News
Welcome to our news page.
For Press Releases from or Member of Parliament (Stephen Crabb MP) and Constituency Assembly Member (Paul Davies AM) and the Conservative MEP for Wales (Dr Kay Swinburne MEP) please visit their respective websites:
Preseli Pembrokeshire News
JAMES JEFFRIES ELECTED AS CHAIRMAN OF CONSERVATIVE FUTURE WALES
Preseli Pembrokeshire Conservatives would like to congratulate James Jeffries on his election as Chairman as Conservative Future Wales.
JAMES JEFFRIES STANDING FOR CHAIRMAN OF CONSERVATIVE FUTURE WALES
Conservative Future is the collective group for all Conservative Party members between the age of 16 and 30. Each region of the UK has a separate Chairman and here in Pembrokeshire we are lucky enough to have a local member standing as Chairman for Conservative Future Wales – James Jeffries of Milford Haven..
James has been an active member of Preseli Pembrokeshire Conservative Association and has always stepped up to the mark to support the campaigns of both Stephen Crabb MP and Paul Davies AM.
James joined the Conservative Party in 2007, geting seriously involved when he began studying at Cardiff University. Becoming Chairman of the Cardiff University, James built the society back up to strength running social and political events throughout the year, boosting membership and involvement.
Whilst in this position as well as completing the final year of his degree, James was selected as the Conservative candidate for the Rhondda Constituency at the recent Assembly elections.
The online ballot for the Chairmanship of CF Wales opens today.
COUNCIL TAX FREEZE INEQUALITY
The inequality of treatment for Council tax payers in Wales compared to that in England has been raised in County Hall, Haverfordwest.
Welsh Conservative County Councillor for the Wiston Ward, David Howlett raised this issue at a meeting of the Full Council on Thursday 20th October.
The United Kingdom Government is working with English Councils so that council tax payers have a freeze in council tax for a second successive year. As a result of the decision by the UK Government, the Welsh Government has received over £39 million in additional funding. Despite calls by the Welsh Conservative Group in the Assembly that Welsh residents should benefit from a council tax freeze like their English counterparts, the Welsh Government seems to have ruled this out.
Commenting on the matter, Cllr David Howlett said
"I am extremely disappointed that the Welsh Labour Government seems to have ruled out a council tax freeze in Wales despite having funding to implement such a move."
"A number of people have raised this issue with me. The council tax payers of Pembrokeshire would benefit from such a move at a time when people are finding it difficult. I sincerely hope the Welsh Government reconsider their position on this issue"
FILMING OF COUNCIL MEETINGS TO BE DISCUSSED
The proposal that members of the public should be able to film meetings of Pembrokeshire County Council as long as they do not impede or obstruct proceedings will be discussed at a meeting of the Council on Thursday 20th October. The Notice of Motion proposed by Welsh Conservative County Councillor for the Wiston Ward, David Howlett, if adopted, would see Pembrokeshire County Council be the first Council to allow filming of this kind in Wales. Earlier this year, a member of the public was arrested and handcuffed for attempting to film a meeting of neighbouring Carmarthenshire County Council..
Commenting on his Notice of Motion, Cllr Howlett said
"We live in an age where communication technology has advanced very quickly. I feel that as a Council, it is therefore very timely that we update our stance, and allow people to film public Council meetings if they so wish."
"We should utilise this new technology to maximise the transparency and openness of Pembrokeshire County Council. If my Notice of Motion is adopted, it will have no cost implications at all and will help improve public scrutiny. In my view, the huge benefits of embracing this new technology far outweigh any possible negatives."
"I welcome the positive comments made by the Leader of the Council, Cllr John Davies, at the recent Corporate Governance Committee meeting. This is a step in the right direction, but I await with interest the decision that will be made by all sixty Councillors at the Full Council meeting."
STEPHEN CRABB MP TO HOST AN EVENING WITH ANN WIDDECOMBE
Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative MP for Maidstone from 1987 to 1997 and for Maidstone and the Weald from 1997 until she retired from politics at the 2010 General Election is due to visit Pembrokeshire this November to address the Women’s Institute Annual Council as part of their celebration of 90 years of the WI movement during 2011.
Whilst in Pembrokeshire Ms Widdecombe has kindly agreed to Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb’s invite to be the Guest Speaker during a four course dinner held at Letterston Memorial Hall on the 26th of November.
Ms Widdecombe who was a Minister in John Major’s Government has enjoyed considerable success outside the world of politics.
Publishing her first novel in 2000, since 2002 she has also made numerous television and radio appearances, arguably her most successful being her appearance on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing, partnered by Anton du Beke and winning the support of the viewers despite low marks from the judges.
If you are interested in attending this event then please contact the Association Office on, 01437763527 or Ann on, 01348 840156.
ANDREW RT DAVIES NAMED NEW LEADER OF THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES IN THE ASSEMBLY
Andrew RT Davies was named the new Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly this afternoon.
The declaration was made in the SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff, following a count of members' ballot papers, gaining 53% of the vote against Nick Ramsay's 47% share.
The new Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly, Andrew RT Davies AM said
"It is a great honour to lead our party and I am thrilled to be the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly"
"This has been a great contest for our party, bringing us together and providing a vehicle for us to debate and discuss ideas. I would like to thank our members for engaging so wholeheartedly with this process. I'ld also like to thank Nick Bourne and our party workers, for their tireless efforts to further the party's fortunes in Wales."Andrew also to the oppertunity to thank Nick Ramsay, saying
"As I'm sure Nick would agree, the contest has invigorated our members and I will continue to engage with our members and the wider electorate over the months and years to come. Together with Nick, we have a superb team of talent both in terms of Assembly Members and staff that support us and together, we are ready to take the fight to Labour."
Andrew also paid tribute to Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies and commented on the excellent job he had done as interim Leader, keeping the momentum going since the Party's success in the Assembly Election campaign.
Following the annoucement Paul Davies AM who had acted the interim Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly between May 7th and today's declaration said
"It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as Acting Leader. As we have established ourselves as the second largest party in the Assembly, the last two months have been an incredibly exciting time for our group."
"I want to thank all our Members for their help and support and I look forward to working with Andrew as he takes the group forward."
RENEWED CALLS FOR COUNCIL TRANSPARENCY
A Pembrokeshire County Councillor has renewed his ongoing calls for Pembrokeshire County Council to publish on-line details of all spending over £500. Conservative Councillor for the Wiston Ward, David Howlett has made these calls after a daily newspaper published details of transactions made by the Council using a Purchase Card. It also comes after a Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr Howlett last year that Pembrokeshire County Council should publish details on-line of spending was rejected.
Commenting on the recent story, Cllr Howlett said,
"Having read explanations for various purchases that were raised in the Daily Telegraph, I have absolutley no issue with any of the transactions. However, I feel that had Pembrokeshire County Council decided to publish details of transactions such as these as I had suggested, the residents of Pembrokeshire and other interested parties could have looked at the transactions and explainations for themselves. By not publsihing this information, Pembrokeshire County Council along with other Councils, has been subject to Freedom of Information requests, where the paper in question has sensationalised the answers they received."
"In my view, it is far better to publsih this sort of information to allow interested parties to see it rather than have distorted articles appear in the national press. In light of this newspaper story, I am renewing my calls for Pembrokeshire County Council to publish on-line all spending over £500."
PEMBROKESHIRE POLITICIANS ATTEND DOWNING STREET MEETING
LOCAL POLITICIANS PAUL DAVIES AM AND STEPHEN CRABB MP PICTURED OUTSIDE 10 DOWNING STREET.
Preseli Pembrokeshire politicians Paul Davies AM and Stephen Crabb MP have recently attended a meeting at 10 Downing Street, London. The meeting, held by Prime Minister David Cameron was attended by Welsh Conservative MPs, the Welsh Conservative MEP, Kay Swinburne and was convened to discuss a number of issues affecting Wales.
Paul Davies said,
"I was extremely pleased to attend such an important meeting. It was a wonderful opportunity to liase with my colleagues in Westminster over some serious issues affecting Wales. As the Interim Leader of the Welsh Conservative Assembly Group, I will continue to liase with the Secretary of State on the isssues discussed and work alongside my colleagues to best serve the people of Wales. I also look forward to continue working jointly with Stephen as the local MP to ensure the interests of the people of Pembrokeshire are heard at the highest level as well."
Stephen Crabb added,
"It was a productive discussion and the Prime Minister was keen to hear our thoughts on a number of important matters. I was pleased to have the opportunity to raise again the future shape of the Coastguard Service which is of special significance to Pembrokeshire."
PAUL DAVIES NAMED INTERIM CONSERVATIVE ASSEMBLY LEADER
Following a unanimous decision at a joint meeting of the Welsh Conservative Assembly Group and Managment Board, Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies has been chosen as the interim Leader of the Welsh Conservative Group in the Welsh Assembly, replacing Nick Bourne.
Nick Bourne lost his Mid and West Wales regional seat on Thursday, although the Welsh Conservatives became the second largest party in the Assembly with 14 seats.
The process to appoint a permanent leader will begin on Wednesday May the 11th.
Commenting Paul said"I am delighted to be appointed interim Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly"
"This is an incredibly exciting time for our group. We are now the second biggest party in the National Assembly following a hugely successful election, and my job will focus on driving us forward during the start of this term"
"Not only did we gain seats this week, we are also now more representative, with four women AMs."
"While this remains a watershed time for the Welsh Conservatives, I also pay tribute to the man who got us to where we are today. In becoming unable to regain his regional seat, Nick Bourne has become a victim of his own great success. Tweleve years of his clear vision and leadership have powered the Welsh Conservatives forward. That is set in stone, and will always remain an integral part of our history"
"I look forward to assisting the Party through this positive period."
WELL DONE JAMES JEFFREYS
Preseli Pembrokeshire Conservatives would like to congratulate James Jeffreys on his result in the Rhondda Assembly Constituency.
In 2007 the Rhondda seat which was held by Leighton Andrews had Labour's highest vote in Wales, despite a national swing against Labour. This year Leighton Andrews increased the vote share by 4.9% polling 12650.
James, who grew up in Milford Haven polled third with 969 votes. At Cardiff University he was elected as Chairman of the Conservative Future branch and has helped rebuild and strengthen the society.
Standing as the Welsh Conservative Assembly Candidate will have been an invaluable experience for James, and will doubtless be the first step to something bigger.
PEMBROKESHIRE ALL BLUE ONCE AGAIN
Paul Davies successfully held the Preseli Pembrokeshire seat polling 11541 beating Terry Mills (Labour) into second place with 9366 .
Following the results, Paul Davies said.
"I am very, very pleased with the result. It's again an honour and privilege to represent the people of Preseli Pembrokeshire, and I look forward to doing it again in the next five years."
"I want to take this opportunity to thank the people of Preseli Pembrokeshire for continuing to put their confidence in me by re-electing me as their Assembly Member."
"I hope over the last four years I hace proved myself to be a politician who can work with other local politicians across the whole political spectrum for the benefit of our communities, and I want to reassure you that I will continue to fight for the interests of the people of Pembrokeshire and I will continue to put Pembrokeshire first."
Preseli Pembrokeshire Conservatives would also like to congratulate Angela Burns who held the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Assembly seat for the Conservatives.
Anglea polled 10095, a clear majority over Labour's Christine Gwyther who polled 8591 votes and Plaid Cymru's Nerys Evans who polled third with 8373 votes.
Angela is a highly effective Assembly Member, respected across the Chamber, and like Paul has fought for what is right for Pembrokeshire over the last four years. Her success is well deserved.
STEPHEN COMPLETES MARATHON IN 4HRS 40MINS
Despite the heat and sunshine Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb beat his personal best time, completing this years London Marathon in 4hrs 40mins on the 17th of April.
Stephen was running the marathon in aid of HOPE MS Therapy Centre in Pembrokeshire, who are celebrating their 25th year of commitment to the support and well-being of local MS sufferers.
Stephen running total is currently just over £2000.00 with a futher offline fundraising of £500. You can still donate by visiting http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/stephencrabbmp
ASSOCIATION MEMBER SELECTED AS CANDIDATE FOR RHONDDA
PPCA would like to wish James Jefferies who has been selected to stand as the Candidate for Rhondda the very best of luck during the Assembly campaign.
James was born in 1990 in Pembrokeshire and grew up in Milford Haven. Educated at the local comprehensive, he moved to Cardiff to pursue a degree in economics. James has worked for the family business from a young age playing an active role in developing both an effective marketing strategy and an online presence.
James joined the Party in 2007 and assisted in Stephen's General Election campaign here in Preseli Pembrokeshire as well as those in Cardiff North and Central. At Cardiff University James was elected as Chairman of the Conservative Future branch, and has helped rebuild and strengthen the society.
ASSOCIATION OFFICERS FOR 2011-12 ANNOUNCED AT ASSOCIATION AGM
At the Association AGM held on Saturday the 19th of Feburary the Officers for 2011-12 were announced. The Officers and their posts can be found on the About Us page of the website.
NEW WEBSITE DESIGNED TO COMPLIMENT THE 2011 ELECTION CAMPAIGN NOW ONLINE
Paul Davies AM has a new website designed to complement the 2011 election campaign Putting Pembrokeshire First You can volunteer to help in the campaign, find out the latest campaign news or subscribe to his email newsletter and much more. Please take a look at the site and recommend it to to your friends, family and colleagues.
MP TAKES ON MARATHON CHALLENGE TO SUPPORT HOPES'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY
HOPE CHAIRMAN, KEN BROMBLEY GIVING STEPHEN CRABB MP AND PCSO HELEN SCOTT THEIR RUNNING SHOES.
Preseli Pembrokeshire MP, Stephen Crabb, and local PCSO Helen Scott, will be running the London Marathon on Sunday 17th April in order to raise funds for HOPE MS Therapy Centre - the Pembrokeshire charity that is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Stephen decided to support HOPE MS Therapy Centre following several visits to the centre in Neyland to learn about how its services are helping those living with Multiple Sclerosis and Motor Neurone Disease.
"When I was asked by HOPE if I would consider running the Marathon to support their 25th anniversary fundraising efforts, I took a deep breath and agreed. It is a fantastic example of a truly Pembrokeshire charity which raises and spends all of its funding here in our community. It works with very limited resources but, thanks to the wonderful support of volunteers, is able to provide a range of services which is making a real difference to the quality of lives of many people."
"I am delighted to be running the Marathon this year with Helen to raise funds for HOPE. I started training after Christmas but there is a long way to go before I am ready for the 26 mile race. I can't say I am enjoying the early morning runs but I know the atmosphere on the day will be fantastic and just hope that Helen and I can raise as much money as possible for this wonderful charity."
Stephen and Helen have both run two previous marathons, in 2002 and 2007.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition of the central nervous system. It is the most common disabling neurological disease among young adults and affects around 100,000 people in the UK. MS is most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 40, and women are almost twice as likely to develop it as men.
Once diagnosed, MS stays with sufferers for life, but the treatments that HOPE provides help those suffering manage their condition. The HOPE Therapy Centre provides Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment and physiotherapy that alleviates the symptoms associated with MS, motor neurone disease. The centre also works in partnership with the Parkinson's Society who uses the facility weekly. They also offer advice and support to families, carers and individuals.
Chairman, Ken Brombley said,
"HOPE would not exist without the continued support from the local community and from donations made by businesses and individuals. We are delighted that Stephen and Helen have chosen to support HOPE in their marathon challenge which will help us to continue our vital services to the community."
To sponsor Stephen please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/stephencrabbmp or contact the office on 01437 767555.
SAY NO TO AV
On Thursday the 5th of May 2011 voters will be able to cast three votes at the polling station.
The first will be to elect your Constitueny Assembly Member in the Welsh Assembly Election, where we hope to re-elect Paul Davies as our Assembly Member.
Voters will also have a second Assembly vote for the regional list where we may be able to increase our representaion of Conservatives in the Mid and West Wales region by voting Welsh Conservative.
The third vote to take place on May 5th is for the referendum on changing our voting system. For the Welsh Conservative Party it is vital that we secure a NO vote to retain the "First Past The Post" electoral system.
Defeat would see our voting system changed forever, and be replaced with a complicated form of proportional representation that will not only increase the cost of holding elections but will also increase the length of time for the outcome to be announced.
Just one of the consequences of adopting AV would be that it will make it possible for voters and supporters of minor/extreme parties like the BNP to effectivley decide the result of the election with their second preferences in Constituencies where those parties have strong support. As as a result we could have some candidates associating theselves with parties like the BNP.
The NO to AV campaign is a cross party campaign formed to help ensure that we retain the current voting system for Westminster elections. If you wish to learn more about the NO to AV campaign you can get in touch with either Paul or Stephen or visit the NO to AV website.
DATE OF WELSH CONFERENCE RE-SCHEDULED TO 4TH-6TH OF MARCH
In what will be a real boost to the Assembly Election Campaign here in Wales, it has been agreed that the Party's Spring Forum will be held in Cardiff this year in conjunction with our Welsh Conference. This will be the weekend Friday 4th, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th of March 2011 at the SWALEC Stadium. This is tremendous news for the Welsh Conservatives, the has not been a UK Party Conference held in Wales for many, many years. Application forms will be circulated very shortly from the Cardiff office for Welsh delegates. For any further information please contact the Association Office.
NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN JAMES THICKITT
When I was elected as Association Chairman in February, I have to admit that I felt a bit like Bertie Wooster paying a long visit to Brinkley Manor surrounded by a gaggle of Aunts and with no Jeeves.
The reality of course is that I took over the Chairmanship of a strong and proactive Association that has gone from strength to strength thanks to the leadership provided by the previous two Chairmen along with the teams of Officers, members of the Executive Commitee and the hard work of Association members. I cannot thank the "Aunts" and Members along with Stephen and Paul for the guidance, support and understanding.
This year saw the Association's achievements in the County Council Elections recognised in David Cameron's speech during the Welsh Conference in March. We saw new members joining who have taken an active role, and over 25 delegates from the Association attending the National Conference in October- a fact which did not go unnoticed by Cheryl Gillam
Of course this year's biggest achievement for the Association was Stephen retaining the Parliamentary seat with an increase of just under 4000 votes, and then going on to join the Government as an Assitant Whip. This was not just a reflection of how well Stephen has represented the Constituency. It was also due everyone who helped during the campaign, both Association members and non members. I'ld like to thank everyone who delivered a few leaflets, or stuffed some envelopes, or put a poster in their garden or window, or were part of one of the massive canvassing teams. A little effort by everyone created a powerful election campaign.
This year we have it all to do again to help Paul retain the Assembly seat. I'm sure you'll all agree that there isn't an Assembly Member who has been more committed to their Constituency than Paul.
On a personal level, this year I attended my first National Conference, where I learnt the art of balancing which fringe event was the most interesting and which one provided the best food.
There were many highs during the Conference, one being meeting John Redwood MP, the first MP I ever met (I was 16 or 17 and he was Secretary of State for Wales) after attending one of his early morning fringe events.
But on balance I can't decide whether the biggest highlight was being in the audience on Newsnight or being in the group making their way through the conference Hall and bumping into Boris, where one of our party accosted him for a photo and was close to fainting as he went on his way. Poor Boris looked a bit shell shocked as well!
Finally I'ld like to thank you all for your support.
NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM STEPHEN CRABB MP
Thank you for all your support and encouragement during 2010. It has been a momentous year for our local Association. Our resounding election victory in Preseli Pembrokeshire in May has helped give Britain a Conservative Prime Minister once again. It is a privilege to be asked by David Cameron to join the new Government and, although the road ahead remains very difficult for the country, I believe that the steps we are taking to fix the economy are the right ones.
Please do stay in close touch. It is more important than ever to hear the views and concerns of both Party members and constituents.
NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM PAUL DAVIES AM
It has been an honour and a privilege to represent the people of Preseli Pembrokeshire at the National Assembly for Wales in the last three and a half years. The next few months will again be a busy time given the fact that the Assembly Election campaign will start in April. In the meantime there will be a referendum on further powers for the Assembly on the 3rd of March.
It has already been a busy period given that we have been sending thousands of surveys to Preseli Pembrokeshire residents asking for their views on the issues that matter to them. The response has been fantastic. One of the main issues that currently worries my constituents is the future of Withybush Hospital. People are very concerned given that we have seen some services being transfered away from the hospital in recent months. I want to reassure all my constituents that I will continue to lobby both the Local Health Board and the Minister for Health and Social Services to retain health services here in Pembrokeshire.
I would like to think that the slogan I have been using throughout my tenure as the local Assembly Member of "Putting Pembrokeshire First" has been at the heart of everything I have done in the last few years.
