Plaid Cymru has officially kicked off its Senedd election campaign, with party leader Rhun ap Iorwerth boldly declaring that the momentum from their recent Caerphilly by-election triumph will propel them to lead Wales' next government.
Speaking at the Workmen's Hall in Bedwas, ap Iorwerth urged voters to channel the "spirit" of their historic October victory ahead of the May 7 polls. That by-election saw Plaid Cymru capture the local seat, pushing Reform UK into second place and handing Labour its first parliamentary defeat in the constituency in a century.
"Labour's time is up," ap Iorwerth stated, framing the upcoming national vote as the most critical in the history of Welsh devolution. He emphasized that the May election presents a "straight choice between Plaid Cymru and Reform, between hope and division, between credibility and chaos." Current opinion polls reflect this shifting landscape, indicating a tight race for the top spot between Plaid and Reform.
To win over the electorate, Plaid Cymru has unveiled a six-point priority plan that ap Iorwerth insists is both fully costed and deliverable. The core pledges include:
- Slashing NHS waiting lists and accelerating treatment times
- Providing free childcare valued at £30,000
- Elevating educational standards in schools
- Fostering well-paid employment and robust business support
- Eradicating child poverty
- Securing a fairer deal for Wales from the Westminster government
While the campaign launch was largely unified in its messaging, differing tones emerged regarding future relations with London. Lindsay Whittle, the newly elected Caerphilly representative, passionately referred to Westminster as the "enemy" during his address.
Ap Iorwerth later moderated this stance, clarifying his intention to maintain a "very constructive relationship with the UK prime minister," while still advocating for Welsh interests far more fiercely than previous governments have done.
