The first Black mayor of Haverfordwest has been forced to hire private security guards after receiving racist threats, casting a shadow over what should have been a landmark moment for the Welsh town.

Councillor Randell Thomas-Turner, 37, made history in May when he became the first Black elected mayor of the Pembrokeshire town. Just weeks later, concerns for his safety led him to arrange personal security for one of the area's oldest civic traditions.

Historic Achievement Meets Ugly Backlash

Thomas-Turner had described his election as a sign of how far the community had progressed. But reports of racist abuse and threats have exposed a darker side of local politics.

The mayor attended Haverfordwest's annual Beating of the Bounds ceremony accompanied by security personnel, prompting questions from residents and highlighting the pressures now facing public figures amid rising concerns about abuse and intimidation.

Security Decision Taken Personally

Haverfordwest Town Council confirmed that the security arrangements were made privately by the mayor and were not funded or commissioned by the council.

Officials stressed that the move should not be interpreted as evidence of a specific threat to the event itself. The centuries-old ceremony went ahead without incident and remained a safe, family-friendly occasion.

Council Condemns Abuse

In a statement, Thomas-Turner said the council would not tolerate racism, discrimination, harassment or threatening behaviour. He added that matters relating to individual councillors were being handled by the appropriate authorities.

The council also issued a strong condemnation of abuse directed at elected representatives, warning that intimidation undermines the principles of democratic debate and public service.

Calls for Accountability Grow

Michael Williams described the situation as "appalling but sadly not surprising", arguing that some individuals have become increasingly emboldened to express racist views openly.

Despite the controversy, Thomas-Turner has vowed to continue serving the town. The youngest person to hold the mayoralty in Haverfordwest for a century said he remained committed to building a future based on unity, opportunity, compassion and community spirit.

Haverfordwest's first Black mayor forced to get personal security guards after death threats

Collar a couple of the racists making these threats and make a very visible example of them.

All racists are sniveling cowards, slap a couple hard and the others will get the message.

36 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Collar a couple of the racists making these threats and make a very visible example of them.

All racists are sniveling cowards, slap a couple hard and the others will get the message.

Choosing violence is never a solution; it only leads to more violence.

59 minutes ago, temuFarang said:

Choosing violence is never a solution; it only leads to more violence.

And yet, on June 13, you posted, in support of the Atomic Bomb attack on Nagasaki:

On 6/13/2026 at 12:38 PM, temuFarang said:

After the second bomb was dropped, Japan recognized the situation and surrendered.

Violence lead to less violence.

So what made you change your mind on the application of violence in the space of a week?

The mayor attended Haverfordwest's annual Beating of the Bounds

Pretty sure that the local limies used to "bound up" people ("Bounds") that look like the mayor and beat them for fun. 😬

Quite a brave man 💪

5 hours ago, temuFarang said:

Choosing violence is never a solution; it only leads to more violence.

A slap is not necessarily violence.

In terms of putting an end to racist cowards attacking public figures it’s very much more normally arrest, prosecution and incarceration.

I wonder why this is.

Oh well, all part of the multi cultural Uk.

Or is it just a little bit of over reaction for the media, by the guy.

He sure looks like a decent chap, by the picture.

3 hours ago, rocketboy2 said:

I wonder why this is.

Oh well, all part of the multi cultural Uk.

Or is it just a little bit of over reaction for the media, by the guy.

I think it’s because racists are threatening an elected Mayor.

Only hurty words surely?........no one was ever hurt by hurty words?........bodyguards just because of death threats?....what a snowflake.....maybe someone will send him £5,000,000 to help pay for his security.

10 hours ago, SiSePuede419 said:

The mayor attended Haverfordwest's annual Beating of the Bounds

Pretty sure that the local limies used to "bound up" people ("Bounds") that look like the mayor and beat them for fun. 😬

Quite a brave man 💪

" Beating of The Bounds" has religious origins, and goes back for centuries before the introduction of Lime Juice as a "mixer" for rum in The Royal Navy ( to prevent scurvy).

At or around the Feast of Corpus Christi the Priest would carry The Blessed Sacrament, followed by the parishoners in procession, around the boundaries of the Parish. Hence "beating of the bounds"

6 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

A slap is not necessarily violence.

Really?

11 hours ago, Roadsternut said:

And yet, on June 13, you posted, in support of the Atomic Bomb attack on Nagasaki:

Violence lead to less violence.

So what made you change your mind on the application of violence in the space of a week?

Do you honestly believe that feeling like you want to punch someone for their opinions is on par with two nations engaged in war? This is low-level stupid thinking. Idiot.

The police seem able to find anyone posting contraversial comments on social media so they should not have a problem finding racists in Wales.

10 hours ago, temuFarang said:

Do you honestly believe that feeling like you want to punch someone for their opinions is on par with two nations engaged in war? This is low-level stupid thinking. Idiot.

You only had to say you don't want to answer the question, rather than the insult.

Blocked. Ta Ta.

On 6/21/2026 at 7:33 AM, Chomper Higgot said:

Collar a couple of the racists making these threats and make a very visible example of them.

All racists are sniveling cowards, slap a couple hard and the others will get the message.

The love of violence by the Left is on full display here.

Did anyone notice the article didn't mention any examples of the "threat"?

3 hours ago, emptypockets said:

The love of violence by the Left is on full display here.

You’ve gone soft on crime all of a sudden.

Wrong colour victim?

Give this story a day or two with the BBC' and extremist far right Tommy Robinson' Rupert Lowe' EDL' and the IDF' will suggested as being behind this fantasy.

On 6/20/2026 at 5:33 PM, Chomper Higgot said:

Collar a couple of the racists making these threats and make a very visible example of them.

All racists are sniveling cowards, slap a couple hard and the others will get the message.

Does that also apply to the large number of people who regularly march through the streets of the UK calling for deaths of jews, USA citizens and members of the Reform Party of the UK?

40 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

Does that also apply to the large number of people who regularly march through the streets of the UK calling for deaths of jews, USA citizens and members of the Reform Party of the UK?

If they are making direct threats, yes, of course it does.

16 hours ago, Roadsternut said:

You only had to say you don't want to answer the question, rather than the insult.

Blocked. Ta Ta.

Thank you.

13 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

If they are making direct threats, yes, of course it does.

I will await your erstwhile condemnation the next time such an event is mentioned in the news section.

Racism and anger emerges in any nation that does not take care of it's own...not because of the foreigners, Not at all. But due to their own disastrous and corrupt governance and politicians.

4 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

I will await your erstwhile condemnation the next time such an event is mentioned in the news section.

Yes, I consistently condemn all direct violent threats.

2 hours ago, Sigmund said:

Racism and anger emerges in any nation that does not take care of it's own...not because of the foreigners, Not at all. But due to their own disastrous and corrupt governance and politicians.

Well perhaps it emerges when scurrilous political leaders and other racist grifters engage in racists dog whistles and racist rage baiting to further their own political and financial ends.

Edited June 22Jun 22 by Chomper Higgot