Latest news with #SouthWalesEast
Telegraph
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
First Reform member in Welsh Parliament after Tory defection
Reform UK now has its first representative in the Welsh Parliament after a defection from the Tories. Nigel Farage announced on Tuesday afternoon that Laura Anne Jones, the current member for South Wales East, had switched allegiances. Speaking at a press conference at the Royal Welsh Show, the Reform leader said: 'I am delighted to say that today is a big step forward for Reform UK in Wales.' The defection came as Reform steps up its efforts to win power in Wales at the Senedd elections scheduled to take place in May next year. Reform is aiming to end Labour's 26 years of domination in Wales and Mr Farage said his party was 'going all out to win'. Ms Jones said she had not informed the Conservative Party of her defection. Speaking alongside Mr Farage, Ms Jones said: 'After 31 years in the Conservative Party I have just suddenly felt that the Conservative Party was unrecognisable to me.' She added: 'I truly believe that I have joined a party in Reform UK that listens to people.' Ms Jones said that 'Wales is a complete mess' and she believed Mr Farage and Reform can 'take Wales forward into a great place'.
South Wales Argus
09-07-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
LOOK: Usk's 'quacking' annual duck race brings in crowds
The annual event, organised by Usk Athletic Club and Usk Cricket Club, took place on Friday, July 4. Hundreds of yellow rubber ducks were launched from Usk Bridge at 7pm, racing to the finish line in the river. There were prizes for the winning ducks, and a family-friendly after-party at Usk Athletic Club with food, drinks, and music. South Wales East MS, Laura Anne Jones, said: "Absolutely brilliant Usk duck race yesterday. "I love this annual tradition in my hometown, that I've now enjoyed for over four decades, and now enjoy with my children. "Massive well done to Usk Athletic Club and Usk Cricket Club for hosting and organising yet another great event. "With the river water level very low, it was tough for the ducks this year. "Thank you so much to all the volunteers in the river scooping them up. "Great food, drink and community fun was then had back at the cricket club. "Well done all involved there too. "Some great BBQ skills on show men. "And lastly thanks to Usk Town Council Mayor Diane Richards and of course a huge thank you to the legend that is Kay Peacock for running the show. "A great time had by our community and the many visitors that came to enjoy it this year." The event was free to watch, and people could 'adopt' their own duck to race. The event page on Facebook described it as one of "Usk's most entertaining and beloved events," and that it would be "quacking good fun." There was also a barbecue and bar available, as well as live entertainment at the club after the race. Anyone who is interested in updates about next year's duck race, or other events, can follow the Usk Duck Race Facebook page. Hundreds of rubber ducks took to the river (Image: Richard Johnstone) (Image: Richard Johnstone) (Image: Richard Johnstone) (Image: Richard Johnstone) (Image: Richard Johnstone) (Image: Richard Johnstone) (Image: Richard Johnstone) (Image: Richard Johnstone)
South Wales Argus
17-06-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Welsh transport secretary reviews Raglan A40 junction
Welsh Government cabinet secretary for transport and north Wales, Ken Skates, visited Monmouthshire to review the A40 junction at Raglan, following repeated calls for action from residents and politicians. The visit included a site inspection and a formal meeting with stakeholders in Raglan. South Wales East MS Laura Anne Jones described the meeting as 'really useful and productive,' and said: "It seems we can achieve some improvements over the next year – 'quick wins' – that will, until a more permanent solution is found, be of some comfort to the Raglan and surrounding areas community." Peter Fox, MS for Monmouth, said: "I am very happy to see the cabinet secretary here in my constituency, to listen to our concerns and to see the problem first hand." Monmouthshire County Council said it welcomed the recent introduction of a 50mph speed limit, but believes further short-term measures are needed to improve safety. The council said: "While we are pleased to see our request for the 50mph on this stretch introduced, we believe implementing additional short-term measures could further support safety. "However, while average speeds have been reduced, compliance is not universal, and the South Wales Trunk Roads Agency has agreed to look at additional measures in the short term. "Monmouthshire County Council will continue to explore what measures within our control can also be implemented." The council said it remains 'committed' to working with partners including the Welsh Government on the situation.
South Wales Argus
07-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Usk Brownie leader Jean Williams honoured in the Senedd
Jean Williams, leader of the 1st Usk Brownie pack, was celebrated in the Senedd during Volunteers' Week by South Wales East MS Laura Anne Jones, who described her as a true example of dedication. Ms Jones said: "Jean has seen generation upon generation of girls go through my local town, me being one of them. "It's quite hard to comprehend the amount of girls who have been through that Brownie pack while she's been leading it. "She's given so much of her time, shaping young minds and teaching them good skills, as well as ensuring that they have lots of fun." Ms Williams has led the Brownie pack for 59 years. In 2017, she was named an Honorary Burgess of Usk, the town's highest honour. Ms Jones said: "It's an incredible achievement and I'm sure that the cabinet secretary would recognise that too. "The time, effort and goodwill put in by our volunteers keep our communities working and the world keep going around, is phenomenal. "The contribution that they make to society, invaluable."
