News

David Simpson gains support in PCC leader bid [UPDATED]

Published

9 years ago

May 9, 2017

LAMPETER VELFREY Independent councillor David Simpson is to bid to replace Jamie Adams as leader of Pembrokeshire County Council.

Cllr Simpson said: “The recent election results have sent a clear message that Pembrokeshire will not stand for the old way of doing things any more. The way the Council has been run in recent years has been unacceptable. Change is needed and nobody can pretend it’s not time for that change to happen.”

David Simpson continued: “I will not buy support for my leadership by promising Cabinet seats and cosy ‘jobs for the good old boys’. People are fed up by votes being bought by nods, winks, and the promise of position. Pembrokeshire’s electors are not daft – they’ve had enough of a flawed system. I am asking my fellow councillors to support me only if they think I am the best person for the job.”

Cllr Simpson said that his wide business experience, and his previous stint as Cabinet member for housing, equipped him to drive forward improvements in the way council delivered services.

And he promised a more open administration, involving all 60 members, with party differences set aside in the interests of providing better services and value for money.

“Under my leadership, Cabinet members will be appointed on merit. If you want the best for Pembrokeshire, you have to pick the best people – not just those who will nod things through without scrutiny. Ability will count and that is what I will be looking for if I am elected leader by those who feel like I do: the time for change is now.”

Cllr Paul Miller has announced he is supporting Cllr Simpson in his bid.

Mr Miller said: “Following a meeting this afternoon I can confirm that the Labour Group on Pembrokeshire Council will be supporting Cllr David Simpson in his bid to lead the authority.

“The last 5 years have been extremely difficult for Pembrokeshire Council, with the authority lurching from one scandal to the next. In last weeks election the voting public of Pembrokeshire placed the blame fairly and squarely with the ruling Independent Political Group and in my view made clear that they wanted to see real change.

“Cllr Jamies Adams’s time as leader of the authority simply must come to an end and both the Labour Group and I are committed to bringing about the change of leadership the voting public want to see.

“Pembrokeshire Council does not need to be run on patronage and favours, the only way Cllr Adams and the ruling Independent Group know how. There is a better way and we believe Cllr Simpson represents our best opportunity for an open and accountable Council.”

Conservatives have ‘no appetite for coalition’

Conservative members will meet early next week to decide whether to back the IPPG, the challenge to the status quo led by David Simpson, or to abstain on the identity of the next Pembrokeshire County Council leader.

Speaking to The Herald today (May 9), Conservative group leader in the last Council term David Howlett, said: “It is a fluid situation, which is changing all the time. I am pleased that all of those Conservative candidates who were at the count last Friday (May 5) have signed up to the Conservative group for the next Council term. None of them have given any sign of wanting to sign up to another group.”

Cllr Howlett continued: “I am delighted with the strong showing in the elections by Pembrokeshire’s Welsh Conservatives and, having had preliminary discussions with our new councillors, I can tell you that there is no appetite for a coalition with anyone.”

When pressed, David Howlett, said that the group would decide what steps to take at their meeting. However, he failed to deny that it was possible that a decision could be made to back an alternative nominee to Cllr David Simpson, who has already thrown his hat into the leadership contest. He continued to say, “It is not clear whether there will even be an IPPG grouping on the Council at this stage, so I don’t think we should commit ourselves to anyone at this stage. But, as I say, there is no appetite for entering into a coalition.”

Cllr Howlett concluded by saying: “When it comes to leadership, I will not be a candidate for leadership of the Conservative group on the County Council when we meet to elect a leader next week. Having seen the size of the group expand dramatically, and because of my other commitments away from County Hall, I have decided it is time for someone else to lead the group in what will be a much-changed council.”

Community

Civic service brings Pembrokeshire towns together in Haverfordwest

Published

2 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CIVIC service has been held at St Mary’s Church in Haverfordwest, bringing together civic leaders, councillors, cadets and community representatives from across Pembrokeshire.

The Mayor’s Civic Service took place at 11:00am on Sunday, 28 June 2026, at the historic High Street church, one of the county town’s most familiar landmarks.

The service was hosted by Haverfordwest Town Council and attended by the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, Deputy Lord Lieutenants, the mayors of Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Neyland and St Davids, members of the Guild of Freemen, the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet and the Mayoral Cadet.

St Mary’s Church has stood at the heart of Haverfordwest for more than 800 years. Built in about 1200, its size and position have made it one of the town’s dominant historic buildings.

Cllr Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner said the occasion had been “truly special and humbling”.

He said: “It was an honour to gather in one of our town’s most historic and beautiful buildings, a church that has stood at the heart of our community since the 12th century, bringing people together in faith, service and reflection.”

Cllr Thomas-Turner and the Sheriff thanked all those who attended, saying the presence of civic representatives from neighbouring towns reflected the “strong spirit of friendship and partnership across Pembrokeshire”.

They also paid tribute to fellow town councillors, the Guild of Freemen, and the cadets who supported the service.

Cllr Thomas-Turner added: “Days like today remind us that civic life is about more than titles and chains of office. It is about service, community, friendship and working together for the good of our towns and our county.”

He said the event had been a proud day for Haverfordwest, adding: “Haverfordwest truly is the Best in the West.”

Community

Thousands line Cardigan streets for Lord Rhys homecoming parade

Published

3 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THOUSANDS of people lined the streets and quayside in Cardigan on Saturday as the town marked 850 years since Lord Rhys held the first recorded Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle.

The spectacular procession formed the finale of the Journey of Lord Rhys, a week-long celebration which has travelled across west Wales before returning to Cardigan, where the story began in 1176.

***Five-metre-tall puppet of Lord Rhys in the streets of Cardigan (Pic: Steve Greenhalgh)***

At the centre of the event was a 5-metre-tall puppet of Lord Rhys, created as part of the Carreg Filltir Las project to celebrate the origins of the National Eisteddfod.

***Thousands of people in Cardigan outside the castle for the celebration (Pic: Eisteddfod)***

Crowds gathered around the castle, quayside and town centre as music, performance and pageantry brought the story of the first Eisteddfod back to life.

One of the most striking moments saw George, one of the Gentle Giants Shire Horses, given the honour of carrying this year’s Eisteddfod Chair to Cardigan Castle, 850 years after chairs were first awarded there for poetry and music.

VIDE:O FACEBOOK/Steve Greenhalgh

The first recorded Eisteddfod was hosted by Lord Rhys ap Gruffudd at Cardigan Castle in 1176, with poets and musicians competing in what is widely regarded as the foundation of the modern Eisteddfod tradition.

VIDEO: FACEBOOK/Gentle Giants Shire Horses

This year’s National Eisteddfod, Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, will be held at Llantood from August 1 to 8. The location is less than four miles from Cardigan Castle, creating a direct link between the first recorded gathering and the modern festival.

VIDEO: SOLO CLOTHING/FACEBOOK

The Eisteddfod has described the anniversary as a chance to celebrate 850 years of tradition while inspiring new audiences across Wales.

Saturday’s homecoming brought that history into the streets of Cardigan, with families, visitors and local residents turning out in large numbers for one of the most significant cultural moments in the town’s recent history.

Crime

Carmarthen man admits takeaway burglaries

Published

1 day ago

June 27, 2026

Court Reporter

Phillip Roberts stole cash from USA Chicken and returned the following day with intent to steal

A CARMARTHEN man has admitted a string of burglaries at the same takeaway business on consecutive days.

Phillip Roberts, 44, of Brewery Road, Carmarthen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to three offences connected to USA Chicken on Blue Street.

The court heard that on June 4, Roberts entered the premises as a trespasser and stole a tip jar containing cash. He also admitted a second burglary at the same business on the same date, during which £50 cash was stolen.

A further offence took place on June 5, when Roberts entered USA Chicken as a trespasser with intent to steal.

Magistrates adjourned sentence for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. The report will consider all sentencing options, including possible committal to the Crown Court.

Roberts was granted conditional bail. He must not enter USA Chicken, Blue Street, and must not contact Mustafa Baksi, either directly or indirectly.

He is due to return to Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on July 1 for sentence.