On Saturday, County councillor for the Penally ward Jon Preston announced that he will not be standing for the new Manorbier and Penally ward in the Local Authority Elections this May.

“It is with a heavy heart that I write to tell you that I will not be standing for election in the new Manorbier and Penally ward,” wrote Cllr. Preston.

“Despite my written objections to the boundary commission on the draft proposals, the Welsh governments decision to proceed with the final recommendations has changed electoral boundaries throughout Pembrokeshire. I, other councilors and this year’s candidates have had to make some tough decisions on where and if to stand following these changes.

“Following numerous conversations with people in the current ward, colleagues, friends, family and after a great deal of consideration, I have decided to stand for election in the newly formed St. Florence and St. Mary Out Liberty ward.

“I will be attending the Penally community council meeting on Wednesday, April 13 but I wanted to inform you all of my decision in good time.

Mr. Preston continued: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone, past and present on Penally community council who have helped me to carry out my role over the last ten years. It has been a challenging and rewarding experience and I am deeply grateful to everyone I have had the pleasurer to meet and work alongside.”