LABOUR Leader Keir Starmer received a warm welcome in West Wales today as he visited the newly formed constituency of Caerfyrddin. The visit, which marks a crucial point in his campaign, saw Starmer engaging with local residents and political figures amidst a backdrop of light drizzle, described humorously by Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething as “liquid sunshine.”
Starmer’s visit commenced at a converted barn, now functioning as a wedding venue outside Carmarthen. Despite the weather, the atmosphere was one of optimism and enthusiasm. Starmer was accompanied by Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething, highlighting the strong collaboration between the national and local branches of the Labour Party.
Martha O’Niel, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Caerfyrddin, expressed her delight at Starmer’s visit. “It’s a pleasure to welcome Keir to Whitland, in the brand new constituency of Caerfyrddin,” she said. “We need a fresh start and a strong voice to work with a potential UK Labour Government for the people of Caerfyrddin. Mae’n bryd am newid (It’s time for change).”
Local Labour councillor Scott Emanuel also shared his optimism. “It was a pleasure to spend the morning listening to Keir Starmer in Carmarthen. Let’s hope he’s Prime Minister come Friday,” Emanuel remarked, reflecting the sentiment of many local supporters.
The visit is seen as a significant move by Starmer, who is making his final campaign efforts in Plaid Cymru territory. Matt Dathan, a journalist from The Times, noted the strategic importance of Starmer’s presence in the region, describing it as a “final day of campaigning in Plaid Cymru territory in Carmarthen.”
The Times’ Political correspondent Chris McKeon, who has been closely following the campaign, captured the essence of the day. “Here we are then, the last day, which Keir Starmer kicks off at a wedding venue outside Carmarthen. It is drizzling, though Starmer says Vaughan Gething has assured him it is really just ‘liquid sunshine’,” he reported on X, formerly Twitter.
As the campaign draws to a close, Starmer’s visit to West Wales underscores Labour’s commitment to engaging with local communities and addressing regional issues. The Labour leader’s focus on areas like Caerfyrddin highlights the party’s strategy to broaden its appeal and strengthen its presence across Wales.
Herald.Wales will continue to provide updates as the campaign progresses and election results come in.
Commenting on Keir Starmer’s visit, Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives told Herald.Wales: “Let Keir Starmer’s visit to Wales today act as a stark warning to the whole UK; don’t unleash his blueprint on Britain.
“The only change Labour has offered Wales is the worst outcomes in the UK for every public service metric from waiting times to educational outcomes.
“I hope Keir Starmer has packed a clothes peg to mask the smell of the Withyhedge landfill site, causing untold misery for Pembrokeshire residents, neglected by Vaughan Gething’s Labour Welsh Government.”
