#seneddelections2026 — Public Fediverse posts

Reform UK Senedd candidate failed to declare Freemasonry membership on council register

A Reform UK candidate who could be elected to represent parts of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot has admitted failing to declare his Freemasonry membership on his council register of interests, saying he did not realise he was required to do so.

Iain McIntosh, who runs a carpet business in Brecon and defected from the Conservatives last year, is a member of Powys County Council and is number two on Reform UK’s list for the Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd constituency in next month’s Senedd election — a position that gives him a realistic chance of being elected. The large regional seat covers Powys as well as parts of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. Nation Cymru reports that a political source provided lodge minutes showing McIntosh had been initiated as a Freemason on 26 February 2020 and passed in November 2021.

Powys County Council’s Register of Members’ Interests asks councillors to declare membership of any company, industrial and provident society, charity or body directed to charitable purposes. The Freemasons make regular charity donations. Under that category, McIntosh had declared “None.”

When approached, McIntosh immediately confirmed he was the individual named in the lodge minutes. “I didn’t realise I was supposed to declare my membership in the Register of Interests, because I didn’t see any conflict. Powys County Council has no contracts with the Lodge I am a member of,” he said.

He added that he had joined to make charity donations and socialise, and had not attended a lodge meeting for a year or 18 months. “I’m a very transparent person and it’s not in my nature to be secretive. If it was up to me, I’d be quite happy to let people know what goes on at meetings — there’s nothing dodgy,” he said. He added that Freemasons could be found across all parties and that if elected to the Senedd he would be happy to declare his membership if required.

The political source said the issue was one of openness and transparency rather than a debate on the merits of Freemasonry itself. “If he is serving constituents, some may be comfortable with his freemasonry, others may not be. So it is important that he is open, transparent and straightforward by telling them what oaths he has sworn to certain clubs and societies,” the source said.

The disclosure comes at a turbulent time for Reform UK in Wales with the Senedd election weeks away. Former Senedd MS Caroline Jones resigned from the party last week, citing candidate parachuting and a “wall of silence” in response to formal complaints.

Three of Reform’s six candidates for the Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan constituency quit in the space of days — including its top two — while a Swansea candidate resigned in a furious “betrayal” rant, saying the party had “sunk deep into the sewer.”

The Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd constituency, which takes in parts of the Brecon Beacons, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, is one of the more keenly contested regional seats in next month’s Senedd election. With McIntosh second on the list, the question of what he has or hasn’t declared to his current council — and what he would declare as a Senedd member — is now a live one ahead of polling day on 7 May.

McIntosh said he remained committed to transparency. “If I get elected to the Senedd and they want me to declare I am a Freemason, I’ll be happy to do so,” he said.

REFORM UK: Former Senedd MS Caroline Jones resigns citing candidate parachuting and “wall of silence”

Jones, 70, who represented South Wales West as a regional MS from 2016 to 2021, announced her resignation on social media, saying she had formally submitted her departure more than 24 hours before making it public and had received no response from the party.

In a lengthy statement, Jones said local members who had worked hard in their communities had been passed over for candidacies, with individuals she described as having “little or no connection” to constituencies being placed into positions instead. She said this had caused “deep frustration and disappointment” among members, candidates and supporters who had invested time and resources in good faith.

More seriously, she alleged that some of those parachuted into constituencies had brought “further reputational damage” through conduct including allegations of racism and discrimination — claims she said had embarrassed those who had worked to represent their communities with integrity.

“This continued lack of engagement reflects the wall of silence that many of us have experienced when trying to seek clarity and accountability,” Jones wrote, adding that she had made repeated formal attempts to get answers and had consistently been ignored.

The resignation adds to a growing picture of turmoil inside Reform UK’s Welsh operation in the weeks before the May 2026 Senedd election. Swansea Bay News has reported extensively on the party’s difficulties across the region, including the collapse of its Bridgend candidate slate, a furious resignation in Swansea in which a candidate branded the party a “sewer”, and a Carmarthenshire candidate launch overshadowed by wider defections and internal turbulence.

Jones is not a new face to Welsh political turbulence. She was first elected on the UKIP ticket in 2016, briefly led the UKIP Senedd group in 2018, and subsequently left to sit as an independent before joining the Brexit Party — now Reform UK — in 2019. She later broke with the group again over its anti-devolution stance, forming the Independent Alliance for Reform group in the Senedd until her seat ended at the 2021 election. She rejoined Reform UK in 2023.

Her resignation echoes complaints that have surfaced repeatedly across Wales. Candidate selection disputes, allegations of racism and discrimination against Reform figures in the region, and the high-profile jailing of former Wales leader Nathan Gill for ten and a half years over a Russian bribery case have collectively damaged the party’s credibility ahead of what polls suggest could be a significant electoral moment.

Jones said her decision was “about integrity, and about standing up for what is right”, and that she remained committed to serving veterans and her community.

It is not yet clear whether she intends to stand as an independent candidate at the Senedd election or step back from frontline politics.

Jones represented the South Wales West region, which covers Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea — areas that have been among the most turbulent for the party’s Welsh operation.

The Senedd election takes place on 7 May 2026. Reform UK has not yet responded to the resignation.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Bridgend chaos: Three of Reform’s six Pen-y-bont Senedd candidates have quit — and nobody knows who’ll replace them
Three of Reform UK’s six Bridgend Senedd candidates quit ahead of the May 2026 election, leaving the party scrambling to fill its slate.

Swansea Reform UK candidate quits in furious ‘betrayal’ rant — ‘Party has sunk into the sewer!’
A Reform UK Swansea candidate resigned with a furious public statement accusing the party of betrayal.

Carmarthenshire: Reform UK names full Senedd slate — but defections cast shadow over campaign launch
Reform UK named its Carmarthenshire Senedd candidates, but the announcement was overshadowed by wider party turbulence and defections.

Nigel Farage appoints new Reform Wales leader as Labour says party is now run by Tories
Nigel Farage appointed a new Reform UK Wales leader amid ongoing questions about the party’s direction in Wales.

Former Reform UK Wales leader Nathan Gill jailed for 10 and a half years over Russian bribery
Nathan Gill, the former leader of Reform UK in Wales, was jailed for over a decade after being convicted of accepting Russian bribes.

Plaid Cymru storms ahead as shock Senedd poll predicts political earthquake in Wales
A major Senedd poll showed Plaid Cymru surging ahead, with significant implications for all parties including Reform UK.

Plaid storms ahead as Labour vote collapses in Wales

A YouGov/Cardiff University survey of 2,500 adults across Wales shows Plaid on course to become the largest party in the Senedd for the first time since devolution began in 1999. Reform UK trails narrowly on 30%, while Labour and the Conservatives are tied on 10% each. The Greens rise to 9% and the Liberal Democrats to 6%.

Under the new proportional voting system debuting in May 2026, Plaid would secure 39 seats, Reform 34, Labour 10, Conservatives six, Greens four and the Lib Dems three.

Labour dominance shattered by poll shock

Labour has led every Welsh Government since 1999, but the latest figures show the party reduced to historic lows. Once the dominant force in the Welsh‑identifying progressive bloc, Labour now retains only a fraction of its former support.

Cardiff University’s analysis makes clear this isn’t voters abandoning progressive politics altogether — it’s consolidation. Plaid has absorbed the bulk of Welsh‑identifying support, while Reform has swallowed Conservative backing among British‑identifying voters.

Generational divide drives realignment

The raw data reveals a stark split by age. Plaid dominates among younger voters, winning 37% of 18–24s and 31% of 25–34s. Reform surges among older voters, taking 31% of those aged 55–64 and 30% of those aged 65–74. Labour barely registers across all age groups, peaking at just 10%.

Education tells a similar story. Plaid is strongest among graduates, while Reform leads among those with no qualifications.

Voters say why they’re switching

Plaid supporters overwhelmingly cite “standing up for Wales” as their reason for switching, with nearly half of respondents choosing that option. A further fifth back Plaid tactically as “best placed to stop Reform UK.”

Reform voters are driven by immigration, with 42% saying it is the party’s defining issue. Nigel Farage’s leadership remains a powerful draw, with nearly one in five citing him as the only leader who understands ordinary people’s problems.

What it means for Wales

The poll does not provide constituency‑level figures, but the national trend is clear: Labour’s grip on Wales has loosened dramatically. Even in traditional strongholds, the party’s dominance can no longer be taken for granted.

If these figures hold, Welsh politics faces a generational realignment. For the first time in a century, Labour faces the prospect of opposition or junior coalition status, while Plaid Cymru is poised to lead the Senedd.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Plaid Cymru and Reform UK neck and neck as Labour slumps to historic low
Previous polling showed Plaid and Reform tied, with Labour collapsing to unprecedented lows.

Latest Senedd poll puts Reform and Plaid neck and neck
Analysis of how South West Wales emerged as a decisive battleground in earlier polling.

Reform UK pulls ahead as Plaid slips and Labour edges back
Coverage of Reform overtaking Plaid in a previous survey, with Labour showing slight recovery.

Reform projected to have most Senedd seats
Seat projections suggested Reform leading, but a Plaid–Labour coalition seen as the most likely outcome.

#PlaidCymru #polling #ReformUK #RhunApIorwerthMS #SeneddElection #SeneddElections2026 #WelshConservatives #WelshLabour #WelshLiberalDemocrats #YouGov

Latest Senedd poll puts Reform and Plaid neck and neck as South West Wales emerges as decisive battleground

The fresh Beaufort Research poll for Nation.Cymru puts Reform on 27% (down three points since September), Plaid Cymru on 26% (up four), Labour on 21% (down two), Conservatives on 12%, Greens on 9% and Liberal Democrats on 3%.

Seat projections show Reform and Plaid neck‑and‑neck on 30 seats each, Labour on 24, Conservatives on 9, Greens on 2 and Lib Dems on just 1. That would almost certainly see Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth installed as First Minister — either through a coalition with Labour or a looser cooperation deal.

But the real drama lies in the constituency breakdown.

South West Wales on a knife‑edge

The updated projections show how finely balanced the region has become:

In Gŵyr Abertawe, Reform, Labour and Plaid split the six seats, with Reform edging ahead on three. In Sir Gaerfyrddin, Plaid takes control with three seats, leaving Reform on two and Labour squeezed down to one. Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd is even more fragmented, with Reform on three, Labour and Plaid on one each, plus single seats for the Conservatives and Lib Dems. And in Pen‑y‑bont Bro Morgannwg, Reform and Labour again take two apiece, leaving Plaid and the Conservatives with one each.

This mirrors the trend Swansea Bay News has tracked for months: Reform surging in working‑class valleys and coastal towns, Plaid consolidating its Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion heartlands, and Labour squeezed from both sides. The new numbers show Plaid clawing back ground, especially among younger voters and Welsh speakers, while Reform’s momentum has slowed.

Demographic divides deepen

The poll highlights stark splits:

• Men lean Reform (29%), while women lean Plaid (27%).
• Young voters (16–34) back Plaid (31%) and Labour (28%), leaving Reform trailing at 14%.
• Middle‑aged voters (35–54) give Reform a commanding 36%.
• Welsh speakers overwhelmingly back Plaid (41%), while non‑Welsh speakers put Reform ahead (31%).

These divides underline the cultural and generational fault lines running through South West Wales, with Reform strongest among older, non‑Welsh‑speaking voters and Plaid dominant among younger, Welsh‑speaking communities.

From landslide to stalemate

Just months ago, Reform were riding high in South West Wales, with polls showing them pulling ahead while Plaid slipped and Labour edged back. Warnings from the First Minister that a Reform or Plaid victory could plunge Wales into “chaos” reflected that momentum. Now, the picture is more complicated: Reform’s surge has stalled, Plaid has recovered, and Labour remains stuck in third place.

The result? A looming stalemate. With no party anywhere near a majority, South West Wales’ six‑seat constituencies could decide whether Wales ends up with a Reform‑dominated Senedd, a Plaid‑Labour coalition, or another fragile cooperation deal.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

From Westminster landslide to Senedd stalemate
Polling shows contrasting futures for South West Wales between Westminster and Senedd elections.

Reform still leading in South West Wales
Labour makes gains but Reform UK remains ahead in the latest Senedd polling snapshot.

Reform surge redraws political map
Reform UK’s rise reshapes the electoral landscape across South West Wales constituencies.

Reform pulls ahead as Plaid slips
Reform UK takes the lead while Plaid Cymru loses ground and Labour edges back.

First Minister warns of chaos
Mark Drakeford warns Wales could face chaos if Plaid or Reform win the Senedd election.

Plaid and Reform neck and neck
Labour slumps to a historic low as Plaid Cymru and Reform UK tie in the polls.

Two‑thirds think politicians are out for themselves
A YouGov poll finds widespread distrust, with most believing politicians act in self‑interest.

#AfanOgwrRhondda #BeaufortResearch #BrycheiniogTaweNedd #Caerfyrddin #CeredigionPenfro #GreenParty #GŵyrAbertawe #PenYBontBroMorgannwg #PlaidCymru #politics #ReformUK #SeneddElection #SeneddElections2026 #SirGaerfyrddin #WelshConservatives #WelshLiberalDemocrats

First Minister Eluned Morgan tops Labour’s Senedd candidate list for Ceredigion Penfro

Under Labour’s rules, incumbent Members of the Senedd are automatically placed at the top of their constituency lists. Morgan has represented Mid and West Wales on the regional list since 2016 and became First Minister in 2024, having previously served as Health Minister and International Relations Minister.

Just two of Labour’s candidates on the Ceredigion Penfro list have direct links to the area. Marc Tierney, Morgan’s current office manager, is a county councillor for Narberth Urban and Cabinet Member for Young People, Communities and the Wellbeing of Future Generations. Joshua Phillips, a local activist, chairs Welsh Labour’s Solva & St Davids Branch, is vice chair of Solva Community Council, and is founder of the Edge Festival as well as director of Solva Gin.

Other names on the list include Margaret Greenaway, Swansea‑based President of The Open University Students’ Association; Tansaim Hussain‑Gul, a Cardiff‑born British Gas worker and trade union activist; Luke Davies‑Jones, a chartered accountant and Unite union member born in Swansea and now living in Cardiff; and Peter Huw Jenkins, a county councillor for Llandaff on Cardiff City Council.

Labour’s candidate list for Ceredigion Penfro

Eluned Morgan
First Minister of Wales and incumbent MS, automatically placed at the top of Labour’s slate.

Marc Tierney
County councillor for Narberth Urban, Cabinet Member for Young People, Communities and Wellbeing of Future Generations, and Morgan’s current office manager.

Joshua Phillips
Local activist, chair of Welsh Labour’s Solva & St Davids Branch, vice chair of Solva Community Council, founder of the Edge Festival and director of Solva Gin.

Margaret Greenaway
Swansea-based President of The Open University Students’ Association (OUSA).

Tansaim Hussain-Gul
Cardiff-born British Gas worker and trade union activist.

Luke Davies-Jones
Chartered accountant and Unite union member, born in Swansea and living in Cardiff.

Peter Huw Jenkins
County councillor for Llandaff on Cardiff City Council.

New constituency and projections

Ceredigion Penfro is one of the new multi‑member constituencies created under Senedd reforms, combining parts of Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. Each of the new constituencies will elect six Members of the Senedd using proportional representation, replacing the old mix of constituency and regional seats.

Polling averages suggest Labour could secure around two seats in Ceredigion Penfro, with Plaid Cymru expected to perform strongly in the area and Reform UK also polling competitively. That would give Labour a foothold in a constituency where Plaid has historically dominated, but where Pembrokeshire’s Labour vote could now play a bigger role under the new boundaries.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Sarah Murphy tops Labour’s Senedd candidate list for Pen‑y‑Bont Bro Morgannwg
Labour confirms Sarah Murphy will head the slate in the new Pen‑y‑Bont Bro Morgannwg constituency.

Ammanford deputy mayor tops Labour’s Senedd list for Carmarthenshire
Labour names Ammanford deputy mayor as lead candidate for Carmarthenshire under new Senedd boundaries.

BAME and union activist tops Labour’s Senedd list for Neath, Swansea East and Brecon
Labour selects a BAME trade union activist to lead its candidate list in Neath, Swansea East and Brecon.

Swansea council leader ranked second on Labour’s Senedd candidate list for Gwyr Abertawe
Swansea Council leader placed second on Labour’s candidate list for the new Gwyr Abertawe constituency.

Reform UK pulls ahead as Plaid slips and Labour edges back in new Senedd poll
Latest polling shows Reform UK gaining ground as Plaid falls back and Labour edges forward.

Plaid’s big win in Caerphilly reshapes the Senedd debate
Plaid Cymru’s victory in Caerphilly reshapes the political debate ahead of the next Senedd election.

#candidates #ceredigion #ceredigionPenfro #elunedMorgan #elunedMorganMs #firstMinister #labour #pembrokeshire #senedd #seneddElection #seneddElections2026 #welshLabour

Sarah Murphy tops Labour’s Senedd candidate list for Pen‑y‑Bont Bro Morgannwg

Latest polling suggests Labour are likely to secure two of the six seats in this constituency at the 2026 Senedd election.

Sitting Bridgend MS heads the slate

First on the list is Sarah Murphy, who has represented Bridgend in the Senedd since 2021. She previously worked as Head of Events for Welsh Labour, Research Analyst for Lee Waters AM, and Communications Manager for Anna McMorrin MP. Before her election she chaired Sustainable Wales, a Porthcawl‑based charity supporting community‑led sustainable development.

Former council leader takes second place

Second is Huw David OBE, the former leader of Bridgend County Borough Council between 2016 and 2024. He was awarded an OBE for public service and his contribution to local government in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2022.

Vale deputy mayor ranked third

Third on the list is Carys Stallard, a former BBC journalist who now serves as Labour councillor for St Brides Major on the Vale of Glamorgan Council. She is currently Deputy Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan, chairs the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Advisory Group, and sits on the Place Scrutiny and Planning Committees.

Politics & Senedd News

Follow the latest updates on Senedd candidate selections, party rankings, and polling across Wales.

View all Politics stories

Trade union organiser joins the slate

Fourth is Jonathan Cox, a trade unionist and community organiser who founded Citizens Cymru Wales. A former adviser to David Miliband MP, he says he has worked with Mark Drakeford MS on the Real Living Wage in social care, with Jane Hutt MS to welcome Syrian refugees to the Vale, and with Carwyn Jones MS to introduce the Real Living Wage in Welsh Government.

Bridgend councillor takes fifth spot

Fifth is Jon‑Paul Blundell, a Bridgend councillor for the Cefn‑Glas ward. He chairs the Communities, Environment and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee and was previously Cabinet Member for Education.

Barry councillor and wellbeing champion ranked sixth

Sixth on the list is Helen Payne, a Vale of Glamorgan councillor for the Cadoc ward in Barry. She was previously Projects Manager for Llamau, supporting vulnerable young people. Payne is the council’s Mental Wellbeing Champion, chairs the Investigating Committee, and serves as Vice Chair of the Start Well Scrutiny Committee.

Former cabinet member joins at seven

Seventh is Rhys Goode, a councillor for the Nant‑y‑moel ward on Bridgend Council. He has served as Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning & Regeneration (2023–24) and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing & Future Generations (2022–23). Goode was Head of Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru from 2022 to 2024, and has held senior communications roles at Klana and JustGiving.

Porthcawl councillor completes the list

Eighth is Neelo Farr, a trade unionist and councillor for Porthcawl on Bridgend Council. She is Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, with a professional background as a mental health social worker.

Constituency boundaries

Pen‑y‑Bont Bro Morgannwg is one of 16 new Senedd “super constituencies” created for the 2026 election. It combines the Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan parliamentary areas, covering major towns including Bridgend, Barry, Cowbridge, Llantwit Major, Pencoed and Porthcawl. The constituency will elect six Members of the Senedd under the new proportional voting system.

Electoral outlook

While Murphy heads the slate, Labour’s prospects in Pen‑y‑Bont Bro Morgannwg are limited. Polling suggests the party is in line for just two seats in this constituency, with Plaid Cymru and Reform UK also competing strongly as Labour’s support edges back.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Ammanford deputy mayor tops Labour’s Senedd list for Carmarthenshire
Calum Higgins heads Labour’s slate in Carmarthenshire under the new Senedd voting system.

BAME and union activist tops Labour’s Senedd list for Neath, Swansea East and Brecon
Dr Mahaboob Basha confirmed as Labour’s lead candidate in Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd.

Swansea Council leader ranked second on Labour’s Senedd list for Gŵyr Abertawe
Rob Stewart placed second on Labour’s candidate list for the Swansea “super constituency”.

#barry #bridgend #carysStallard #cllrHuwDavid #cllrJonPaulBlundell #cllrNeeloFarr #cllrRhysGoode #cowbridge #helenPayne #jonathanCox #llantwitMajor #penE28091yE28091bontBroMorgannwg #pencoed #porthcawl #sarahMurphyMs #seneddElection #seneddElections2026 #valeOfGlamorgan #welshLabour

BAME and union activist tops Labour’s Senedd list for Neath, Swansea East and Brecon

Heading the list is Dr Mahaboob Basha, a Swansea University External Relations Manager and long‑standing union activist. Originally from Tamil Nadu, India, Basha has worked with governments and international organisations including the United Nations. Diagnosed with dyslexia and colour blindness in his twenties, he has become a prominent advocate for equality and representation, chairing Welsh Labour’s BAME membership group. His community work — including delivering thousands of hot meals through Sketty Youth Club — was recognised earlier this year with a British Citizen Award.

Behind him in second place is Alex Sims, who works as office manager for Cardiff MS Jenny Rathbone. Sims has built experience in constituency casework and political organisation, giving him insight into policy delivery and community engagement.

Third on the list is Sarah Thomas, a councillor on Neath Port Talbot Council representing Gwaun‑Cae‑Gurwen and Lower Brynaman. She serves as shadow cabinet member for Finance, Performance & Social Justice, bringing local government experience and a focus on financial accountability and equality.

Further down the list are Elliot Wigfall, a Labour councillor for Ynysybwl and Coed Y Cwm Community Council; Cyriac George, a Care Officer at Swansea Council originally from Kerala, India; Chelsea Edwards, a younger Labour activist involved in community campaigning; and Morgan Pritchard, another emerging figure from the party’s renewal process.

Wider contest

Labour’s announcement comes as other parties have already named their candidates for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd. Plaid Cymru’s team includes sitting MS Sioned Williams, councillor Rebeca Phillips, community activist Andrew Jenkins, and Abercraf councillor Justin Horrell. The Welsh Liberal Democrats have confirmed that party leader Jane Dodds MS will head their list in the constituency.

Polling picture

As reported by Swansea Bay News earlier this month, the latest polling suggests Labour is currently on track to win one seat in Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd. That would mean only the top‑ranked candidate — Dr Mahaboob Basha — is likely to secure election if current trends hold, with Reform UK and Plaid Cymru also expected to perform strongly in the area.

What happens next

These rankings remain provisional and subject to endorsement by Welsh Labour’s Executive Committee before being finalised. Further lists for the remaining constituencies will be published in the coming weeks as parties prepare for the next Senedd election.

#alexSims #brycheiniogTaweNedd #chelseaEdwards #cllrSarahThomas #cyriacGeorge #drMahaboobBasha #elliotWigfall #morganPritchard #seneddElection #seneddElections2026 #welshLabour