The Ipsos poll says over half of Welsh voters are yet to decide who they will vote for
22:39, 25 Apr 2026Updated 22:42, 25 Apr 2026
A new poll projects Plaid Cymru has a slight lead over Reform in terms of voting intentions, but says Reform voters are more committed ahead of the Senedd election on May 7. It also projects that over half the electorate could still change their mind.
The poll, carried out by Ipsos, also highlights widespread public frustration with the performance of the Welsh Government and a lack of trust in any of the parties to tackle the nations top priorities.
The poll suggests that 30% of the electorate intend to vote for Plaid Cymru, closely followed by 25% for Reform UK. Just 15% of respondents said they intend to vote for the third-placed Labour party, and 12% for the Welsh Conservatives.
Over half of Welsh voters, 52%, say they could still change their minds about who they will vote for. At 32%, the least likely to change their minds appeared to be Reform voters.
When it came to trust, Plaid Cymru appeared to be the most trusted party to grow the Welsh economy and stand up for the interests of Wales, with 22% indicating they trusted them with the economy and 33% with the latter.
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Meanwhile, Reform UK came out on top on the issue of immigration, with 25%. Make sure you never miss Wales’ biggest updates by getting our daily newsletter.
When respondents were asked about the leaders, the public were most likely to say Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth would make the most capable First Minister of Wales. This figure was however only 20% and more people said they didn’t know if he would, or that there wouldn’t be much difference.
A vast 67% believe services in Wales have deteriorated over the last five years and blame is largely attributed to the Welsh Government (64%) and local councils (50%). The Welsh Government’s overall performance satisfaction was therefore a bleak 23%.
For voters in Wales, the poll found that the NHS (74%) and the cost of living (67%) were the key issues. Meanwhile, there was a strong divide between those who thought immigration was a key issue, and those who did not.
Those considering voting for Reform were significantly more likely to say immigration and asylum was a top-tier voting issue, while those considering voting for Plaid Cymru are driven more by the NHS and the cost of living.
The results of the poll are based on a representative probability sample of 747 Welsh adults aged 16+. The poll was carried out online between Thursday, April 2, and Wednesday, April 8.
With still no sign of a first party Nintendo Direct, a reader lays out his theory for Nintendo’s strange behaviour and what their next big game will be.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will be a year old soon and by this point we’ve all got our opinions on how it’s gone. I think the majority believe it’s gone… okay. Not bad, not terrible, but not what you would’ve expected given how long Nintendo had to prepare. And if that’s not what most people think it is my opinion anyway.
I think last year had some strange mistakes for them but it’s this year that confuses me the most, with no proper Nintendo Direct, even though you’d think they’d need one now more than ever. But who can ever understand Nintendo, especially as they have announced Splatoon Raiders for July.
Whatever their big Christmas game is I’m going to assume it’s not Star Fox, but could it really be a Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake? I’m going to assume not, because that’s exactly what fans want, but you can’t rule out anything. You definitely can’t predict Nintendo either but I do have a theory for why they’re acting the way they are at the moment.
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Now that we know the Switch 2 is more powerful than a lot of people expected I think we need to reassess what Nintendo was planning with the console. It may look very similar to the original console but it’s a lot more powerful, and as we’ve seen from games like Star Wars Outlaws and Resident Evil Requiem it can handle even current gen games very well.
Nintendo didn’t make it that powerful on accident and while they’ll be happy that it gets third party support, I’m sure they wouldn’t have made it that way if it wasn’t primarily to suit them. They made it that powerful because they were going to use it themselves and yet we’ve seen absolutely no sign of that from any game they’ve shown so far, including Splatoon Raiders – all of which just look like Switch 1 games.
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To me, it seems likely Nintendo is preparing some high-tech games that look just as good as these third party ports, which in turn means maybe an Ocarina Of Time remake that looks (kind of) like Resident Evil really is a possibility.
It might also explain why we haven’t heard anything about a 3D Mario yet. Nintendo is famous for not releasing a game until it’s perfect, so maybe it’s just taking more time because of the high-end graphics. After all, that’s not something Nintendo has much experience with, in terms of high-res textures and ray tracing and all that jazz.
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I realise I’m clutching at straws here but there has to be a plan of some kind. They’ve obviously got something lined up as their big Christmas game. And the simplest explanations are always the most likely, so maybe the reason they haven’t shown much this year is because they’re just not quite ready yet.
It’s obvious that things have only just begun for the Switch 2 and while Nintendo may seem to be acting illogically, I think it will all make sense in the end, mostly.
They still have some weird priorities, like that Kirby racing game, but I think the Switch 2 was designed to be a high-end console with current gen graphics. Maybe not as good as the PlayStation 5 but leagues ahead of the Switch 1 and probably on par with the Xbox Series S, which I seem to remember was the rumour before it even came out.
I don’t want to sound like a Nintendo zealot by saying just have confidence, and wait and see, but I do think the evidence points towards the Switch 2 being a bit of powerhouse and since Nintendo has not used that power yet, it only stands to reason that’s what’s coming next.
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By reader Tom Meadows
Pragmata is another impressive Switch 2 port (Capcom)
The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.
You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot.
Two people believed to be a mother and her son were recovered from the water and died at the scene
20:53, 25 Apr 2026Updated 23:07, 25 Apr 2026
A woman and child have tragically lost their lives after “getting into difficulty” in the water at a park in west London.
The pair, understood to be a mother and her son, were pulled from the water after officers were called to Elthorne Park in Ealing shortly before 4.30pm this afternoon. Sadly, both died at the scene, reports the Mirror.
The Met Police are working to trace their next of kin. The force thanked emergency crews and members of the public for doing their “very best” in an “incredibly challenging situation”.
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A spokesperson said: “Officers are at the scene of an incident in Elthorne Park, Ealing. Police were called at 4.29pm following reports of two people in difficulty in the water. Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.”
“A woman and child were recovered from the water. We are not able to confirm their ages at this stage. Very sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services who provided urgent medical care, they were both pronounced dead at the scene.
“The woman and child are believed to be a mother and son. Officers are working to identify their next of kin.”
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Detective Superintendent Pete Thackray, from the Metropolitan Police’s West Area Command Unit, said: “This is a tragic incident in which a woman and her young child have lost their lives. Our thoughts are with their loved ones.
“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the first responders and members of the public who did their very best in an incredibly challenging situation.”
“While an investigation into what took place is under way, all initial indications are that the circumstances are not suspicious.”
In a post on X, Jon Ball, Liberal Democrat councillor for Ealing Common, said: “My thoughts go out to the family of those involved in the tragic accident in Elthorne Park today.”
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There was a huge emergency services presence outside the London park as locals have been left “taken aback” by the tragedy that saw a mother and her child die in the water
The community have been left in shock after a mother and her child have tragically died after getting into difficulty in water in a London park.
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Emergency services have left the scene at Elthorne Park near Ealing.
Police, fire, and paramedic vehicles had all left the scene outside Elthorne park by 10:30pm on Saturday, April 25.
The force thanked emergency crews and members of the public for doing their “very best” in an “incredibly challenging situation”.
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Abis, an Uber driver from Ealing, saw the huge emergency response to the accident and the entrance to the park blocked off by police.
“I was driving along Boston Road just outside the park between 6pm and 7pm when I saw lots of blue flashing lights. There were at least two fire engines, two ambulances, and many police vehicles.”
He added, “I was driving a customer who had been walking his dog in the park. He told his wife that what we saw was ‘nothing compared to what was happening inside the park’. So, it was obviously even more serious than it looked.”
Abis was shocked to hear about the accident in the park, which is bordered by the River Brent and the Grand Union Canal.
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“You can’t actually get to the river from the park, which is why I was so shocked to hear about it. For somebody to get to the river, they must’ve gone beyond the park boundary.”
He added that people do not usually go swimming in the river or the canal.
“I haven’t heard anything about people swimming in the river before. There’s a Lido nearby in Ruislip so lots of people do their outdoor swimming there. I just can’t understand why someone would go swimming in the river.”
Adis said the community would be “taken aback” by the tragedy.
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“Theres lots of families and young children in particular living in the area, so we are very very conscious of that. I’ve got two young kids myself, so we obviously want to know how something like this could happen.”
A spokesperson for the Met said: “Officers are at the scene of an incident in Elthorne Park, Ealing.
“Police were called at 4.29pm following reports of two people in difficulty in the water. Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.
“A woman and child were recovered from the water. We are not able to confirm their ages at this stage. Very sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services who provided urgent medical care, they were both pronounced dead at the scene.
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“The woman and child are believed to be a mother and son. Officers are working to identify their next of kin.”
“I am 66 years old and my teeth were quite badly stained. The results were beyond my expectations by a long way, my teeth are noticeably lighter and a lot of the staining has been removed”
Eve Rowlands Senior Shopping Writer and Jessica Brunt Senior Multimedia Writer – Affiliates
00:01, 26 Apr 2026
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
A trip to the dentist or hygienist can often leave your wallet considerably lighter, even if your smile ends up brighter and your confidence gets a welcome boost. However, savvy shoppers have uncovered a way to achieve whiter teeth from the comfort of home, thanks to an affordable kit that currently has 45% off, and works out at just 27p per day.
The kit contains the brand’s award-winning Teeth Whitening Powder — which is individually on sale for £20.99, reduced from £29.99 — PAP Whitening Strips and a Fresh Breath Spray, with the full kit now priced at £39.99 down from £72.97. This works out at roughly £13 per item — around £7 less than the sale price of the powder alone, which at £13 equates to approximately 27p per use when a single tub lasts six months.
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The highly regarded Teeth Whitening Powder features a non-abrasive formula containing Calcium Carbonate, which gently buffs away stains caused by everyday culprits such as coffee, tea, food, wine and smoking. Pentasodium Triphosphate then works to break down discolouration while actively preventing new stains from taking hold.
Alongside these ingredients, the peroxide-free powder is also enriched with Strontium Chloride, which (as the brand explains) “forms a protective barrier over the nerve endings in your teeth so you get the whitening without the sting”. This is a welcome feature as certain whitening products have been known to trigger tooth sensitivity.
It’s advised for daily use for two minutes during the initial fortnight to remove stains, and then twice weekly for the rest of the container to maintain results, reports the Mirror. For those who stick to this routine, the outcomes have – according to reviews – been impressive, with one person enthusing: “I am in my 60s and really didn’t think this would work.
“How wrong I was!! No they’re not as white as when I was young, but they are far brighter and vastly improved. I’d recommend this to anyone!”
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Another customer observed: “This product is the best thing ever for my teeth. I am 77 years old and have always looked after my teeth and this product has made them whiter than ever, I don’t use anything else now and I love using it as it tastes wonderful and my teeth feel like the hygienist has polished them.”
While some customers reported seeing minimal to no improvement after several weeks, the bulk of critical feedback has centred on delayed delivery or the applicator container, as reflected in one three star review, where the individual struggled with opening the jar and had to use pliers. One satisfied MySweetSmile customer added: “It was quick and easy to order the whitening strips, I am 66 years old and my teeth were quite badly stained.
“I was not convinced that anything could help but it was affordable enough for me to try. The results were beyond my expectations by a long way, my teeth are noticeably lighter and a lot of the staining has been removed. I am very happy with the value for money and the results.”
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While this particular treatment is designed to be used independently of a standard dental routine, those who prefer to incorporate it into their existing regime can opt for SmileTherapy’s PAP+ Pro Teeth Whitening Powder, currently reduced to £19.99 from £39.99, offering a six-month supply. The brand advises: “Start by applying your toothpaste, and then gently dip your toothbrush with the toothpaste into the PAP+ Powder” and complete routine as normal.
It is recommended for use three times a week. While the MySweetSmile whitening powder itself has left customers pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness – “I have only used the powder 3 times and the strips twice and can already notice difference! Not had the product a week yet! Very impressed” – the brand’s whitening strips, which claim to ‘reverse deep yellowing from within the enamel’, have also attracted a wealth of glowing testimonials.
Containing 42 strips, equivalent to 21 treatments, the whitening strips, which are priced the same as the powder, feature a PAP (Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid) formula that’s free from peroxides, parabens, PEGs, and phthalates, making them suitable for sensitive teeth. Requiring 30 minutes per treatment, they’re convenient to use while preparing for an evening out, working or unwinding in the evening.
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The strips have been hailed as a ‘game changer’ for those seeking a straightforward, effective teeth whitening solution, with one user enthusing: “As someone in their 40s, I was nervous about whitening my teeth because of past sensitivity issues. These strips are a game-changer-gentle, effective, and perfect for coffee lovers like me.
They continued: “I’ve already seen a difference after just one 7-day cycle!” Another brand whose whitening strips have achieved some impressive results is Hey Smile, whose £19.99 Teeth Whitening Strips also promise no gum or tooth sensitivity.
The third product in the kit is the Fresh Breath Spray, which preserves the results from the powder and strips while keeping breath fresh. For those who’d prefer to select individual products of their choosing, the brand’s Buy 2 Get 1 Free offer remains available and customers can also combine this with its 30% off all products.
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This encompasses not just the aforementioned powder (which is also available in a strawberry variant) and strips, but also its Precision Teeth Whitening Pen – requiring 10 minutes per application and perfect for whitening touch-ups while out and about as well as difficult to access areas – alongside its treatment serums including the Enamel Care and Hyaluronic Gum Serums. The latter product addresses dry, inflamed, and receding gums to deliver hydration, calm inflammation, and fortify gum tissue, while the Enamel Care formula works diligently to restore and reinforce enamel.
Joao Palhinha’s 82nd-minute tap-in earned De Zerbi a first victory as Spurs boss and ended a 16-match wait for a league win, but the north London club remain in the bottom three after West Ham produced a last-gasp winner at home to Everton.
De Zerbi was eager to move on from results elsewhere and yet struggled to hide his frustration at injuries to Xavi and Solanke, who were forced off either side of half-time with knee and left leg problems respectively.
“I’m happy for the result. I hope this result can change something in our head, in our mentality and for the other results, it’s already very tough to win a game for us. If we put our heads on the other teams, it becomes too tough for me,” De Zerbi said.
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“I wouldn’t like to lose any other players because (Cristian) Romero, (Mohammed) Kudus, now Solanke and maybe Xavi.
“We can win the games with the players, not with the coaches. The coaches are important but the players are more important. But I want to be positive.”
Spurs started strongly at already relegated Wolves and Randal Kolo Muani sent one effort wide before Xavi dragged another shot off target.
An innocuous injury to Solanke after 37 minutes knocked Tottenham off their stride and Xavi collapsed to the floor in agony in the 57th minute, but De Zerbi revealed the playmaker felt better after full-time.
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De Zerbi added: “For Solanke it is not a big problem. I don’t know how many games we lose him but I would like to know the situation with Xavi because the knee is always different than the muscular injury.
“(Xavi) felt pain. Now I spoke to him two, three minutes ago. He feels better than the beginning of the injury.”
After the departure of Xavi, Spurs were indebted to back-up goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky for quick reactions to thwart Adam Armstrong before Palhinha sparked wild celebrations from the 3,010 away fans when he slide in to convert Richarlison’s scuffed shot.
Tottenham momentarily went out of the relegation zone when Everton levelled at West Ham before a late winner at London Stadium was almost followed by an equaliser for Wolves, only for Kinsky to produce a sensational one-hand save to deny Joao Gomes’ free-kick.
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“When I knew better my players, I understood we have the possibility and the chance to stay up. We have two points (from safety),” De Zerbi said.
“Not 10 points, we have two points from West Ham. They are a good team, but also Tottenham have very good players and are a very good team.”
Wolves’ relegation had been confirmed on Monday night, but they produced a spirited display and boss Rob Edwards was eager to focus on the positives.
“It’s been really hard this week. The final nail in the coffin and relegated. Maybe other teams would have gone under and they might have been a shambles, it wasn’t that,” Edwards said.
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“It was a proper game of football but we’ve lost it. So there will be people that say what they want to say, but those boys that were out there gave everything.”
A YouGov survey of more than 2,300 British adults, published this month, found that while voice notes have become slightly more popular in the last year, still only 15% communicate via voice note regularly (i.e. a few times a week). Across men, women, and across every age group – including Gen Zs – voice notes were the least popular method of communication.
The Lozman-Sturocks are taking part in The Neighbourhood hosted by Graham Norton.
The show sees households compete for a £250,000 cash prize.
The family is made up of Katie Lozman, 29, and Jordan Lozman, 34, from Darlington and Jordan’s mum Christine Sturrock, 71, and her partner Dave Sturrock, 66, who live in Redcar.
The Lozman-Sturrocks hosted a watch-along for the first episode of The Neighbourhood (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
The first episode aired last night, with the first three episodes available to stream on ITV X.
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The Lozman-Sturrocks hosted a watch-along party with family and friends, including fellow competitors The Kandolas and Samra.
The families dressed up for the occasion in suits and dresses, with members of The Kandolas and Samra families wearing Graham Norton facemasks.
The Lozman-Sturrocks were pictured holding a Babul’s jumper, the well-known south Asian restaurant in Darlington.
The Lozman-Sturrocks hosted a watch-along for the first episode of The Neighbourhood (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
The Neighbourhood sees six households move onto the same street where they must socialise and build relationships with their neighbours.
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However, the twist is that the households will also vote each other out while taking part in a series of challenges designed to test them as they try to eliminate rivals without becoming unpopular enough to be removed themselves.
The winning household will take home a £250,000 prize.
Jordan previously said: “There is never really going to be another chance where you can move back into a home with your family, go back to your youth and have no social media, no phone anything like that so it was something I definitely wanted to get on board with.
The Lozman-Sturrocks hosted a watch-along for the first episode of The Neighbourhood (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
“We were honest, maybe too honest at times but we are straight talking and that’s the way of the North East.”
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The family are safe from the first elimination after not receiving any votes at the end of the first episode.
The second episode airs at 9pm on ITV One tonight.
The blaze, which at its height was visible from Mount Snowdon in Wales, broke out on the afternoon of Friday April 24 at an industrial site on Trafford Park.
Firefighters from across Greater Manchester were called and after many hours of tackling the blaze, the fire service said on Saturday morning that there had been a significant reduction.
Speaking on Saturday morning, a Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Firefighters remain at the scene of a large fire at an industrial premises on Clarence Avenue in Trafford Park, which was first reported at around 1.25pm on Friday April 24.
The huge blaze broke out at Trafford Park (Image: Newsquest)
“Overnight, crews continued working to damp down hotspots and monitor the affected buildings, following significant progress made during the evening. The fire is now contained within the premises, and there has been a continued reduction in smoke.
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“This morning, firefighters are continuing to make the area safe and carry out further checks, while working closely with partner agencies, including local authority building inspectors and utility providers.
“Precautionary cordons remain in place while assessments are completed.
“Nearby residents and businesses are advised to continue keeping windows and doors closed as a precaution while crews remain on site.
“We would like to thank the local community for their patience and cooperation as firefighters continue their work.”
“The proposed changes aim to create a forward-looking, mixed-use destination that contributes to the vibrancy of London Bridge City, with ground-floor cafes, shops, and restaurants to generate employment opportunities and increase tourism footfall,” Gensler says on its website.
The Beadlam Grange website shares that the farm shop has “a passion for providing good, real, honest, tasty, local feel good food.”
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In the farm shop and deli, there is a “tasty selection of locally produced fresh food, dairy, fruit and vegetables to tickle your taste buds.”
Beadlam Grange adds: “Fresh fruit and vegetables are delivered daily together with bread and cakes from local bakeries and fresh farm milk and dairy products.
“To compliment the fresh and seasonal produce we have frozen fruit and vegetables, patisseries, savoury and fish products.
“We sell ‘COOK’ frozen ready meals together with their amazing desserts. All are excellent quality and very good value.
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“We have many Yorkshire suppliers, too numerous to mention who keep us well stocked with great tasting and exceptional quality produce.
“We have many old favourites but are always on the lookout for new tasty products.”
Customers can also find a “tempting display” of popular Yorkshire gins and liqueurs, beers, cider, wine and prosecco, as well as all the mixers.
Meanwhile, The Bistro serves freshly prepared home-cooked food for customers every day.
Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, scones, cakes and a wide selection of drinks.
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Someone who visited for Sunday lunch recently left this review on Tripadvisor: “We go for Sunday lunch most Sunday its become our favourite place to go for this.
What’s your favourite farm shop to visit in York and North Yorkshire? (Image: Tripadvisor)
“The food is out of this world with generous portions and a good choice is on offer. The service is exceptional very professional and very attentive staff. We can highly recommend it.”
Another posted: “Had a lovely lunch here today. The fresh salad bar was great and they serve a proper coffee. Lovely staff and a great atmosphere. Love coming here the best farm shop around! Thank you.”
Fancy a chippy? This person commented: “We visited today for my birthday at the Beadlam Grange. We had the fish and chips for two at £25 . They were superb. Definitely worth a visit.”
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Beadlam Grange can be found at Beadlam, York, YO62 7TD.
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