SENEDD: Swansea’s Mike Hedges handed Culture and Sport brief as Ken Skates names Welsh Labour’s new Senedd spokesperson team

Mike Hedges, the Swansea MS who went viral last week after appearing to tell an ITV journalist the media had “got the result they wanted” following Labour’s historic Senedd defeat, has been handed a senior shadow brief as interim leader Ken Skates names his spokesperson team.

Hedges, who holds the Gŵyr Abertawe constituency seat, will serve as Labour’s shadow spokesperson for Culture, Sport, Local Government and Legislation — one of seven shadow portfolios announced this morning as Labour begins the long task of rebuilding as an opposition party after its worst Senedd result in history.

The election on 7 May saw Labour reduced to just nine Senedd seats, with Plaid Cymru forming Wales’s new government. Hedges came fourth in the six-seat Gŵyr Abertawe constituency — with Plaid taking three seats and Reform UK two — as Labour’s vote share fell to third place behind both parties.

In the days that followed, the veteran MS attracted attention when ITV journalist Rhys Williams approached him on the steps of the Senedd. When asked if he had anything to say, Hedges replied: “No, thanks. You’ve had the result you wanted, what more?” The 24-second exchange was viewed more than 200,000 times on X.

Hedges, who has been an MS since 2011 and is a former leader of Swansea Council, refused to elaborate further when pressed on what he meant. The clip became one of the most-shared moments of the post-election fallout — a snapshot of a party struggling to come to terms with a defeat few had predicted quite so devastating in scale.

Hedges was also the subject of internal Labour tensions in the build-up to the election, after a senior Welsh Labour figure publicly called on him to stand aside for former Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart. Stewart publicly backed Hedges and rejected the suggestion.

It is the first time in more than 25 years that Labour has had to build an opposition team in the Senedd. With just nine MSs, the group is small enough that each member carries multiple responsibilities — and the shadow team unveiled today reflects that reality, with Ken Skates himself doubling as both interim leader and health spokesperson.

Ken Skates MS takes the role of interim leader himself, also serving as Labour’s shadow spokesperson for Health, Care and National Security — a significant shift from his previous role as Cabinet Secretary for Transport in the outgoing Labour government.

Jayne Bryant MS takes the shadow Housing, Communities, Public and Preventative Health brief, a portfolio that echoes her previous role as Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government in government. Lynne Neagle MS, who was Cabinet Secretary for Education in the Welsh Government, steps into the shadow Children, Education and Lifelong Learning role — a near-identical remit, this time from the opposition benches.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Labour’s Chief Whip as well as shadow spokesperson for Environment, Farming, Energy and Transport — including Planning. Shav Taj MS takes the shadow Employment, Equalities and Economic Transformation brief, while Huw Thomas MS picks up shadow Finance, Democracy, Citizenship and Welsh Language. Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced on her return from maternity leave.

Labour is not alone in rebuilding after the election. The Welsh Conservatives — who ended the election with seven seats, fewer than Labour and the smallest group in the chamber outside the Greens — named their new shadow cabinet team last week under leader Darren Millar MS. Former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies MS, whose new constituency covers Bridgend, was appointed Shadow Minister for Farming and the Environment alongside six other shadow ministers.

Reform UK, the second largest party in the Senedd with 34 seats, has named its leader — Dan Thomas MS — and deputy leader Helen Jenner MS, but has not yet announced portfolios or the rest of its shadow cabinet team. As the official opposition, Reform will face intense scrutiny over how quickly it can organise and hold the new Plaid government to account.

Plaid Cymru’s new Welsh Government cabinet, confirmed by First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth last week, is already in place and governing. For Labour, the Conservatives and Reform, the work of opposition begins in earnest — and for a party that has held power in Cardiff Bay since devolution began in 1999, the adjustment for Welsh Labour may prove the most profound of all.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Mike Hedges warns Wales could face another election as Labour counts the cost of historic defeat
Our coverage of the aftermath of Labour’s worst-ever Senedd result.

Senior Welsh Labour figure calls on Mike Hedges to quit Senedd seat for Rob Stewart
The internal tensions that threatened Hedges before the election.

South west Wales politicians take key roles as Rhun ap Iorwerth names his first Plaid Cymru cabinet
The new Welsh Government that Labour and the other opposition parties must now hold to account.

Ken Skates appointed interim Welsh Labour leader after historic Senedd defeat

Welsh Government Transport Secretary Ken Skates has been appointed interim leader of Welsh Labour – taking over from Eluned Morgan after the First Minister lost her seat at yesterday’s Senedd election.

Skates received unanimous support from Welsh Labour’s new nine-strong group of Members of the Senedd at meetings held this morning of the party’s Executive Committee and the Senedd group.

He will serve as interim leader until a timetable is set for a full leadership election in line with Welsh Labour rules.

Skates was first elected to the Senedd in 2011 and has held a series of senior Welsh Government roles – including Economy and Infrastructure Secretary and most recently Transport Secretary. He was re-elected to represent Fflint Wrecsam yesterday after a tense day in which Welsh Labour had at one point feared he might lose his seat.

His appointment comes less than 24 hours after Eluned Morgan became the first ever serving Welsh First Minister to lose her seat at an election, and the first leader of any government in the United Kingdom to lose her seat while in office.

Speaking after his appointment, Skates acknowledged the scale of Welsh Labour’s defeat directly.

“Today is just the beginning of a process that will help us to understand what we got wrong,” he said. “Because we did get it wrong. There is no reading of this result that endorses every action we have taken as a Party, and our task now is to take the time needed and to work out what has happened.”

The new interim leader said the task of rebuilding the party would fall to its entire membership.

“It is a task that will require every single one of us to take part in – every member, every councillor, every MS, MP, Lord and all roles in between,” he said. “But it is not a task that is beyond us.”

Skates set out his vision for Welsh Labour’s future direction, returning to the party’s history and traditions.

“I believe today, as I always have, that Welsh Labour is at its best when we are the champions of the people of Wales,” he said. “Our role is to serve, to fight for the issues that matter most.”

He invoked the party’s Welsh roots and key policy achievements. “We are the Party that first sent Keir Hardie to Parliament, that created the NHS,” Skates said. “We are the Party of devolution, the Party of free prescriptions, universal free school meals, social partnership and the future generations act.”

“We are a party with an incredible history of serving Wales and her people, and we have so much more to give.”

Skates also paid tribute to his predecessor.

“I would like to thank Eluned for everything she has done over the past 2 years as our First Minister, and in her 30 years of service to Wales and the Labour Party,” he said. “Her grit and determination in the face of true challenge is something we as a Party will always be proud of.”

“She broke the glass ceiling, and her role in history as the first woman to lead our Party and country is an achievement second to none.”

The Welsh Labour party will now begin the process of selecting a new permanent leader – though the timetable for that contest has not yet been confirmed.

Welsh Labour was reduced to just nine seats at yesterday’s election, down from 30 in the previous Senedd, with the party wiped out entirely in six constituencies including Sir Gaerfyrddin and Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd.

Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party with 41 seats, with Reform UK securing a historic breakthrough at 34 seats. Coalition negotiations are now expected to follow, with Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth widely expected to become Wales’ next First Minister.

That would mark the first time since devolution began in 1999 that Wales has had a First Minister from a party other than Labour – and ends a century-long run of Welsh Labour electoral dominance dating back to 1922.

Our Senedd Election 2026 coverage

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.

Sir Gaerfyrddin: Reform UK and Plaid Cymru take three seats each as Welsh Labour wiped out
Adam Price returns to the Senedd as Reform UK secures its first ever west Wales breakthrough.

Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd: Reform UK tops the poll as Jane Dodds holds on for the Welsh Lib Dems
Reform UK takes three seats in the upper Swansea Valley, Powys and Neath – with Welsh Labour wiped out entirely.

Gwyr Abertawe: Plaid Cymru top the poll as Mike Hedges holds for Welsh Labour
The Swansea result and Council leader Rob Stewart’s reaction to a difficult day for the city’s Welsh Labour group.

CARMARTHENSHIRE: Row over plans to fix notorious A48 accident blackspot

The Welsh Government has confirmed major alterations for the A48 between Carmarthen and Cross Hands, a notorious accident blackspot that has seen hundreds of crashes in recent years.

But the centrepiece of the plan – a new roundabout at Nantycaws – has been blasted as a “short-term fix” that will create even more congestion.

The criticism comes after alarming new figures revealed the safety record on the 12.5-mile stretch of dual carriageway is getting worse.

Data from Dyfed-Powys Police showed 186 collisions on the road in the 12 months to July 2025, an increase on the 169 crashes recorded in the previous year.

In response to a safety study commissioned in 2020, the Welsh Government has now unveiled a package of measures set to begin this autumn.

These include closing dangerous gaps in the central reservation and shutting six “sub-standard” laybys.

However, the main proposal involves constructing a new roundabout at Nantycaws to eliminate what officials call an “unsafe cross carriageway manoeuvre.”

But Carl Peters-Bond, an independent candidate for the Caerfyrddin constituency, has criticised the proposal.

“The solution to the dangerous A48 does not lie in years of construction, disruption and delays — only to leave us with even more congestion at a brand-new roundabout at Nantycaws, right in the middle of a vital trunk route,” he said.

Mr Peters-Bond, who is also the Mayor of Kidwelly, warned: “That is not a serious long-term plan for a road of national importance.”

He argued that adding another roundabout to the busy stretch of road would simply move the problem elsewhere.

“Anyone who drives this stretch knows how heavily loaded these roundabouts already are. Adding another one at Nantycaws will not solve the problem — it will simply move it, and make the whole route slower and more dangerous.”

Instead, Mr Peters-Bond is calling for a more strategic upgrade, including closing side-access routes, upgrading existing junctions to be fully grade-separated, and beginning work to extend the M4 to Carmarthen.

“These are the strategic solutions that match the scale of the problem — not temporary sticking-plasters,” he added.

The Welsh Government, however, has defended its plans.

Ken Skates, the cabinet secretary for transport, said the changes were designed to “reduce risk and improve conditions for everyone who uses the road.”

He added: “While lane closures will be required during construction and some journeys may take longer, this short-term disruption is necessary to deliver a safer and more resilient road for the future.”

Other changes planned for later this year include restricting right-turns at Llanddarog, Pantyffynnon, Llanarthne, and Foelgastell.

While the initial safety works are set to begin this year and take four months, the new roundabout at Nantycaws is a longer-term proposal, with construction not expected to start until at least 2027, subject to funding.

£2 bus fare cap ‘would slash Swansea commuting costs by a third’

Single bus fares in Swansea could be capped at £2 from 2027 under a new Welsh Labour pledge, in a move the party claims would cut commuting costs by around a third for many regular bus users.

The cap would apply across Wales from April 2027 if Welsh Labour leads the next Welsh Government, and would cover everyone aged 22 to 59. Under‑21s already benefit from a £1 cap on single fares, while over‑60s get free bus travel across Wales under existing schemes.

Swansea West MP Torsten Bell, who says he has long campaigned on cost‑of‑living issues, said the plan would make a “big difference” to people who rely on buses every day.

Swansea West MP Torsten Bell said:

“Bus travel is too expensive for too many people. Capping fares at £2 would make a big difference to thousands of Swansea residents who rely on buses every day. It builds on wider work to bring down bills and tackle the cost of living.”

100 new bus routes across Wales

Welsh Labour says it would also introduce more than 100 new bus routes across Wales between 2027 and 2030. The routes would prioritise links to jobs, hospitals, train stations and key services, but the public would also be asked to suggest where new services should run.

The party says the plans are made possible by the current Welsh Labour Government’s Bus Services Bill, which will bring buses back into public control and allow local communities more say over routes and timetables.

Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, said:

“We’re ending the fragmented bus system Wales has been stuck with for decades. Buses should be run for people, not profit. Cheaper fares and more routes will mean passengers get services that actually go where they need them to go — to jobs, hospitals, town centres and key services.”

Cost‑of‑living backdrop

The pledge comes after the UK Labour Government announced a package of measures at the Autumn Budget, including £150 off the average energy bill and more support for almost 70,000 children across Wales.

Torsten Bell said the £2 cap would sit alongside those measures as part of a wider push to reduce everyday costs.

Swansea angle: ‘Saving money on every journey’

Locally, Swansea already funds free bus travel at certain times of the year, particularly during holiday periods and key events, to encourage people into the city centre and support households with rising costs.

Council leader Rob Stewart, who is also standing as a Senedd candidate, said the proposed £2 cap would build on that approach and deliver year‑round savings.

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said:

“A £2 cap would mean affordable, reliable and more frequent bus services for Swansea. We already fund free bus travel at certain times of the year, and a fixed low‑cost fare all year round would save residents money on every journey.”

He said the combination of cheaper fares and new routes could help more people access work, education and services without needing a car.

More stories on buses and transport

New free ‘Shopper Hopper’ shuttle bus launches in Swansea city centre
A new city centre shuttle aims to make it easier — and cheaper — for people to get around Swansea.

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Security fears over Carmarthenshire’s Yutong buses as UK launches probe
Questions have been raised over Chinese-built buses used on routes across West Wales.

Tower Transit acquires South Wales Transport ahead of Welsh bus franchising
A long-standing local operator has been bought as Wales prepares for major bus reforms.

£1 bus fares for young people confirmed across Wales
Cheaper fares for under‑21s are now in place, though not all operators have signed up.

Major changes proposed to bus network ahead of 2027 reforms
Draft plans outline how routes could change before franchising is introduced.

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

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#Aberystwyth #AdamPriceMS #CarlPetersBond #Carmarthen #CarmarthenToAberystwythRailLink #KenSkatesMS #Lampeter #Llandysul #Llanybydder #railInvestment #railLink #TrawsLinkCymru #WestWalesRail

Fifth daily train to run on Heart of Wales line from December

From 14 December, passengers travelling between Swansea and Shrewsbury via the Heart of Wales line will have access to a fifth daily train.

Transport for Wales is adding a new midday service in both directions, increasing the number of trains from four to five per day. The Heart of Wales line runs through Llanelli, Llandeilo, Llandrindod Wells and Knighton, connecting rural towns with Swansea and Shrewsbury.

The change is part of the UK-wide December rail timetable update. Journey planners have already been updated, and passengers can now check times for travel after 14 December.

Funding and political agreement

The extra service is being funded through the Welsh Government’s 2025–26 Budget deal with Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds.

In a statement, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said:

“The Heart of Wales line provides a spectacular and scenic journey for tourists but is also a vital link for rural communities in Mid Wales, so this will be welcome news for residents and visitors alike.”

“Railway connections are vital in driving prosperity. These changes will make a real difference to customers, who will benefit from more services across Wales and the Borders.”

“This has been made possible by our £800m investment in brand-new trains for the Wales and Borders network.”

Transport for Wales said the new service would give passengers more flexibility for day trips and essential journeys, and help support the local tourism economy.

What it means for passengers

The new train will run midday every day, giving people more choice when planning journeys.

Passengers are being advised to check journey planners for travel after 14 December to see the updated timetable.

#additionalTrains #heartOfWales #janeDoddsMs #kenSkatesMs #llandeilo #llanelli #swansea #trains #transportForWales #welshGovernment

£2bn Heads of the Valleys road officially opens

Described as “one of the UK’s largest and most technically challenging road projects”, the final phase of the A465 has officially opened, completing the £2bn Heads of the Valleys road upgrade.

The £1.4bn Section 5&6 – Dowlais to Hirwaun final phase connects the Valleys, South and West Wales to the English Midlands and beyond.

The Welsh Government say this final section of construction has delivered 17.7km of new dual carriageway, 6km of new sideroads, more than 14km of active travel routes, 38 culverts, 32 new bridges and 28 new retaining walls.

Speaking at the official opening, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: “Delivering better transport and fixing our roads is a priority for this government, which is why I am delighted to be marking the completion of what has been a hugely ambitious road upgrade programme.

“It’s been a complex project, which has not been without its challenges, but is a fantastic example of how targeted investment in road infrastructure can deliver benefits on so many levels, from providing local jobs to improving accessibility, supporting education and skills, as well as delivering environmental benefits.

“Of course, a project of this magnitude is inevitably going to have an impact on local residents, and I would like to thank those that were affected for their patience. I am confident that once people realise the benefits of this investment, memories of any disruption they have experienced will start to fade.”

Finance Secretary, Mark Drakeford added: “Beyond improving transport, this project has built a legacy in the area, by training over 200 apprentices and providing STEM activities for local schools. This shows how our investments are improving more than just infrastructure; they are supporting our communities.”

“Investing in this major capital project has created real benefits for local people. It has resulted in £400m for the local supply chain and has created 2,200 new jobs.

Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative UK government initially drew up the upgrade programme in 1990 because of frequent tailbacks and serious crashes on parts of the route.

Work to turn the road into a full dual carriageway began when Tony Blair was prime minister in 2002.

The Welsh Conservatives have criticised the project citing its excessive cost and drawn-out timeline as emblematic of Welsh Labour’s “failure to manage critical infrastructure effectively”.

Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure, Sam Rowlands MS, said: “For the sake of long-suffering residents and businesses, there must be a huge measure of relief that this project is finally completed.

“The project has taken far too long, cost far too much, and it’s clear that important lessons need to be learned. With the M4 relief road originally estimated to cost nearly half the amount, the Welsh public will rightly question whether this gargantuan expense was worth it and if it was the right priority for Wales.

“As the final bill is totalled up, I fear that the cost of this road, will put off any future infrastructure plans from the anti-motorist Welsh Labour Government. It is clear that the country needs a change in management and only the Welsh Conservatives stand ready to fix Wales.”

#A465 #HeadsOfTheValleysRoad #KenSkatesMS #motoring #roadBuilding #WelshGovernment

Councils to get £120m boost to repair more potholes

The Welsh Government say its new local government borrowing initiative will provide an extra £10m of revenue funding to local councils to enable them to unlock an additional £120m of capital funding to accelerate the process of fixing our local roads and pavements.

It adds that the scheme will be designed in close partnership with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and will be open for applications by the end of this financial year.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: “I am delighted that we are able to help local councils access the necessary funding to enable them to accelerate some of the much-needed repair work on local roads across Wales.

“Connecting our communities by fixing our roads is a key priority for us and we will continue to do all that we can to improve the future resilience of roads across Wales.”

Cllr Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of WLGA and transport spokesperson said: “I have been working closely with the Welsh Government on this initiative over recent months and I am really pleased to see it come to fruition. A previous initiative between 2012 and 2014 was highly successful and showed what can be achieved by councils when the right level of funding is available.

“This funding will enable significant improvements to roads, pavements and bridges across Wales.”

#KenSkatesMS #motoring #potholes #roadRepairs #roadResurfacing #WelshGovernment