opens for 2025
A community fund named after a former Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire is now open for applications. After a year of fundraising in memory of Welsh politician Mick Bates, a community fund established by his family has officially opened for applications after already giving away more than £10,000 to local groups and initiatives. The fund officially opened on June 1, having been set up by the family of the former Assembly Member shortly after he passed away in August 2022 from bone cancer. He served as Member of the Welsh Assembly for Montgomeryshire from 1999 to 2011. Ruth Bates, Mick's daughter, said: 'We're deeply grateful to everyone who has supported our fundraising - whether through events or online donations. 'The Fund's purpose is to bring people together to create positive change. Mick believed in action and in the power of people working side by side to make a difference. 'We hope these grants will play a small but meaningful role in improving lives and strengthening communities.' Having initially raised funds through donations to the JustGiving page, donations at the funeral and fundraising events, the fund then invited community groups and charities that work to benefit the people of Montgomeryshire, particularly Llanfair Caereinion and the Banwy Valley to apply for grant funding. The fund was able to distribute more than £10,000 to community groups and initiatives, such as Llanfair Caereinion Institute, Ffrindiau Ysgol Bro Caereinion Friends, Cancer Research Llanfair Caereinion Branch, Llanfair Caereinion Bowling Club, New Life Church, Cylch Meithrin Banw, Llanfair United Football Club, and Caffi Cymunedol Llanfair Caereinion Community Café. The Fund invites applications from community groups and charities working to benefit the people of Montgomeryshire, with particular focus on those serving Llanfair Caereinion and the Banwy Valley. Grants of between £100 and £1,000 are available. Cadvan Evans, Chair of the Mick Bates Community Memorial Trust Fund, added: 'This Fund is about keeping Mick's legacy alive by supporting the causes he cared about most - young people, the environment, helping those in need, and community development.'
Powys County Times
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Ex-MS William Powell named Powys County Council chairman
A FORMER Welsh Assembly member for Mid and West Wales has been elected as the chairman of Powys County Council for the next year. Cllr William Powell (Liberal Democrat) was unanimously approved as the new chairman of the council. He took over the chains of office from the incumbent, Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson (Conservative) at Powys County Council's annual general meeting on Thursday, May 15. Last year, Cllr Powell who represents Talgarth in Brecknockshire served as council vice-chairman and in 2023/2024 had been elected to the assistant vice-chairman's role. Cllr Powell said: 'We've had so many moving tributes and wise words this morning I think I will break the habit of a lifetime and keep my comments to a minimum. 'I'm immensely grateful to my colleagues for the faith you have expressed in me in today. RECOMMENDED READING: 'Thank you all very much indeed.' Earlier outgoing chairman, Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson (Conservative) said that one of his last public engagements on behalf of the authority he attended was the VE Day 80th anniversary service at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff on May 7. Cllr Wilkinson (Llangyniew and Meifod – Montgomeryshire) said: 'Llandaff Cathedral is quite a remarkable building in itself, heavily bombed during the war (Second World War) and then rebuilt. 'They have a wonderful organ there and the organ recital there was fantastic, the choir is known throughout the country and the band of the Royal Welsh (Regiment) played. 'That was a very memorable service of thanks during that week of commemorative events. 'We had our own here on May 8 with the raising of the flag at county hall and I had the privilege of reading that proclamation in recognition of the sacrifices made during the war to ensure our freedom.' 'There were members of the Royal British Legion and other organisations here and ex-servicemen and it was an absolute pleasure to meet those individuals.' He went on to thank Cllr Powell as vice-chairman and Cllr Geoff Morgan the assistant vice-chairman for the support they had given him in the role during the last year and wished them 'the best of luck' as they move forward. Cllr Wilkinson said: 'Also I would very much like to thank the behind the scenes team particularly Karen Southgate, Steve Boyd and Carol Johnson who have supported me and given me a nudge when I forget things and ensure the smooth running of things.' A vote confirmed that Cllr Geoff Morgan (Reform UK) who represents the Ithon Valley in Radnorshire moves up from assistant vice-chairman to vice-chairman. Liberal Democrat Cllr Danny Bebb who represents Churchstoke in Montgomeryshire was elected to take on the assistant vice-chairman's role. The roles rotate between councillors who represent wards in the historic shires of Brecknockshire, Montgomeryshire and Radnorshire which make up modern day Powys.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Politics 'doesn't work' for many people in Wales
"Politics doesn't work for many people" in Wales, according to the chair of a group tasked with improving democracy. Dr Anwen Elias, from Aberystwyth University is leading a team looking at how more people can get involved with politics at every level. The group, which has been commissioned by the Welsh government, should report before the next Senedd election in 2026. Dr Elias said: "The challenges that we are facing in Wales are not unique to Wales." It is 26 years ago this week that Wales elected what was then the Welsh Assembly for the first time. But fewer than half the people of Wales, 46%, turned out to vote. That slumped to just 38% four years later, and there has never been an Assembly or Senedd election where more than half of those eligible to vote have voted. Figures for Westminster elections have been higher than for the Senedd but only 56% of people turned out in last year's general election. As a result of Prof Laura McAllister and Lord Williams' report into Wales' constitutional future, a panel has now been formed to look at what can be done to revive democracy in Wales. Way Wales is governed not sustainable, say experts Senedd voter turnout worries remain after 25 years Huge seat part of plans for more Senedd politicians Beyond turnout, the group will also see how people can be encouraged to take part in politics at every level, from the Senedd to town councils. Dr Elias said "there are a lot of complex reasons" for the recent drop in interest. "I think there is a perception that politics doesn't work for many people," she said. "They don't feel that politicians understand them or hear them. "Life is difficult, cost of living crisis, access to public services, and so there's a sense that, 'what does democracy do for us?' "So I think the challenge is complex, and part of our role is to understand that, but also then to think differently about how we can tackle that challenge." The work is overseen by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies. "We are a relatively small but very dynamic nation that can think differently about these things," he said. "So there's the challenge for this group, but the opportunity as well is building that connection back, less polarisation, more meaningful engagement, and frankly, citizens of Wales of all ages of all diversity that feel they have a part to play in influencing everything around themselves and their communities." He added: "I think politicians, when elected on the electoral cycle, need to put forward a programme for government, and then get on and deliver it... and then we need to tell people that we've done stuff as well, and that is absolutely part of it." The group is planning to report back before the Senedd election next May, with the hope it is in time for the political parties to take what it recommends into account.
BBC News
03-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Politics 'doesn't work' for many in Wales, democracy group says
"Politics doesn't work for many people" in Wales, according to the chair of a group tasked with improving Anwen Elias, from Aberystwyth University is leading a team looking at how more people can get involved with politics at every group, which has been commissioned by the Welsh government, should report before the next Senedd election in Elias said: "The challenges that we are facing in Wales are not unique to Wales." It is 26 years ago this week that Wales elected what was then the Welsh Assembly for the first fewer than half the people of Wales, 46%, turned out to slumped to just 38% four years later, and there has never been an Assembly or Senedd election where more than half of those eligible to vote have for Westminster elections have been higher than for the Senedd but only 56% of people turned out in last year's general a result of Prof Laura McAllister and Lord Williams' report into Wales' constitutional future, a panel has now been formed to look at what can be done to revive democracy in Wales. Beyond turnout, the group will also see how people can be encouraged to take part in politics at every level, from the Senedd to town Elias said "there are a lot of complex reasons" for the recent drop in interest."I think there is a perception that politics doesn't work for many people," she said."They don't feel that politicians understand them or hear them."Life is difficult, cost of living crisis, access to public services, and so there's a sense that, 'what does democracy do for us?'"So I think the challenge is complex, and part of our role is to understand that, but also then to think differently about how we can tackle that challenge." The work is overseen by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies."We are a relatively small but very dynamic nation that can think differently about these things," he said."So there's the challenge for this group, but the opportunity as well is building that connection back, less polarisation, more meaningful engagement, and frankly, citizens of Wales of all ages of all diversity that feel they have a part to play in influencing everything around themselves and their communities."He added: "I think politicians, when elected on the electoral cycle, need to put forward a programme for government, and then get on and deliver it... and then we need to tell people that we've done stuff as well, and that is absolutely part of it."The group is planning to report back before the Senedd election next May, with the hope it is in time for the political parties to take what it recommends into account.
The Independent
11-02-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Tributes paid to Lord Elis-Thomas, first presiding officer of the Welsh Assembly
Tributes have been paid to Lord Elis-Thomas, the former Plaid Cymru leader and first presiding officer of the Welsh Assembly, who died last week. Politicians from across the political divide came together in the Senedd to remember Lord Elis-Thomas. Current presiding officer, the Llywydd Elin Jones, led a minute's silence in memory of Lord Elis-Thomas's life and work. Addressing Senedd members, Ms Jones said: 'He was a close friend to many here, a political comrade to many too, and an enigma to all. 'This Senedd today is what it is because to a very great extent of Dafydd Elis-Thomas and certainly all of us in this wonderful Senedd building and this wonderful Siambr are here because of David's vision and perseverance.' Lord Elis-Thomas, who led Plaid between 1984 and 1991, died last week following a short illness. He represented the Dwyfor Meirionnydd constituency from the founding of the National Assembly – now Senedd – between 1999 to 2021 and was the first presiding officer. He was also the MP for Meirionydd and then Meirionydd Nant Conwy between 1974 and 1992, before being appointed to the House of Lords in 1992. He left Plaid in 2016 and sat as an independent, serving in both Carwyn Jones' and Mark Drakeford's governments as minister for culture, sport and tourism, until he stood down from frontline politics in 2021. First Minister Eluned Morgan told Plenary that Lord Elis-Thomas's life mirrored that of a volume of modern Welsh history. 'It was difficult not to come across Dafydd in Welsh political life,' she said. 'Dafydd's story was interwoven into the fabric of our nation as the youngest Member of Parliament in the Commons in 1974 – he broke new ground from the very outset. 'But for those who knew him better, he was far more than a lengthy list of his achievements during his political career. 'He was an incredible character, a political giant with a mischievous side. 'He was a master at building political bridges, and he succeeded in doing that whilst appearing to be entirely effortless, always principled, always constructive. 'His political path was unexpected in many ways, from protesting against the investiture of Prince Charles in Caernarfon Castle to taking his place in the House of Lords.' Referring to his time as the then Welsh Assembly's first presiding officer, the First Minister said: 'He succeeded to be this institution's greatest defender, but also its greatest critic too. 'He battled tirelessly for the respect and resources needed by our young democracy, and he helped to establish this institution when it was a fragile flower. 'He encapsulated the best of the Welsh intellectual tradition – learned, but always humble; serious about its culture, but always ready with a sparky response in one language or the other. 'His example in terms of how to serve with passion and humour, with principle and friendliness, will continue to be an inspiration for all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. 'Dafydd, we will miss you greatly, and I will forever be grateful for the example you set, your kindness and your friendship.' Darren Millar, Conservative Senedd group leader, said: 'His journey from an anti-establishment nationalist to a statesman at the heart of Wales's institutions was nothing short of remarkable. 'He was a man of great intellect, wit and conviction, never afraid to challenge the status quo, yet always open to evolution of his own thoughts. 'He was a proud republican who once stood outside the system, but ultimately found himself within it, becoming a good friend of our now King Charles. 'He became an MP and peer of the realm and a respected and much loved figure across all political divides, from the Welsh-speaking heartlands of Gwynedd to the dining rooms of Buckingham Palace.' Rhun ap Iorwerth, the leader of Plaid Cymru, told the Senedd: 'For me from my very earliest times he was there, a friend, a friend of the family, an influence, an inspiration in so many different ways, but for us all, from the very early days of our democracy, Dafydd was there to guide us. 'He set out his vision on all platforms, on the streets of his community, so young in entering the House of Commons, then to the second chamber, while simultaneously sinking deeper and deeper into the public life of our nation, our language education, and then to our own Senedd and the visionary presiding officer. 'Of course, we also remember Dafydd for his decades of service to Plaid Cymru, our leader for eight years, but part of our DNA for way over 50 years since he joined the party as a 16-year-old boy. 'He gave to the party service that was driven by passion for his nation, and he left a lasting legacy. 'Wales is indebted to Dafydd for shaping this chamber as it is today, but its debt is just as great to him for standing for what was just and what was right, and he shaped our nation in accordance with those values.'
