‘Respect the democratic vote’: Rob Stewart backs Mike Hedges after anonymous Welsh Labour call for him to quit Senedd seat

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart has publicly thrown his weight behind Mike Hedges – declaring his “full support” for the city’s only Welsh Labour MS and insisting voters’ democratic verdict at the ballot box must be respected.

The intervention comes less than 24 hours after Swansea Bay News reported that a senior Welsh Labour figure had urged Hedges to resign mid-term to make way for Stewart – meaning the Council leader could enter the Senedd without facing the electorate again.

Stewart – who was Welsh Labour’s second-placed candidate on the Gwyr Abertawe list and was not elected last week – publicly rejected that route in a statement posted to his Facebook account on Sunday afternoon.

“Let me be clear,” Stewart said. “As a democratic nation we should all respect the democratic vote and decision of the public.”

The Council leader said Hedges had been rightly elected at the top of the Welsh Labour list and had his backing.

“Each party ranks its candidates in the new list system and Mike was top of our list and was rightly elected,” Stewart said. “He has my full support.”

Stewart also pointedly underlined how the new D’Hondt voting system works – and the fact that any seat replacement would happen without a public vote.

“Under the new system any candidate stepping down is replaced by someone from the same party – the next on their list,” he said. “There are no by-elections in this system.”

The Council leader explained the reasoning behind that mechanic, saying voters had been asked to back a party rather than an individual.

“This is because it’s a PR system,” he said. “And in that system the voters are asked to vote for a party – not a person.”

The statement marks the most significant public intervention so far from any Welsh Labour figure in Swansea on the question of mid-term resignations – and effectively shuts down the suggestion that Stewart would accept a back-door route into the Senedd.

It comes after Swansea Bay News reported on Saturday that a senior Welsh Labour figure – speaking anonymously to Welsh political journalist Will Hayward – had urged Hedges and fellow long-serving Welsh Labour MS Lynne Neagle to resign mid-term to allow second-placed candidates on Welsh Labour’s lists to take their seats.

The same source had branded Welsh Labour “functionally broken” and called for a total overhaul of the party – accusing it of a decade-long failure to confront its own decline.

Stewart’s statement neither names the anonymous source nor responds directly to the wider criticisms levelled at the party – instead focusing on the specific question of Hedges’ position and the legitimacy of the democratic process.

The Council leader’s full backing of Hedges is significant. As the second-placed candidate on the Welsh Labour list, Stewart would be the direct beneficiary of any Hedges resignation – and his public rejection of that route effectively rules out one of the scenarios floated by the anonymous Welsh Labour source.

Hedges himself has not commented publicly on the anonymous call for him to step down.

The Welsh Labour party has not formally responded to either intervention.

Welsh Labour was reduced to just nine seats at last week’s Senedd election, down from 30 in the previous Senedd, with the party wiped out entirely in six constituencies. Mike Hedges is the only Welsh Labour Member of the Senedd for Swansea.

Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party with 43 seats, with Reform UK securing a historic 34 seats. Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth is expected to lead a minority government as Wales’ next First Minister.

Stewart – who has been Council leader since 2017 – will remain in his role at Swansea Council, where Welsh Labour holds an overall majority and is expected to face the city’s voters at the council elections next year.

Our Senedd Election 2026 coverage

Mike Hedges should quit Senedd seat for Rob Stewart, senior Welsh Labour figure says
The anonymous intervention that branded Welsh Labour ‘functionally broken’ and called for two MSs to make way for new talent.

Mike Hedges warns Wales could face another election next year
The newly re-elected Swansea Labour MS on the prospect of an early Senedd election if Plaid’s first budget falls.

Gwyr Abertawe: Plaid top the poll as Reform UK and Labour also take seats
How Swansea voted – and how Mike Hedges held on as the city’s only Welsh Labour MS.

Rhun ap Iorwerth to lead Plaid minority government
What happens next as Plaid prepares to take power.

Ken Skates appointed interim Welsh Labour leader
Welsh Labour picks up the pieces after being reduced to nine seats.

#CllrRobStewart #GŵyrAbertawe #MikeHedges #MikeHedgesMS #RobStewart #SeneddElection2026 #WelshLabour

SWANSEA: Mike Hedges should quit Senedd seat for Rob Stewart, senior Welsh Labour figure says in scathing attack on ‘functionally broken’ party

Newly re-elected Swansea Member of the Senedd Mike Hedges should resign mid-term to make way for new talent – and his replacement could be Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart, walking into the Senedd without facing voters again.

That is the explosive demand from a senior Welsh Labour figure who has launched a scathing attack on the party’s record – declaring Welsh Labour “functionally broken” and accusing it of a decade-long failure to confront its own decline.

The intervention – first reported by Welsh political journalist Will Hayward – comes less than 48 hours after Hedges held on as the only Welsh Labour MS for Swansea following the party’s catastrophic election defeat.

The senior Welsh Labour source, who is not named, said it was “perhaps too much to hope” that Hedges and fellow long-serving Welsh Labour MS Lynne Neagle would realise they should resign mid-term to let “talented, second-place candidates” take their seats.

That second-place candidate in Swansea is Rob Stewart – meaning the leader of Swansea Council could enter Wales’ parliament without facing the electorate again, if Hedges were to step aside.

Under the new D’Hondt voting system used at this week’s election, when a sitting MS resigns mid-term their seat passes to the next eligible candidate on their party’s list – rather than triggering a by-election.

Stewart was not elected at this week’s election. Plaid Cymru topped the poll in Gwyr Abertawe with three seats, Reform UK took two, and Hedges held on as Welsh Labour’s number one candidate. Stewart, sitting in second place on the list, missed out as Welsh Labour’s vote collapsed across the city.

The senior figure’s broader assessment of the party was devastating.

Welsh Labour, the source said, “requires a total overhaul; it is functionally broken and will not be fixed overnight.”

The defeat had been “a decade in the making” – they argued – claiming Welsh Labour had repeatedly avoided an honest reckoning with its record in government and instead chosen “to paper over the cracks.”

The source took aim at Welsh Labour’s recent campaign messaging, dismissing slogans such as “partnership in power” and “two governments working together” as vapid – and arguing the party had abandoned its mantle as the party that would stand up for Wales.

Blame for the result, they said, lay across the party – with MSs who failed to step up in the Senedd, with MPs who spent years chasing Reform UK voters and with party factions and unions who had “treated leadership contests as personality contests” or “extensions of Westminster paranoia.”

The source argued that rushing into a permanent leadership contest would be a mistake – calling instead for potential candidates to be required to listen to voters first and present a concrete plan for the future.

The intervention also called for Welsh Labour to scrap the deputy leader role entirely, or fundamentally redefine it.

And in a striking line, the source warned others not to scapegoat party staff for the defeat. “Watch out for those who pin defeat mostly on the staff,” they said – “and then ask what their voter contact rate was.”

The intervention is the latest sign of significant internal turmoil within Welsh Labour following the historic election result, in which the party was reduced from 30 seats in the previous Senedd to just nine.

It comes only hours after Welsh Labour’s new interim leader Ken Skates – elected unanimously by the new Welsh Labour group on Saturday morning – acknowledged the scale of the defeat and admitted the party “got it wrong.”

Welsh Labour has not formally responded to the comments. Mike Hedges has not commented publicly on the suggestion that he should resign mid-term, and Rob Stewart has not commented on whether he would take a Senedd seat through such a route.

The new 96-seat Senedd will sit for the first time in the coming weeks, with Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth set to lead a minority government following his party’s election as the largest in the chamber with 43 seats.

Reform UK secured a historic 34 seats and Welsh Labour just nine, with the Welsh Conservatives on seven, the Wales Green Party on two and the Welsh Liberal Democrats on one.

Swansea Bay News will continue to cover developments as the new Welsh Labour leadership contest takes shape and the new Welsh Government is formed.

Our Senedd Election 2026 coverage

Mike Hedges warns Wales could face another election next year
The newly re-elected Swansea Labour MS on the prospect of an early Senedd election if Plaid’s first budget falls.

Gwyr Abertawe: Plaid top the poll as Reform UK and Labour also take seats
How Swansea voted – and how Mike Hedges held on as the city’s only Welsh Labour MS.

Rhun ap Iorwerth to lead Plaid minority government after historic victory ends 27 years of Labour rule
What happens next as Plaid prepares to take power.

Ken Skates appointed interim Welsh Labour leader after historic Senedd defeat
Welsh Labour picks up the pieces after being reduced to nine seats.

First Minister Eluned Morgan loses seat and resigns as Welsh Labour leader
The historic moment Wales’ First Minister became the first leader of any UK government to lose her seat while in office.

#CllrRobStewart #featured #MikeHedges #MikeHedgesMS #RobStewart #SeneddElection2026 #WelshLabour

SWANSEA: Debenhams building sold to Quadrant owners as three major new tenants set to be named ‘within days’

Swansea’s long-vacant former Debenhams building has been sold by the council to Centurion – the company that already owns and operates the Quadrant Shopping Centre and Parc Tawe – in a deal that paves the way for three major new tenants to move in before the end of 2026.

The sale clears the way for two major national retailers and a national leisure operator to be confirmed as tenants of the three-storey building, which has stood empty since Debenhams went into liquidation in 2021. Council leader Rob Stewart said the names of the companies would be announced “within the coming days.”

A spokesperson for the council leader confirmed the sale price is commercially confidential, but said it represents a saving compared to projected costs. The deal also means Centurion will take on the cost of fitting out the building — saving the council taxpayers the expense of that phase too.

The council had already completed the strip-out of the building, which was purchased for approximately 2.85 million pounds using Welsh Government Transforming Towns funding in 2023 and hollowed back to bare concrete by contractor Andrew Scott Ltd.

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart described it as big news for the city. “Shoppers want choice. Today’s news at the former Debenhams delivers exactly that – a major national retailer, a sports and leisure centre, dozens of new jobs, and a renewed reason for families to spend their day in our city centre,” he said.

He added that the sale to Centurion represented a significant step forward for Swansea’s wider regeneration. “New offices are opening across the city. The Swansea Bay Metro will make getting in and out of Swansea easier than ever. Swansea Council has delivered record investment over the past 12 years. We will continue to invest, back our city, and make Swansea a place everyone wants to be.”

Stewart also addressed the M&S closure announced this week, expressing disappointment that the retailer had not given the city time to find a new site before closing its doors. “It is hugely disappointing that Marks and Spencer have decided to close their Swansea store at the end of May. Our first thoughts are with the 92 staff facing uncertainty,” he said. “We are working with M&S leadership to bring a full-line store back to the city, and that is what we will keep pressing for.”

Jane Rice of Centurion confirmed the deal had been signed the previous day and that tenant names were imminent. “We are so excited to be able to announce that we are now the proud owners of Debenhams and we have three major tenants lined up which we can’t announce just yet but it’s so exciting and we just can’t wait,” she said.

Watch: Council leader Rob Stewart and Centurion’s Jane Rice and Adam Gibbons react to the deal from inside the Quadrant Shopping Centre.

She added that the new tenants would transform the shopping experience in the Quadrant. “For every shopper that now enters the Quadrant, as and when all the stores are up and running, it will be a full experience — many different retailers on site, a complete experience, all that Christmas shopping, one-stop shop.”

Rice said Centurion had identified Swansea’s potential early. “We’ve recognised some time ago that Swansea is on the rise. There is billions of pounds of investment being poured into the city centre and we want to be part of that. This sort of demonstrates our commitment to help seeing that come to fruition.”

Adam Gibbons of Centurion added that the company had committed to Swansea for the long term. “We recognise early on that there is a lot of potential in Swansea city centre and this sort of demonstrates our commitment to help seeing that come to fruition,” he said.

The sale also clears the way for Centurion to move forward with wider investment and regeneration plans for the rest of the Quadrant – the shopping centre they have been steadily revitalising since taking over its ownership. Recent arrivals under Centurion’s stewardship have included a Holland and Barrett flagship store and a new Rituals outlet.

Debenhams opened as the flagship anchor of the Quadrant when it was first built in 1978-79, marking what was then a golden era for Swansea retail. Its closure in 2021 after the 242-year-old brand went into national liquidation left a three-storey void at the heart of the city’s main shopping centre.

The council’s purchase of the building in 2023 and the subsequent strip-out – which saw dramatic internal transformation photos emerge earlier this year – signalled the start of a new chapter for the site. Today’s sale to Centurion confirms that chapter is now ready to begin in earnest.

The announcement comes as Swansea city centre continues a broader retail revival, with over 120 new retailers, hospitality and leisure businesses having opened since 2020 and more than 1 billion pounds of regeneration investment underway across the city.

Centurion are keen to see the new stores open before the end of 2026. The names of the three tenants are expected to be confirmed within the coming days.

Swansea Bay News will bring you the full tenant announcement the moment it is made.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

SWANSEA: Flagship M&S store confirms May 30 closure date as council leader hints at Debenhams news
Yesterday’s M&S closure confirmation – and the tease that led to today’s announcement.

Inside Swansea’s old Debenhams: photos show dramatic transformation as revamp gathers pace
The dramatic strip-out of the Quadrant unit earlier this year.

Council buys former Swansea Debenhams store
How the council took ownership of the building in the first place.

Swansea-based retail entrepreneurs buy Quadrant Shopping Centre
The Centurion Group’s takeover of the Quadrant.

The future of retail in Swansea: the shops you want, the brands we asked, and what comes next
Our feature on Swansea’s retail revival.

Holland & Barrett opens new flagship store in Swansea’s Quadrant Shopping Centre
One of the recent Quadrant arrivals under Centurion’s ownership.

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SENEDD ELECTION: Swansea Council leader attacks Reform rival O’Brien over “pattern” of behaviour as election row erupts

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart has launched a stinging public attack on Reform UK Senedd candidate Francesca O’Brien, accusing her of demonstrating a “pattern” of behaviour “sustained over years, written and acted upon by someone who never imagined being held to account for it.”

Stewart, who is Labour’s second-placed candidate in the Gŵyr Abertawe constituency behind current Swansea West MS Mike Hedges, made the intervention in response to a published interview with O’Brien in which she was asked about her links to far-right activist Tommy Robinson — whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon — and Shoaib Sohail, a man who has said he was dismissed by Swansea Council due to his links to Lennon.

O’Brien denied being either far-right or anti-Islam. “Prove that I’m far right, prove I’m anti-Islamic, because it’s not true,” she said. “I’ve got my own vision, my own agenda, and that is aligned with Reform.”

The intervention comes as both candidates compete in a constituency where polling puts them on very different trajectories. According to both the More in Common MRP and the YouGov MRP we have reported, O’Brien is projected to win a seat in the Senedd. Stewart’s own chances depend on whether Labour win one seat or two — the More in Common model gives Labour two seats in Gŵyr Abertawe, which would see him elected; the YouGov model gives Labour one, which would not.

In his statement Stewart drew on O’Brien’s 2014 social media posts about the TV show Benefits Street, in which she wrote that people on benefits “need putting down.” O’Brien apologised for the comments when they were first reported by The Guardian during her 2019 Conservative general election campaign, describing them as “off the cuff.”

He also cited what he described as her associations and the conduct of meetings she had chaired about a Swansea primary school, which the council publicly said contained “inaccurate and untrue” information.

Stewart said he had “thought about that a great deal” since reading media reporting on “the social media history and conduct of the Reform UK candidate now standing for Gŵyr Abertawe.” He added: “I do not propose to repeat the worst of what was posted. The record is in the public domain, and readers can look at it for themselves. I will say this. People on benefits do not need, in her words, to be ‘put down’. Homeless people are not there to be punchbags. Teachers doing their jobs in our schools are not enemies of the public.”

He described the record as “not a slip of the tongue, nor a single misjudgement, nor a bit of late-night posting” but “a pattern, sustained over years.”

Stewart went on to contrast O’Brien’s record with what he described as Swansea’s civic character, citing partnerships with organisations including The Wallich, Matthew’s House and the city’s foodbank network. “A politics that begins by deciding which human beings are disposable does not stop there,” he said. “It moves on to the language of dismissal, then blame, then division. Our grandparents and great-grandparents knew exactly where that kind of talk leads. It is the oldest cruelty in a borrowed suit.”

O’Brien responded with a direct attack on Labour’s record in Swansea. “It beggars belief that Labour have the temerity to campaign in Swansea and Gower,” she said. “The Labour-run Swansea Council, just like the Labour government in Cardiff Bay, are on borrowed time. Our communities have been systematically failed by a council obsessed with vanity projects, a Senedd obsessed with reducing speed limits, and a Labour Party in Westminster in disarray.”

“Reform will put the people of Swansea and Gower first, and the people of Wales first,” she added. “That’s why Swansea and Gower is rejecting Labour, rejecting Plaid, rejecting the Tories, and backing Reform’s common sense candidates.”

O’Brien, who represents Mumbles ward on Swansea Council, defected from the Welsh Conservatives to Reform UK last August. She is Reform UK’s first-placed candidate in Gŵyr Abertawe.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea councillor Francesca O’Brien joins Reform UK
Our original report on O’Brien’s defection from the Welsh Conservatives last August.

Swansea Council leader ranked second on Labour’s Senedd candidate list for Gŵyr Abertawe
Our report on the Labour candidate list for Gŵyr Abertawe.

SENEDD ELECTION: Plaid on course to make history — who’s set to represent YOU on May 7?
Our MRP analysis of who is projected to win seats in Gŵyr Abertawe.

SENEDD ELECTION: Race between Plaid and Reform on a knife-edge
The latest YouGov and Ipsos polling and what it means for Gŵyr Abertawe.

Senedd Election 2026 — all our coverage
Full archive of our election reporting.

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WRU: ‘A massive victory’ — reaction as Ospreys and Scarlets handed lifeline in Welsh rugby U-turn

The announcement that the Welsh Rugby Union will offer the 2025 Professional Rugby Agreement to both the Ospreys and Scarlets has been met with celebration and relief across south and west Wales — but also with sharp words for the union over the months of uncertainty that preceded it.

The WRU confirmed this week that Y11 Sport & Media has withdrawn from its bid to purchase Cardiff Rugby, that Cardiff will remain under WRU ownership for now, and that both the Ospreys and Scarlets will be offered the PRA25 agreement in line with Dragons RFC and Cardiff Rugby. The WRU has been clear, however, that its ambition to move to three professional clubs by the end of the 2027/28 season remains unchanged, with a decision on how to implement that strategy expected by June.

Here is how some of those who campaigned for the regions have responded.

Rob Stewart, Swansea Council leader and Labour candidate for Gŵyr Abertawe

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart, who launched legal action against the WRU and called in the competition watchdog during the campaign to save the Ospreys, described the outcome as a major win.

Rob Stewart, Swansea Council leader and Labour candidate for Gŵyr Abertawe, gives his exclusive reaction to the WRU’s decision to offer professional rugby agreements to the Ospreys and Scarlets. (Video: Kirstie Logan Communications)

Rob Stewart said: “Today the WRU have announced the deal to sell Cardiff to Y11 is off and a new Professional Rugby Agreement is being offered to the Ospreys and Scarlets — ensuring four teams remain potentially until 2030,” he said.

“Let me be clear — this is a major win for the campaign to save the Ospreys that I’m proud to have been a part of.

“The Ospreys will be playing at a redeveloped St Helens from the start of next season, which will be fantastic for the city, our local economy, and the Ospreys supporters.”

Stewart was also blunt in his criticism of the WRU’s handling of the saga. “We could have been in this position a year ago had the WRU not presided over chaos and confusion. The clubs and the union have suffered financially and fans and our game have faced unnecessary uncertainty. This was completely avoidable and the leadership of the WRU have to take responsibility for the crisis they caused.”

However, the WRU’s own statement makes clear its three-club ambition remains firmly in place. CEO Abi Tierney said the union remains “undeterred from our ambition to move to three professional sides,” with a decision on implementing that strategy expected by June. The PRA25 agreements provide near-term stability — but the longer-term picture for all four regions is still unresolved.

Torsten Bell MP, Swansea West

Torsten Bell, the MP for Swansea West who has been among the most vocal critics of the WRU’s handling of the Ospreys crisis, called the announcement a turning point.

“Today is a huge moment. Fans, and those of us who campaigned relentlessly alongside them against WRU’s chaotic reforms to Welsh rugby, have won a massive victory,” he said.

“The WRU have backed down and the Cardiff deal is off. More importantly the Ospreys will sign a new agreement with the WRU for the next four years — seeing the club into the next decade with a significant funding boost.

“So the attempt to force the Ospreys out of professional rugby with no proper process has been defeated.

“Crucially, this means the exciting development of St Helens will now be going ahead. Professional rugby is coming back to the centre of Swansea.

“Today is a vindication for everyone that stood up to be counted. I want to congratulate the fans and clubs for what they have achieved.”

Carl Peters-Bond, independent candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin

Peters-Bond, who joined politicians from Labour and Plaid Cymru earlier this week in calling for Senedd scrutiny of the WRU’s west Wales plans, welcomed the development but echoed the sentiment that much of the damage had already been done.

“I’m delighted that the WRU board have finally seen sense and regional rugby will continue in Llanelli and Swansea,” he said. “Rugby is more than just a sport — it’s part of our culture and an important part of our region’s economy.

“It’s just a shame that it has taken over a year of uncertainty causing anger, frustration and confusion for fans, players and the wider community — something that could have been avoided if the WRU had just listened instead of ploughing on regardless.”

More reaction to follow as it comes in.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

WRU: Cardiff Y11 ownership bid collapses
Our reporter’s full account of the WRU announcement.

Ospreys lifeline as council seals historic St Helens deal
How the St Helens redevelopment became central to the Ospreys’ future.

Swansea Council launches legal action against WRU over Cardiff Rugby sale
The moment Rob Stewart took the fight to the courts.

Scarlets: Candidates unite across party lines to demand Senedd scrutiny of WRU’s West Wales merger plans
Yesterday’s cross-party response to the WRU’s EGM position.

WRU — all our coverage
Full archive of Swansea Bay News reporting on the Welsh rugby crisis.

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KILVEY HILL: Police warn protesters action will follow as demonstration continues over Skyline development

South Wales Police has issued a public warning to protesters on Kilvey Hill that officers will take action against anyone breaking the law, as ongoing protest activity continues at the site of the controversial Skyline development in Swansea.

In a statement published on social media, the force said it was aware of protest activity taking place in the Kilvey Hill area in relation to development work at the site, and that while it supported the right to peaceful protest, that right came with legal limits.

“We support the right for people to make their voices heard through protest providing it is done lawfully,” the force said. “Decisions about how to police protests require consideration of complex and often competing rights and issues.”

The statement added that officers would act against those who broke the law, whether at the time of the offence or after the fact. “We will take action against anyone who breaks the law, whether this is at the time of the offence or retrospectively,” police said.

However, at least one resident, supportive of the protesters, has pushed back on any suggestion that protest activity is behind whatever prompted the police warning. Anita Aamp, who has commented publicly on the development online, said those who had opposed the scheme had always done so peacefully and within the law, and had maintained regular contact with local officers throughout. “I can pretty much assure you that whatever has happened on the hill has nothing to do with any protests,” she said, suggesting that with the Easter school holidays under way, police might want to “look further afield, as you normally would.”

The Skyline development — a multi-million pound leisure scheme backed by £4m in Welsh Government funding — has been one of the most contentious planning projects in Swansea in recent years. The project, which includes a cable car, luge runs and other visitor attractions, was approved by Swansea Council and is projected to bring significant economic benefits to the city, with reports suggesting it could generate substantial visitor numbers and support job creation in the area.

Supporters of the scheme point to the long-term regeneration potential of Kilvey Hill, arguing that the removal of diseased non-native trees is a necessary precursor to replanting with broadleaf native species, and that the development will transform a largely neglected hillside into a world-class tourism destination.

Opposition has come primarily from a vocal group of local residents living close to the hill, who have raised concerns about the impact on the area’s ecology and community character. Among the flashpoints was the fate of the Green Man of Kilvey — a wire and moss sculpture built by local man Pete Thomas in 1998 — which was left exposed in a cleared landscape after felling work began. Kilvey Woodland Volunteers described it as the “eviction” of a community icon that had stood for nearly 30 years. Skyline Swansea said the sculpture remained a priority and that they were committed to securing its future on the hill.

The controversy also took a political turn in February when Cllr Joe Hale posted a video announcing he was leaving Labour over the development. A statement from the office of council leader Rob Stewart subsequently confirmed that Cllr Hale had been suspended by the party six days before his video, following allegations of malicious communications and harassment that were also referred to South Wales Police. Cllr Hale denied being suspended, saying he had resigned over Skyline.

Both Swansea Council and Skyline Swansea have been actively countering what they describe as misinformation circulating online. The council confirmed that all tree felling had been carried out with planning consent granted in July 2025, and that Natural Resources Wales was consulted throughout the planning process. Developers have also said that ecology concerns raised by campaigners have been addressed.

South Wales Police said it remained open to dialogue with advocacy groups and that its approach would reflect “the values of fairness, equality, and justice.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Kilvey’s Green Man stands alone as Skyline work transforms the face of the hill
The beloved community sculpture was left exposed in a barren clearing as tree harvesting operations began on the hill.

Councillor suspended by Labour Party over harassment allegations before announcing Skyline resignation
A Swansea councillor was suspended days before his video announcement that he was leaving Labour over the Skyline project.

Councillor denies being suspended by Labour — says he quit over Skyline
Cllr Joe Hale hit back at the council’s account, insisting he had resigned from the party over the development.

Council approves plan for Skyline development
Swansea Council gave the green light to the controversial multi-million pound leisure scheme on Kilvey Hill.

Campaigners’ Kilvey Hill ecology concerns addressed, say Skyline developers
Developers sought to reassure opponents that environmental issues raised about the hill had been taken on board.

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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.

Mike Hedges is projected to retain his seatSwansea Council leader, Rob Stewart looks like missing out on a Senedd seat

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.

Adam Price looks like he’s set to remain in the Senedd, despite placing third on Plaid’s party list (Image: Plaid Cymru)

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.

Welsh Lib Dem leader, Jane Dodds could be on the way out, with the party projected to not pick up a single seat

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.

Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca Davies looks likely to save his seatBuffy Williams looks set to miss out however

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.

Eluned MorganSamuel KurtzPaul DaviesBig names on the way out

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

Plaid Cymru storms ahead as shock Senedd poll predicts political earthquake
Earlier polling pointed to major shifts now playing out across west Wales.

Latest poll puts Reform and Plaid neck and neck in key battleground
South west Wales is emerging as crucial to the outcome of the election.

Experts launch “fantasy football” style Senedd election platform
New tools are helping voters track candidates and outcomes ahead of polling day.

First Minister’s surprise Swansea visit draws attention
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#AdamPriceMS #BuffyWilliams #CefinCampbell #ElunedMorganMS #GarethBeer #HuwIrrancaDaviesMS #JaneDodds #MikeHedgesMS #PaulDaviesMS #PlaidCymru #polling #ReformUK #RobStewart #SamuelKurtzMS #Senedd #SeneddElection #SeneddElection2026 #SionedWilliams #WelshLabour #YouGov

£20m boost for Swansea Civic Centre days after MP’s call for action

In an opinion piece published by Swansea Bay News on Sunday, Mr Bell said reviving the Civic Centre should be the city’s “next big regeneration step” — and urged momentum behind the proposals.

Now, that push appears to have paid off.

The funding follows months of campaigning by the MP and is being described as a key step towards turning recently unveiled plans for the Civic Centre into reality — although it will still need to go through further checks, including due diligence and approval of a final business case, before it is formally released.

Those plans — drawn up with Swansea Council and development partners Urban Splash — would see the site transformed into a mixed-use destination, featuring cafes, bars, shops, workspaces and leisure space, alongside around 140 apartments and 15 commercial units.

Headline attractions include proposals for a saltwater lido and a new aquarium, with the latter designed as a “next generation” visitor experience combining live marine exhibits with cutting-edge digital technology.

The attraction is also expected to work closely with Swansea University’s marine experts, with a strong focus on education and conservation.

Swansea Bay News has charted the rapid progress of the scheme in recent weeks, from the release of the first artist impressions to cabinet backing and strong public interest during consultation.

But until now, a central question has remained: how the transformation would actually be funded.

The £20 million investment from the UK Government begins to answer that — and is expected to help unlock the next phase of the project as it moves beyond consultation, with a planning application anticipated later this year.

An artist’s impression showing how part of the redeveloped Civic Centre site could look, with new cafés, bars, leisure spaces and a busy seafront promenade.
(Image: Urban Splash / Swansea Council)

For decades, the Civic Centre has served as a base for council services, but with departments now relocating — including to the new Y Storfa hub — attention has quickly turned to the future of the prominent seafront complex.

Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West said securing “major investment” in what he describes as an “iconic Swansea landmark” has been a “personal priority”.

Mr Bell said: “With £20m funding from the UK Labour Government, this is another big step forward for the city.

“With its prime spot overlooking the splendid curve of our beach, the building is crying out for a new lease of life. And that is exactly what we are going to give it, as we keep investing in Swansea’s future, not just remembering its past.

“Great progress has been made with the opening of Y Storfa and regeneration of the Palace Theatre. Works to improve Castle Gardens and open new offices from the Kingsway to St David’s are also underway. The momentum is real – it’s vital we harness it.”

He added that the Civic Centre funding is part of a wider package of UK Government investment in Swansea, including a further £20 million through the Pride in Place scheme, as well as commitments to rail improvements and the proposed Swansea Bay Metro.

A visual of the proposed Civic Centre plaza, featuring new public spaces, landscaping and a landmark aquarium building.
(Image: Urban Splash / Swansea Council)

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the funding represented a major vote of confidence in the city’s wider regeneration plans.

He said: “We want to see the Civic Centre transformed into a high-quality landmark destination for living, working and enjoying, with new homes, independent businesses and leisure spaces that benefit local people while attracting more visitors to Swansea.”

He added that the waterfront site offered “one of the most spectacular locations in the UK” and said the investment would help the project move forward more quickly.

Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, said the funding would help unlock the full potential of the site.

She said: “This investment will help deliver ambitious plans for the Civic Centre and transform this part of the city, making the most of its spectacular location and strengthening Swansea as a destination for visitors.”

The redevelopment also forms part of a broader wave of regeneration across the city, linking the waterfront site with ongoing changes in the city centre and beyond.

If delivered, the scheme could provide a significant boost to the local economy, with estimates suggesting it could generate around £17 million a year and support more than 300 jobs across hospitality, retail, leisure and building management, alongside additional roles linked to the proposed aquarium.

While key details — including timelines for construction and how the scheme will be delivered — are still to be confirmed, a planning application is expected later this year as proposals continue to be developed.

The funding itself remains subject to final approvals, but the announcement marks the clearest sign yet that the recently revealed plans are now moving from ambition towards delivery.

And coming just days after the issue was put firmly back in the spotlight, it suggests momentum around Swansea’s Civic Centre is building fast.

#cityDevelopment #CivicCentre #CivicCentrePlans #civicCentreRedevelopment #CllrRobStewart #featured #JoStevens #PrideInPlace #PrideInPlaceFund #RobStewart #SwanseaBay #SwanseaBayMetro #SwanseaCivicCentre #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaNews #SwanseaRegeneration #TorstenBell #TorstenBellMP #UKGovernment #UKGovernmentFunding #UrbanSplash #waterfrontRegeneration

PENLAN: Selfies and fish and chips – First Minister’s ‘off-script’ surprise visit to Swansea social club

The Welsh leader made an unannounced appearance at the Penlan Social Club, catching supporters and staff off guard in a “no airs and graces” visit.

Organisers admit the night went “slightly off script” when the First Minister was found in a huddle with young people in the bar, posing for photos before her formal speech.

Ms Morgan arrived quietly and without fanfare, joining more than 80 people gathered for the launch of Welsh Labour’s new Gwyr Abertawe candidates.

Alison Martin, Club Secretary of Penlan Social Club, said: “Our regulars had no idea she was coming and were delighted to have the First Minister posing for photos in the bar.”

She added: “It’s not every day the First Minister drops in for a fish and chip supper and we’re very proud to have been part of such a special evening.”

Eluned Morgan with Alison Martin, Club Secretary and regulars at Penlan Social Club. Credit: Alison Martin

The First Minister used the visit to set out her party’s election pledges ahead of the Senedd vote on May 7, promising a “new chapter” for Wales.

The evening also marked a changing of the guard for Swansea, with Ms Morgan paying tribute to long-serving MSs Julie James and Rebecca Evans, who are both standing down.

The new candidate list for the region is led by Mike Hedges MS, followed by Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart, who has spearheaded the city’s regeneration.

Eluned Morgan arriving with Party Fundraiser, Kirstie Logan-Townshend Credit: Jennifer Ann PhotographyEluned takes to the stage, credit: Jennifer Ann Photography
Eluned photographed with the Senedd candidates, credit: Jennifer Ann Photography L-R Rebecca Fogarty, Mike Hedges, Eluned Morgan, Rebecca Francis- Davies, Rob Stewart, Patience Bentu

In a move that delighted the room, Ms Morgan stayed on after the formal speeches to enjoy a supper of fish and chips supplied by local Swansea chip shop, Roma.

She also took time to meet local business owners, including Nicky Romanello from the popular chippy, who had supported the event.

The First Minister’s unannounced stop in Penlan is seen as a key moment in the lead-up to the May elections, as parties begin to ramp up their local campaigns.

#CllrRobStewart #ElunedMorgan #ElunedMorganMS #MikeHedges #Penlan #PenlanSocialClub #RobStewart #SeneddElection #Swansea #WelshLabour

WRU HITS BACK: Rugby chiefs say Swansea Council notes ‘not accurate’ after Ospreys meeting row explodes

The Welsh Rugby Union has hit back at Swansea Council after the authority published controversial notes from a private meeting about the future of the Ospreys.

The row erupted after the council released its account of a January meeting between council leaders, WRU chief executive Abi Tierney, and Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley.

According to the council’s notes, Bradley suggested there would be no professional Ospreys team playing at St Helen’s Rugby and Cricket Ground if a proposed takeover deal involving Cardiff Rugby went ahead.

But the WRU has now challenged the accuracy of the document, saying the meeting had been confidential and was never formally minuted.

In a statement issued on Friday, the governing body said:

“The WRU notes that Swansea Council has chosen to publish its purported minutes of a meeting with Abi Tierney and Lance Bradley on 21 January 2026. Our position has been clear and consistent throughout. This was a confidential meeting.”

The WRU added that the notes released by the council were “not an accurate reflection of what was said” and insisted Tierney had made that clear previously.

“It was not formally minuted – as Swansea Council themselves acknowledge. The notes are not an accurate reflection of what was said, and Abi Tierney has stated this throughout,” the statement continued.

“Indeed, her own comments on the notes – now published without her consent – make clear that she did not say what is purported. The WRU has behaved professionally and courteously throughout and has nothing further to add.”

The dispute comes amid a growing political storm over plans involving Cardiff Rugby, after proposals emerged that could see the club purchased by the Ospreys’ ownership group Y11 Sports & Media.

Swansea Council insists it had no alternative but to release its account of the meeting after Tierney said earlier this week that no decision had been taken about the future of the Ospreys.

Council leader Rob Stewart said those comments were “misleading”, prompting the authority to publish the notes in full.

The release of the document has intensified an already bitter row between the council and Welsh rugby’s governing body.

Swansea Bay News previously revealed what it described as “smoking gun” notes from the meeting, which suggested the Ospreys could effectively lose their future as a professional team at St Helen’s if the controversial deal goes ahead.

The council has also demanded Tierney resign over what it claims is a “duplicitous plot” surrounding the potential takeover.

Long-time Ospreys supporter and benefactor Rob Davies has also weighed into the debate, insisting Welsh rugby must retain four professional regions.

Swansea West MP Torsten Bell has also confronted the Welsh Rugby Union over the crisis.

The escalating war of words now leaves the future of the Ospreys – and the wider structure of professional rugby in Wales – hanging in the balance.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

“Be straight with fans”: Swansea MP challenges WRU bosses in crisis talks
A tense showdown as MPs demand clarity over the Ospreys’ future.

WRU hits back as row over Swansea Council notes explodes
Rugby chiefs push back hard after claims about behind‑closed‑doors talks.

“Resign now”: Council leader calls for WRU boss to quit
A political firestorm erupts as accusations of a “duplicitous plot” surface.

“Smoking gun” minutes reveal explosive new details in Ospreys saga
Secret notes land — and they raise even bigger questions about what really happened.

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#AbiTierney #CllrRobStewart #Ospreys #RobStewart #Rugby #SwanseaCouncil #WelshRugby #WRU