Adrian Browne

Audit Wales says South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has made a good start in tackling a culture of sexual harassment, misogyny and poor performance identified in a 2024 review. However, the authority has not explained how it will fund reforms estimated to cost up to £19.4m, exceeding its £17.6m in unrestricted reserves. The watchdog wants clearer priorities, stronger measurement of outcomes and evidence that reforms deliver value for local communities and taxpayers. Commissioners appointed by the Welsh Government are expected to remain until after the 2027 local elections, while preparations begin for a possible return to local governance.

A Facebook account using the name “Reform UK Alyn and Deeside and Wrexham” published an anti-Ukraine post calling for an end to UK support for Ukraine, the lifting of sanctions on Russia and restored relations with Moscow. Reform UK said the account was run by a supporter with no official party role and that the post contradicted its policy of supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. Welsh Labour, Conservative and Plaid Cymru politicians condemned the post and accused Reform of pro-Russian sympathies, citing comments by Nigel Farage and the corruption conviction of former Welsh Reform leader Nathan Gill. The post has since apparently been deleted.

Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has spoken publicly about experiencing anxiety from childhood and severe depression and dissociation while studying at the University of Cambridge. He was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder and depression, received antidepressants, and said treatment and talking therapies have helped him manage his symptoms. Skates linked his upbringing near Flintshire’s declining Shotton steelworks to a strong sense of injustice and his eventual entry into politics. His disclosure comes as Welsh Labour faces a major political setback after losing power in the Senedd election, with Plaid Cymru forming the Welsh government and Reform becoming the largest opposition party.

Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has spoken about experiencing anxiety from childhood and severe anxiety and depression while studying at the University of Cambridge. He described dissociation as feeling detached from himself and reality, and said antidepressants and talking therapies have helped him manage his condition. Skates linked his upbringing near Mold and the job losses at Shotton steelworks, where his parents worked, to his sense of injustice and decision to enter politics. His disclosure comes after Welsh Labour suffered major losses in the Senedd election, ending 27 years of Labour-led government in Wales.