SWANSEA: Council leader rules out suing new Welsh Government over city-centre offices deal — as a revived WDA could hold the key

Construction of the office building — known as Block B, the first phase of the new public sector hub being built as the council’s new home at the former St David’s site — is due to step up within weeks, with work starting on site in July and completion targeted for early 2028.

But a key question still hangs over it: who, beyond the council itself, will fill it.

The deal that was signed — then left in limbo

The council and the previous Labour-led Welsh Government exchanged letters of intent before the Senedd election to bring Welsh Government staff into the new hub.

The proposal centred on relocating staff from the government’s offices near junction 47 of the M4 at Penllergaer — where average daily attendance was running at just 10% in early 2025 — into the city centre, with the council potentially taking on the Penllergaer building in return.

Then the election came, Plaid Cymru took power, and the new administration said it would review its office estate before committing to anything.

That left the council waiting to find out whether the deal would survive the change of government.

‘It would be ill-advised’

Pressed at a scrutiny panel this week on whether the council could hold the new government to the letter of intent, leader Rob Stewart was blunt about the idea of legal action.

He said it would be “ill-advised” for the council’s first dealing with the new administration to be taking it to court — particularly when the two sides had yet to even meet.

Stewart said he was due to meet Adam Price — the new government’s economy minister, who holds the enterprise and energy brief — in due course, in both his role as council leader and as deputy leader of the Welsh Local Government Association, where he speaks on the economy and energy. He hoped to open “productive discussions” with Cardiff.

He argued the new government was reasonably taking time to review its position, but stressed the letter of intent still stood.

Notably, he pointed out that the officials advising on the technical detail were the same under both administrations — so he hoped the advice given to the previous government would be “consistent” with what the new ministers were now told.

The WDA twist

The more intriguing possibility raised at the meeting was that the new government’s own plans could end up helping fill the disputed building.

Plaid has spoken of wanting to see “some form of WDA” — a revived version of the Welsh Development Agency, the economic body abolished in 2006.

There is a neat irony in that. The Penllergaer offices at the heart of the proposed swap were originally built for the WDA, and were never fully occupied after the agency was wound up.

Stewart said he had always believed such functions should be regionally based, and that he would press the case for a revived WDA — or at least part of it — to be located in Swansea, ideally in the city centre, where he argued it would have more economic impact than an out-of-town site.

As economy minister, Adam Price would be central to any such decision.

Why it matters

For Swansea, the stakes are straightforward: hundreds of public sector workers in the city centre would mean daily footfall for shops, cafés and businesses at a time when the centre is being remade around them.

The council’s own move into the hub is already locked in, driven by its planned exit from the ageing seafront Civic Centre, which secured a £20m UK Government funding boost for its own redevelopment earlier this year.

What remains unresolved is how much more of the new building will be brought to life — and whether a deal struck under one government survives under another.

A meeting between the council leader and the new economy minister is expected to be the next step.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Labour signed a deal to move Welsh Government offices to the city centre
Plaid Cymru has so far declined to confirm whether it will honour the pre-election agreement.

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£20m boost for Swansea Civic Centre
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GREEN STEEL DELAY: ‘No formal change’ to furnace timetable — as row breaks out over who knew what

A political row has broken out in the Senedd over who knew what — and when — about the delay to Port Talbot‘s £1.25bn electric arc furnace.

News that the furnace could be delayed by up to eight months because of a hold-up to its National Grid power connection emerged on 7 June — days after a major fire at the steelworks’ Cold Mill.

Welsh Conservative shadow minister for economy, energy and planning Janet Finch-Saunders MS raised the issue during an emergency statement in the Senedd on Wednesday following the fire — saying that while attention had focused on the blaze, concerns about delays to the furnace may have been known for weeks.

It was reported on 7 June that Tata Steel had discussed potential delays linked to National Grid connectivity issues with “investors” during a conference call around a month earlier.

Ms Finch-Saunders is seeking clarity on whether those “investors” included the UK Government — which is putting £500m towards the £1.25bn project.

“If UK Government Ministers were aware of the issue a month ago, were Welsh Government Ministers informed? If Welsh Government were not informed, why not? If Welsh Government were informed, why did the Economy Minister tell the Senedd today that he only became aware of the delay on Monday?” she said.

“We now need a clear timeline setting out exactly when concerns first emerged and who was told. Port Talbot workers and their families deserve answers.”

The Welsh Conservatives are also seeking clarification on whether any of the £80m transition fund established by the previous UK Conservative government — to support workers at risk of losing their jobs — remains available if the delays create further financial problems for affected workers.

But First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth defended his government’s handling of the situation — telling the Senedd that Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Adam Price had spoken directly with Tata Steel UK’s chief executive the previous day.

“My government is determined to do all that we can to support investment at TATA,” he said. “My minister for enterprise, connectivity and energy did speak yesterday with Tata Steel UK’s Chief Executive Officer in order to discuss the way ahead in terms of the electricity connection.

“Many of the powers of course are in the hands of the UK Government, but we will do everything in our powers as a Welsh Government to facilitate progress towards the delivery of that investment. That is why my minister acted so quickly.”

The First Minister also took aim at opposition parties’ records on steel: “The contribution made last year by Reform was to say that they wanted to bring back a defunct blast furnace to secure the future of Port Talbot, while my party put plans on the table that could have retained, we believe, virgin steel making in Port Talbot.”

Meanwhile, Aberafan Maesteg MP Stephen Kinnock — whose constituency includes the steelworks — said he had met Tata for a briefing on the implications of the fire, and revealed the company is looking at reviving its mothballed cold mill at Llanwern to maintain supply to customers.

“They have acted at speed to limit disruption and are looking at options to maintain supply to their customers, including by reviving the previously mothballed cold mill in Llanwern,” he said in a statement issued on 10 June. “Tata are working with the unions to look at the deployment / re-deployment of personnel working across both the Pickle Line and Cold Mill at Port Talbot.”

On the furnace delay, Mr Kinnock said: “I also received an update on reports of potential delays to the EAF project. There is no formal change in the timetable at this stage and National Grid, UK Government and Tata Steel are continuing to work together to deliver the project in a timely fashion.”

He also thanked firefighters “for their efforts in bringing the blaze under control and the professionalism of Tata’s workforce”, saying the response meant there were “thankfully no injuries”.

The electric arc furnace is the centrepiece of Tata’s transition at Port Talbot following the closure of the works’ blast furnaces, and the connection delay has already prompted cross-party calls for answers from Tata and National Grid — with former Aberavon MS David Rees among those calling for National Grid to face penalties over the hold-up.

The Welsh Government’s response to the delay — and the Conservatives’ demand for a timeline — comes with the steelworks still recovering from the Cold Mill fire, which burned for two days earlier this month and caused part of the building to collapse.

Answers to the questions of who knew about the delay, and when, are now awaited from both governments.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

GREEN STEEL: Port Talbot’s £1.25bn furnace could be delayed by up to eight months over power hold-up
How the delay first emerged.

GREEN STEEL DELAY: Cross-party calls for answers over Port Talbot furnace setback as politicians press Tata and National Grid
The political reaction to the setback.

PORT TALBOT: Steelworks fire burns into a second day as part of the building collapses — with union warning over jobs
The fire at the works earlier this month.

CARDIFF AIRPORT: First direct WestJet flight from Toronto touches down — restoring Wales’ first direct link to Canada in nearly 20 years

Wales is back on the map for direct transatlantic travel — after the first WestJet flight from Toronto landed at Cardiff Airport on Saturday, restoring a direct link between Wales and Canada that has been missing for nearly 20 years.

The Boeing 737-8 MAX touched down on the runway at Rhoose to a traditional water cannon salute from the airport’s fire crews — a ceremonial welcome reserved for inaugural flights and other major aviation milestones.

The new four-times-a-week service had been first announced last year, and the launch follows months of preparation at the south Wales hub. Passengers on board the inaugural flight were greeted by a local Penarth choir, Criw Canu, who sang Welsh songs at the foot of the aircraft steps as the crew disembarked.

Toronto Pearson International Airport is one of the largest aviation hubs in North America, with onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States — including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver, Florida and New York.

The launch was attended by Plaid Cymru leader and Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, alongside the Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, and senior figures from Visit Wales.

Adam Price MS said the new service was a major moment for Wales’ economic prospects.

He said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.”

He added: “Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow — and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK. Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

While Saturday’s launch restores direct flights between Wales and North America, there is still no sign of a return for Qatar Airways — the Middle East carrier whose Doha route gave Cardiff Airport its only direct link to the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australasia until it was suspended during the pandemic and never restored. The Welsh Conservatives called earlier this year for the route’s return to be made an “utmost priority” for the Welsh Government, which owns the airport.

The launch also comes during a period of significant change at the airport. Earlier this month it appointed a new cargo expert as part of its push to become a regional freight hub.

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, said: “Today is a landmark moment for Cardiff Airport and Wales. The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.”

He added: “We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”

Chris White-DeVries, WestJet’s Senior Manager for Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the new route was an exciting milestone for the airline as well as the communities it would serve.

He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities. Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”

The new service is seasonal — running through the summer months — and will operate four times a week. Flights from Toronto to Cardiff depart at 22:10 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Return flights from Cardiff to Toronto depart at 11:35 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Cardiff Airport says it supports thousands of jobs across south Wales and contributes more than £200 million annually to the Welsh economy. The airport operates both the main commercial terminal at Rhoose and the nearby St Athan Airport site.

Earlier this month Swansea Bay News published a guide to what to do in Toronto for passengers planning to take advantage of the new route.

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CARDIFF AIRPORT: Direct flights to Toronto launch in three weeks — here’s why Canada’s most exciting city should be on your radar this summer
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SENEDD: South-west Wales politicians take key roles as Rhun ap Iorwerth names his first Plaid Cymru Cabinet

Rhun ap Iorwerth has wasted no time in putting his stamp on the Welsh Government, naming a full Cabinet within hours of being confirmed as First Minister — and going with experience, with politicians from south-west Wales given some of its most significant roles.

The most senior appointment from the region is Sioned Williams, one of the six Members of the Senedd elected for the Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd constituency, who has been named Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Social Justice and Equality. Williams, who served as a Plaid Cymru MS in the sixth Senedd, becomes the second most powerful figure in the Welsh Government — a remarkable rise that places a familiar face from the region at the very top of Welsh politics.

Speaking after her appointment, she said she was “humbled” to have been named Deputy First Minister. “This Government for all is committed to turning promise into immediate action for the people of Wales,” she said, pledging to focus immediately on the childcare offer and tackling child poverty.

Adam Price, who was elected in Sir Gaerfyrddin after returning to the Senedd from third on Plaid’s list, has been handed the brief for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy. The former Plaid Cymru leader, who previously served as MP and then MS for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr before stepping down as leader in 2023, returns to the frontline of Welsh politics with one of the most economically significant briefs in the Cabinet.

Cefin Campbell, who topped the poll in Sir Gaerfyrddin as Plaid’s lead candidate in Carmarthenshire, has been appointed Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education. A former MS who served in the sixth Senedd, Campbell is a well-known figure across the county — his brother Darrel, a teacher at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford, was among those caught up in the knife attack at the school in April 2024, an incident that shocked communities across the region.

The three appointments reflect ap Iorwerth’s clear decision to go with experience for his first Cabinet. Williams, Price and Campbell all served in the previous Senedd, giving the new administration a significant bedrock of knowledge and political credibility from day one in government.

The full Cabinet also includes Elin Jones as Cabinet Minister for Finance — a significant appointment given the questions already raised about Welsh Government funding commitments under the new administration, including the 75% funding pledge for the new Ysgol Heol Goffa in Llanelli.

Heledd Fychan has been appointed Trefnydd — the Welsh Government’s equivalent of Leader of the House, responsible for managing the government’s legislative programme and business in the Senedd — alongside her role as Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport.

Other Cabinet appointments include Mabon ap Gwynfor for Health and Care, Anna Brychan for Education and the Welsh Language, and Siân Gwenllian for Local Government, Housing and Planning.

Ap Iorwerth said the Cabinet would have a “relentless focus on doing what’s best for Wales.” He added: “United and filled with talent and experience ready to serve, my government will believe in the art of the possible, working as one team every day to improve the lives of the people of Wales.”

Welsh Labour said it would play an active role in holding the new government to account. A spokesperson said: “We look forward to being an effective opposition, scrutinising and holding the new Welsh Government to account. We’re living in a world with much uncertainty and all governments face challenges. No one knows better than our party that it is a privilege to govern and that immense responsibility now rests on different shoulders.”

Dan Thomas MS, Leader of Reform Wales, offered a cautious welcome while stressing his party’s intention to scrutinise the government. “The people of Wales need this Cabinet to deliver,” he said. “Our NHS, our schools and our economy need urgent change, and while I may disagree with Plaid, we all need them to succeed.”

He added: “We will scrutinise their actions and work to ensure that their attention is on our public services and not Welsh independence.”

With Cabinet now in place, Wales’ first Plaid Cymru government is formally up and running — just 24 hours after ap Iorwerth was confirmed as First Minister in the Senedd on Tuesday, ending 27 years of Labour leadership of the Welsh Government.

More on the new Welsh Government

Rhun ap Iorwerth confirmed as First Minister as Plaid Cymru makes history
How Wales’s first Plaid Cymru First Minister was confirmed in the Senedd.

Sir Gaerfyrddin: Reform and Plaid take three seats each as Labour wiped out
The Carmarthenshire result that returned Adam Price and Cefin Campbell to Cardiff Bay.

Mike Hedges warns Wales could face another election next year
The challenges facing the new minority government from day one.

Plaid Cymru largest party, Reform UK historic breakthrough — the new political map of Wales
The full story of the election that changed Welsh politics forever.

SENEDD SHAKE-UP: Winners and losers revealed as First Minister on course to lose seat

A major new YouGov poll has sent shockwaves through Welsh politics — with projections suggesting the First Minister could lose her seat and Labour suffer heavy losses across west Wales.

The YouGov poll, using detailed constituency modelling for ITV Wales and Cardiff University, points to a Senedd transformed — with Plaid Cymru emerging as the largest party and Reform UK surging into second place.

Wales-wide picture: Plaid on top as Senedd expands

Across Wales, the poll suggests a dramatic shift in power as the Senedd prepares to expand from 60 to 96 members under a new electoral system.

Plaid Cymru is projected to win 43 seats, making it the largest party but still short of an overall majority.

Reform UK is forecast to take 30 seats — a huge leap for a party that has never fought a Senedd election before.

Labour is projected to fall to just 12 seats, with the Greens on 10, while the Conservatives collapse to a single MS and the Liberal Democrats fail to win any representation.

The key number is 49 — the threshold needed for a majority in the new Senedd.

Under these projections, Plaid Cymru and the Greens together would hold 53 seats, enough to form a government without Labour.

Analysts say the results point to a fragmented but firmly left-leaning Senedd — with Plaid in the strongest position to lead the next government.

Gŵyr Abertawe: big names miss out

In Gŵyr Abertawe, Labour would return incumbent MS Mike Hedges, who tops the party’s list.

But there would be no seat for Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart, who sits second — despite his high-profile role in recent national debates.

Reform UK would secure two seats, meaning former Conservative-turned-Reform councillor Francesca O’Brien would be elected alongside Steven Rodaway.

Plaid Cymru would return Gwyn Williams and Safa Elhassan, while West Cross councillor Chris Evans would take a seat for the Greens.

Sir Gaerfyrddin: Plaid dominance, Labour wiped out

In Sir Gaerfyrddin, Plaid Cymru is projected to dominate with four seats — returning Cefin Campbell, former Assembly Member Nerys Evans, ex-party leader Adam Price and Mari Arthur.

Reform would take the remaining two seats, with Gareth Beer — who came close to winning Llanelli at the last general election — joined by Carmelo Colasanto.

Labour is not projected to win a single seat in the constituency.

Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd: four-way split

In Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, the result is finely balanced across four parties.

Plaid would return Sioned Williams and Rebeca Phillips, while Reform would elect James Evans and Iain Charles McIntosh.

Labour would hold onto one seat through Mahaboob Basha BEM — as previously reported when he topped Labour’s list for the area — while Neath Port Talbot councillor Nathan Goldup John would take a seat for the Greens.

The result would see Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds miss out on a seat in the constituency.

Afan Ogwr Rhondda: Labour heartland shaken

In Afan Ogwr Rhondda, Plaid is projected to take three seats, with Sera Evans, Alun Geraint Cox and Elyn Stephens all elected.

Reform would secure two seats through Benjamin McKenna and Sarah Cooper Lesard.

Labour would be reduced to a single representative — Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies — with current Rhondda MS Buffy Williams losing her place.

The result signals a major shift in one of Labour’s traditional strongholds.

Ceredigion Penfro: First Minister loses seat

In Ceredigion Penfro, Plaid would again lead with three seats, returning Elin Jones alongside Kerry Elizabeth Ferguson and Anna Nicholl.

Reform would take two seats through Susan Claire Archibald and Paul Marr, while Amy Nicholass would be elected for the Greens.

Crucially, Labour is not projected to win any representation here — meaning First Minister Eluned Morgan would lose her seat.

The constituency would also see senior Conservatives Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz both miss out.

Big picture: political map redrawn

Across west Wales, the projections point to a dramatic political shift — with Reform UK emerging as a major force and traditional parties losing ground.

Despite the upheaval, Plaid Cymru remains the dominant party across every constituency in the region.

For voters, the implications are significant — from who represents their communities to how decisions are made on key issues like healthcare, transport and the cost of living.

With the election approaching, these results suggest one thing above all else — the political landscape in west Wales is changing fast.

And for some of Wales’ biggest political names, this could mark the end of the road.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

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Fresh cash call to bring back lost West Wales rail line

Traws Link Cymru, set up in 2013, wants to reinstate the route axed in the 1960s Beeching Cuts. They say poor roads and patchy rail links are choking Mid and West Wales, leaving communities cut off and opportunities wasted.

“Realising the potential of this region requires vision, planning and inward investment. But the poor communications network remains a major drawback,” the group said.

‘Kick‑start regeneration’

The campaign argues new tracks would kick‑start economic and social regeneration, opening up tourism, agriculture and small industries. They point to three university campuses, the National Library of Wales, the Royal Commission for Ancient and Historic Monuments, and S4C’s headquarters — all hampered by poor transport.

Supporters say journeys of less than 50 miles can take hours, underlining the lack of direct north‑south connectivity.

Political row over the line

The future of the route has become a political flashpoint. Plaid Senedd member, Adam Price has accused ministers of failing to act and warned the project is at risk unless the Welsh Government formally protects the corridor from development.

“It is not acceptable for the Welsh Government to essentially wash their hands of this commitment. They are dragging their feet and putting this whole project at risk.”

A feasibility study in 2018 put the cost of reopening at £775 million, but campaigners argue little progress has been made since. More recent estimates suggest the bill could rise to around £2 billion. Critics say it’s a huge price tag with no guarantee of political backing. Campaigners counter that the benefits — jobs, investment and national cohesion — would outweigh the costs.

Transport Secretary Ken Skates has pushed back, warning that land protections could harm communities.

“Putting land protections in place for the reopening of sections of railway lines can risk creating blight to landowners, it can have a potential economic cost to communities, and there would also be the obvious ongoing resourcing cost to maintain the protections.”

He added that reopening remains a longer‑term option, subject to full value‑for‑money tests.

Local voices demand action

Community campaigner and independent Senedd candidate for Caerfyrddin, Carl Peters‑Bond, says the time for delay is over.

“This rail link should have been rebuilt decades ago. Communities across West Wales have been left waiting while investment pours into Cardiff and the Valleys.”

He said stations at Llandysul, Llanybydder and Lampeter must be part of the plan to serve towns that have been overlooked.

“People are tired of political point‑scoring. What we need now is real investment in infrastructure that connects our communities, supports local businesses, and gives young people a reason to stay in West Wales.”

Carl added that the project is about fairness as much as transport.

“If we want a stronger, fairer Wales, we need to stop talking and start building. West Wales deserves the same opportunities as the rest of the country — and that starts with laying tracks.”

Traws Link Cymru say their crowdfunding page is live at JustGiving, with donations going towards campaign costs including meetings, advertising and lobbying.

https://vimeo.com/103641050?fl=pl&fe=sh

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

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In Pictures: Supporters join Save Our Scarlets march through Llanelli

The Save Our Scarlets march brought supporters onto the streets of Llanelli this afternoon, as fans walked from Sandy Water Park to Parc y Scarlets ahead of the Munster match.

The event was filled with colour, banners and song, as supporters voiced their determination to protect the region’s future.

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Save Our Scarlets march set to bring thousands onto Llanelli’s streets today

The Save Our Scarlets march begins at 1pm from Sandy Water Park, with fans walking the historic route past the old Stradey Park rugby posts and through the town centre before finishing at Parc y Scarlets ahead of the club’s opening United Rugby Championship fixture against Munster.

The demonstration comes at the end of the WRU’s consultation on the future of the game in Wales, which has sparked widespread fears for the Scarlets’ survival.

“The thought of losing the Scarlets is unthinkable”

Organiser Andrew Gough, originally from Aberystwyth, said he has “Scarlets fever”:

“The thought of losing the Scarlets is unthinkable. Being from Aberystwyth originally, I know first hand that the Scarlets are the heartbeat in the communities of the whole of west Wales, a huge part of our region’s identity. For example, we’re the only club where you hear Welsh songs being proudly sung in the stands. The Scarlets is one of the few remaining institutions left in Llanelli, they are the pride of the town. They attract thousands of visitors every year, playing a vital role in supporting the local economy.”

He added that today’s march would be “a massive day for the club”, with Scarlets legend Rupert Moon opening proceedings, choirs leading supporters in song, and former players joining fans along the route.

Supporters are being urged to wear Scarlets colours, bring flags and banners, and join the march at any of the staging points along the way — including Boots in the town centre, Farmfoods on Swansea Road, and the Halfway on Glyncoed Terrace.

Organisers call for unity

Fellow organiser Helen Davies said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Scarlets fans to come and show how much the club means to them, and we are expecting a large number of people to attend from across the region as a whole, not just Llanelli.”

Catherine Davies added:

“Rugby means more to the fans than raw data, which is something that I don’t think the WRU have understood in their consultation. After all, what is the point of sport without fans?”

Political backing

The campaign has drawn support across the political spectrum.

Plaid Cymru representatives Cefin Campbell MS, Ann Davies MP and Adam Price MS issued a joint statement declaring their “fundamental opposition” to any plan that risks the dissolution of the Scarlets. They warned that losing professional rugby in west Wales would be “disastrous” for the region’s economy, identity and grassroots pathways.

Meanwhile, Llanelli’s Labour MP Dame Nia Griffith has also spoken out, insisting that Parc y Scarlets must remain central to Welsh rugby’s future. She described the stadium as “the best regional rugby stadium in Wales”, highlighting its facilities, transport links and role in developing youth and women’s rugby. Griffith argued that keeping a strong regional presence west of the Loughor bridge is “essential” if the production line of talent and community pathways is to survive.

Together, the interventions underline the breadth of political opposition to any WRU plan that could see the Scarlets disappear.

Matchday build‑up

The march will culminate at Parc y Scarlets ahead of the Scarlets’ first home game of the season against Munster. The club has confirmed a full programme of pre‑match activities, including live music, family entertainment and community events details on the Scarlets website.

Travel advice

Drivers are advised to expect disruption along the march route and to plan journeys accordingly.

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Cefin Campbell named as Plaid Cymru’s lead candidate for Carmarthenshire Senedd election

Plaid Cymru has confirmed its team of candidates for the new Sir Gaerfyrddin Senedd constituency ahead of the 2026 election.

The party is aiming to return a strong group of Senedd Members to represent Sir Gâr following a major opinion poll that puts Plaid Cymru on course to become the largest party in the Senedd – ahead of Reform, Labour, and the Conservatives.

Cefin Campbell, current Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales and Plaid’s spokesperson for education and champion for rural communities has been named as the party’s lead candidate.

Former member for Mid and West Wales, Nerys Evans has been selected in second place as part of party rules to ensure equality, mandating that candidates selected second must be a woman.

Nerys Evans authored the Prosiect Pawb report was published in May 2023 concluding that there was ”a culture of harassment, bullying and misogyny” within the party, that led to Adam Price stepping down as leader.

Former party leader and current Senedd Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, Adam Price has been selected in third place. With Plaid likely to get only two seats in the six-seat constituency due to the new proportional representation voting system, this is likely to mean the end of Price’s Senedd tenure.

Fourth place on the party’s list has been given to Mari Arthur, a former parliamentary candidate for the party in Llanelli.

Cefin Campbell, said: “It’s an honour to once again stand for an area that means so much to me. I’ve spent my career fighting for fairer funding, stronger rural services, a stronger education system that leaves no one behind, and opportunities for our young people to thrive closer to home.

“This election is Wales’s opportunity to do something different – and better. A Plaid Cymru government would stand up to Westminster and deliver on the priorities that matter to people here and across our nation: health, wealth, and a fairer future for all.”

Nerys Evans, added: “People are telling us they want change. Many are disillusioned with Labour and are looking for a new home. 

“Plaid Cymru is the only credible pro-Wales option that will stand up to Reform and I’m proud to be part of a team that will take that message to every doorstep in Sir Gar – my home.

Adam Price said: “I would like to thank the members that showed me support during this process and congratulate Cefin on topping the list. 

“The task now is for our team of candidates to work together and ensure our best ever result in Sir Gar at the next Senedd elections.” 

Mari Arthur said: “I’m passionate about building a greener, fairer Wales and I’m proud to stand with this team of experienced and committed candidates to offer people real hope, real solutions, and a real alternative to the stale politics of the past.”

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