A SIX-WAY battle to contest a Pembrokeshire seat made vacant following the resignation of local county councillor Andrew Edwards during the Christmas period is taking place today, February 11.
Former county councillor for Haverfordwest’s Prendergast Ward Cllr Edwards had previously been a Conservative group member, leaving in 2023 when serious allegations of racist ‘slave’ comments emerged, following a recording where he was alleged to have said every white man should have a black slave.
Following that allegation Mr Edwards, a former magistrate and a school governor, withdrew from the political group and referred himself to the Ombudsman for an independent evaluation.
Cllr Edwards, who became a councillor in the 2022 elections, neither confirmed nor denied the allegation when previously asked by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Since then, Cllr Edwards has tendered his resignation over the Christmas 2024 period saying his position is “untenable” due to “family matters”.
Following Mr Edwards’ resignation, notice was given by Chief Executive William Bramble of a casual vacancy for the county councillor position for the ward, and six candidates have thrown their names into the hat to represent the ward, the election to take place today, February 11, with the polling station at Pembrokeshire Archives open until 10pm.
The candidates are: Kaleb Jenkins, Liberal Democrats; Mike Mathias, Conservative; James Purchase, Green Party; Scott Thorley, Reform; Alison Tudor, Labour; and Alun Wills, Independent, with further nominations now closed.
Photographic ID will not be required to vote at this election.
