#neathporttalbot — Public Fediverse posts
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NEATH PORT TALBOT: Council leader Steve Hunt quits and admits he got so drunk he fell over
Neath Port Talbot‘s council leader has stepped down, and admitted he got so drunk at a private function that he fell over.
The council announced on Monday that Cllr Steve Hunt had resigned as leader for personal reasons.
In the council’s statement, he said the role carried “a significant level of responsibility, time and commitment”, and whoever held it should be able to give it “the full attention and dedication it deserves”.
He said: “For personal reasons, I no longer have the time and capacity required to give the role the commitment necessary to do it justice.”
He added: “This is not a decision I have taken lightly, and I remain committed to serving the people of Neath Port Talbot.”
But in a fuller statement of his own, the Independent councillor admitted he “drank far too much alcohol” at an invitation-only event and “did fall over later in the evening”.
He said: “I am not proud of that and I accept that, as someone holding a senior elected position, I should have exercised better judgement.”
He also admitted saying he wanted to “wipe out” Plaid Cymru politically, the party that has run the council with his Independents since 2022.
He said the heated discussions were about the Wales Communities First Independent Party, which he has registered.
He said: “That was an inappropriate political comment made while I was intoxicated, and I accept responsibility for it.”
He said the remark should be understood as “political banter and disagreement at the end of a long evening, rather than as a threat”. He apologised “unreservedly” to the Plaid Cymru group leader the following morning.
He said he had since sought views from senior colleagues in the Welsh Local Government Association, and understood that former Rhondda Cynon Taf Council leader Andrew Morgan, who was also at the event, had described his conduct as exemplary apart from the fact that he was drunk.
Hunt denies gin brag and attacking the Welsh language
Cllr Hunt rejected claims he had bragged about drinking a whole bottle of gin.
He said he had told people he “had drunk a considerable amount of gin”, but only to explain why he was so intoxicated.
He also “strongly” rejected suggestions he had criticised the Welsh language or described spending on it as a “waste of time”.
He said his three children had gone to Welsh-medium schools, and he had done a year-long course to learn Welsh himself.
His criticism that night, he said, was aimed at Welsh Government spending decisions, including the Revenue Support Grant and Additional Learning Needs provision, not at the language.
Seven Sisters councillor says he had already decided to quit
Cllr Hunt said he was aware a coalition meeting had been held to discuss his conduct. But he said he had already decided to resign, for personal reasons he had discussed with the council’s chief executive.
He said the job was “extremely demanding”, he had been dealing with family matters, and he had used the event “as an opportunity to switch off from those pressures”.
He added: “That explains the circumstances; it does not excuse my behaviour.”
He will stay on as the Independent councillor for Crynant, Onllwyn and Seven Sisters.
Plaid Cymru’s Alun Llewelyn runs Neath Port Talbot until 14 October
Deputy leader Cllr Alun Llewelyn will carry out the leader’s functions until the post is filled, the council says. A new leader will be appointed at a full council meeting currently scheduled for 14 October.
Cllr Hunt became leader in 2022 at the head of a Rainbow Coalition of Independent, Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrat and Green councillors, the first administration not run by Labour since the council was created in 1996.
He was reappointed at every annual meeting since, most recently in May. In February he wrote to the Welsh Rugby Union warning that cutting the Ospreys would “disenfranchise a significant supporter base”.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Improvements for ‘towns, villages and valleys’ priority for new Neath Port Talbot coalition cabinet
How the Rainbow Coalition set out its stall in 2022.Reappointed council leader vows to fight for more funding
Cllr Hunt’s 2024 warning over Welsh Government money.Neath Port Talbot Council leader wades into Ospreys row with blistering warning to WRU
His February letter to the Welsh Rugby Union.Cllr Steve Hunt
#CllrAlunLlewelyn #CllrSteveHunt #featured #NeathPortTalbot #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #PlaidCymru
Every story on the former leader. -
Max Boyce and local heroes celebrated at St David Awards
Welsh legend Max Boyce MBE and Wales’ most-capped footballer Jess Fishlock MBE were celebrated at the 2026 St David Awards, sharing the spotlight with a remarkable group of winners from communities across South West Wales.
Now in its 13th year, the awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements of people from all walks of life.
First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “It has been a privilege to honour all of this year’s winners who make me even more proud to be Welsh. They are an inspiration to us all.”
Here are the winners from the Swansea Bay region and beyond:
Young Person Award: Cian Evans
Cian Evans
Winner of the young person awardCian Evans from Pontardawe received the Young Person Award for his incredible fundraising efforts in the face of unimaginable tragedy. After surviving a devastating car crash that killed his mother and unborn sister, Cian has raised thousands of pounds for the Wales Air Ambulance, which helped save his life. His resilience and determination have been described as an inspiration.
Bravery Award: The Teachers of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman
Liz Hopkin, Fiona Elias, Darrel Campbell
Winners of the Bravery awardLiz Hopkin, Fiona Elias, and Darrel Campbell were jointly awarded the Bravery award for their heroic actions during the terrifying knife attack at the Carmarthenshire school in April 2024. The three staff members put themselves in harm’s way to protect pupils, with Liz Hopkin sustaining multiple stab wounds while continuing to act decisively.
Community Champion Award: Faith in Families
Faith in Families
Winners of the Community Champion awardSwansea-based charity Faith in Families won the Community Champion award. The judges recognised their incredible work supporting some of the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods through their Community Cwtches and the launch of Cwtch Mawr, Wales’ first Multibank, which has distributed over a million essential items to families in need.
Innovation, Science and Technology Award: Professor Joanne Davies
Professor Joanne Davies
Winner of the Innovation, science and technology awardProfessor Joanne Davies, Head of Simulation at Swansea University, won the Innovation, Science and Technology award. Her work in transforming medical training in Wales through cutting-edge simulation was praised for improving patient safety and preparing clinicians for real-world pressures.
Public Service Award: Dr Tipswalo Day
Dr Tipswalo Day
Winner of the Public services awardDr Tipswalo Day, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen, was awarded the Public Service award for her pioneering work to reduce stillbirths and birth-related brain injuries. She also founded Race Matters in Maternity, Wales’ first conference tackling inequalities in maternal care.
Other Winners
- Culture Award: Max Boyce MBE
- Sport Award: Jess Fishlock MBE
- Business Award: de Novo Solutions
- Environment Champion Award: Deorfa Cynrig Hatchery
- Volunteering Award: Brian Jones
- First Minister’s Special Award: Henry Engelhardt CBE and Diane Briere de l’Isle Engelhardt OBE
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Swansea Bay’s unsung heroes lead the way as St David Awards finalists revealed
The Welsh Government has unveiled the finalists for Wales’ national honours, now in their 13th year, celebrating extraordinary people who have changed lives, saved lives, and shaped communities across the country.
While the awards span the whole of Wales, this year’s shortlist is packed with powerful stories from Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Bridgend — a reminder that some of the nation’s most inspiring figures live right here in our corner of Wales.
First Minister Eluned Morgan said the awards “bring together the best of Wales”, adding:
“It’s a privilege to announce the finalists of the St David Awards. It brings together the best of Wales, with fantastic examples of the positive contribution people can make to other people’s lives. We have an incredible list this year, full of inspirational stories and impressive achievements.”
The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Senedd on Thursday 26 February 2026.
Bravery: Carmarthenshire teachers who faced down a knife attacker
Liz Hopkin, Fiona Elias, Darrel Campbell
Nominated for Bravery awardFew stories in Wales have shaken a community like the knife attack at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in April 2024. Now, three of the staff who protected pupils during the terrifying incident have been shortlisted for the Bravery Award.
Deputy Headteacher Fiona Elias, Additional Learning Needs Coordinator Liz Hopkin, and former Assistant Headteacher Darrel Campbell all suffered injuries or put themselves in harm’s way as they confronted the attacker.
Liz Hopkin sustained multiple stab wounds yet continued to act decisively, helping prevent further tragedy. Fiona Elias returned to work within weeks, supporting traumatised pupils and staff. And Darrel Campbell disarmed the attacker, stopping the violence.
Their courage has already been recognised by the community — now it’s being honoured at a national level.
Also shortlisted is Bridgend’s William Newbury, who fought off three dogs to save a mother and her newborn baby during a violent attack in Cardiff. His actions left him with serious injuries and lasting scars — but he saved two lives.
Community Champion: Swansea’s Faith in Families leads the way
Faith in Families
Nominated for Community Champion awardSwansea charity Faith in Families is one of the most recognisable names in community support — and this year it’s up for the Community Champion Award.
In some of the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods, their Community Cwtches offer safe spaces, childcare, training, and family support. But it was the launch of Cwtch Mawr, Wales’ first Multibank, that turned heads across the UK.
In just one year, it generated £28 million in social value, distributed over one million essential items, and supported more than 30,000 families.
Their motto — “Hugs not Handouts” — sums up their approach: dignity first, compassion always.
Culture: Hollywood star, Welsh icon and Swansea youth theatre recognised
Luke Evans
Nominated for Culture awardMax Boyce
Nominated for Culture awardThe Culture category brings together three very different but equally powerful forces in Welsh culture — a Hollywood star, a national icon and a homegrown youth theatre that has shaped generations.
Luke Evans, born in Pontypool and raised in Aberbargoed, is shortlisted for his achievements as an actor, singer and advocate. From the West End to global blockbusters such as The Hobbit trilogy, Dracula Untold and Beauty and the Beast, he has become one of Wales’ most recognisable faces on screen. He is also a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and mental health awareness, using his platform to champion inclusivity and self‑acceptance, and has released two studio albums and a memoir, Boy from the Valleys.
Max Boyce MBE, from Glynneath, stands as a legendary figure in Welsh culture. His unique blend of comedy, music and poetry has captured the heart of the nation for decades, celebrating Welsh identity, rugby passion and the spirit of mining communities. His iconic album We All Had Doctors’ Papers topped the UK Albums Chart, and his anthem “Hymns and Arias” still echoes around rugby stadiums.
West Glamorgan Youth Theatre
Nominated for Culture awardAlongside them is a true Swansea Bay institution: the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre Company (WGYTC).
Founded in 1975, the company has shaped generations of performers, writers and creatives — including household names like Michael Sheen and Russell T Davies. Today, it continues to nurture more than 75 young people a year, despite funding pressures.
Its impact stretches far beyond the stage. Alumni have gone on to work in education, healthcare and community roles, carrying the confidence and creativity they learned at WGYTC into every corner of Welsh life.
Environment Champion: protecting rivers and wildlife across west Wales
Gail Davies-Walsh
Nominated for Environment champion awardWhile the Environment category spans Wales, one of the most influential figures shortlisted has deep roots in west Wales.
Gail Davies‑Walsh, CEO of Afonydd Cymru, leads the umbrella body for Wales’ six Rivers Trusts. Her work has helped shape national policy on water quality, agricultural pollution and river restoration — issues that matter deeply to communities across Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Pembrokeshire.
Her leadership has strengthened local river groups, secured vital funding, and raised public awareness of the pressures facing Welsh waterways.
At the heart of Welsh species recovery stands the Cynrig Hatchery team — Dr John Taylor, Oliver Brown, Richard Davies and Haydn Probert of Natural Resources Wales. They rear and restore some of the UK’s most threatened wildlife, including water voles, white‑clawed crayfish, freshwater pearl mussels and Arctic Char, combining scientific skill with relentless day‑to‑day care.
Dani Robertson, Dark Skies Officer for Eryri National Park, is also shortlisted for her work tackling light pollution and protecting Wales’ night skies, while reconnecting people with the stars through public engagement and policy work.
Innovation, Science & Technology: Swansea University’s global impact
Professor Joanne Davies
Nominated for Innovation, science and technology awardSwansea’s contribution to science and innovation is represented by Professor Joanne Davies, Head of Simulation and founding director of SUSIM at Swansea University.
Her work has transformed medical training in Wales, using cutting‑edge simulation and digital platforms to improve patient safety and prepare clinicians for real‑world pressures. Her influence stretches from NHS Wales to international partners in the Middle East and Africa.
The Barrett Centre for Helminth Control at Aberystwyth University is also shortlisted for its world‑leading work on parasitic flatworms, while Wrexham‑based entrepreneur Dr Elin Haf Davies is recognised for her digital health company Aparito, which has revolutionised remote patient monitoring and clinical trials.
Public Service: Carmarthen doctor leading safer maternity care
Dr Tipswalo Day
Nominated for Public services awardCarmarthenshire is represented in the Public Service category by Dr Tipswalo Day, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Glangwili General Hospital.
Dr Day has led pioneering work to reduce stillbirths and birth‑related brain injuries, championing teamwork, learning and equitable care. She also founded Race Matters in Maternity, Wales’ first conference tackling inequalities in maternity outcomes.
Her leadership has shaped national policy and improved safety for mothers and babies across Wales.
Also shortlisted are executive headteacher Innes Robinson, recognised for turning around schools in south Wales, Pembrokeshire learning support assistant and wellbeing champion Jan Luke, and prison officer Robert Scott, whose work at HMP Berwyn has helped embed a culture of lifelong learning among staff.
Volunteering: Swansea charity supporting families in crisis
Advocates and Angels
Nominated for Volunteering awardAnother powerful local story comes from Swansea’s Advocates and Angels, founded by Bethan Germon in memory of her daughter Lydia.
Entirely volunteer‑run, the charity provides emergency Chrysalis Care Packages to families facing illness, disability, hospital stays or bereavement. They’ve supported more than 10,000 families across Wales, working closely with NHS wards and hospices.
Their work is quiet, compassionate and often unseen — but life‑changing for those who receive it.
They are shortlisted alongside Brian Jones, who has led British International Search and Rescue Dogs for decades, and Therapy Dogs Nationwide co‑founder Eileen Hodge.
Young Person: three inspiring young finalists from Swansea Bay
Anwen-Grace Rodaway
Nominated for Young person awardBowen Cole
Nominated for Young person awardCian Evans
Nominated for Young person awardAll three finalists in the Young Person category are from our patch — a remarkable showing for the region.
Anwen‑Grace Rodaway, from Gŵyr, has become a powerful advocate for disabled young people. A former Welsh Youth Parliament member, she has campaigned on autism awareness, led beach cleans, and excelled academically after overcoming severe mental health challenges. Now studying filmmaking, she continues to champion equality and inclusion.
Bowen Cole, a student at Gower College Swansea, is a youth leader, diplomat and advocate for underrepresented voices. He has represented Wales internationally, worked with national media and political leaders, and served as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Officer at the college.
At just 11, Pontardawe’s Cian Evans has raised thousands for charity despite surviving a devastating crash that killed his mother and unborn sister. His fundraising challenges — including the Welsh Three Peaks — have supported counselling services and the Welsh Air Ambulance. His resilience and compassion have inspired communities across Neath Port Talbot and beyond.
St David Awards 2026 finalists
Bravery
Liz Hopkin, Fiona Elias and Darrel Campbell – Ysgol Dyffryn Aman
James Reilly – Royal Engineer Commando
William Newbury – BridgendBusiness
Brød – The Danish Bakery
Rockwool Ltd
de Novo SolutionsCommunity Champion
Faith in Families – Swansea
Parent Learning Group – Cathays High School
Rusna Begum – NewportCulture
Luke Evans – Actor and singer
Max Boyce MBE – Musician and poet
West Glamorgan Youth Theatre CompanyEnvironment Champion
Cynrig Hatchery Team
Dani Robertson – Dark Skies Officer
Gail Davies‑Walsh – Afonydd CymruInnovation, Science and Technology
Barrett Centre for Helminth Control
Dr Elin Haf Davies – Aparito
Professor Joanne Davies – Swansea UniversityPublic Service
Dr Tipswalo Day – Glangwili General Hospital
Innes Robinson – Headteacher
Jan Luke – Roch CP School
Robert Scott – HMP BerwynSport
Jess Fishlock MBE – Footballer
Lauren Price MBE – Olympic boxing champion
Alan Williams – Sailing coachVolunteering
Advocates and Angels – Swansea
Brian Jones – British International Search and Rescue Dogs
Eileen Hodge – Therapy Dogs NationwideYoung Person
Anwen‑Grace Rodaway – Gŵyr
Bowen Cole – Gower College Swansea
Cian Evans – PontardaweA region of heroes
From Carmarthenshire’s frontline NHS staff to Swansea’s community champions, from young people overcoming adversity to teachers who risked their lives to protect children — the Swansea Bay region is at the heart of this year’s St David Awards.
The ceremony takes place on 26 February 2026 at the Senedd.
#AdvocatesAndAngels #AfonyddCymru #AnwenGraceRodaway #BowenCole #Carmarthenshire #Charity #CianEvans #DarrelCampbell #DrTipswaloDay #FaithInFamilies #FionaElias #fundraising #GailDaviesWalsh #GlangwiliHospital #GowerCollegeSwansea #LizHopkin #LukeEvans #MaxBoyce #NeathPortTalbot #ProfessorJoanneDavies #StDavidsAwards #Swansea #SwanseaUniversity #WestGlamorganYouthTheatre #YsgolDyffrynAman