The leader of Plaid Cymru has vowed to resist the influence of Westminster, as the nationalist party prepares for a historic opportunity to take office in the upcoming Senedd elections scheduled for next month.
During the manifesto launch in Wrexham on Thursday, a location chosen for its football team that has put Wales on the global stage, Rhun ap Iorwerth addressed a large audience of supporters, declaring, “We will no longer adhere to the directives from London, we will not defend the status quo, and we will not dismiss the needs of Wales.”
He asserted, “For the first time, we can provide our nation with the leadership it deserves—leadership that is inspired by the people of Wales, not influenced by anyone else.”
Since devolution in 1999, Labour has been the dominant party in Wales; however, it seems poised to enter opposition. Current polls indicate that the May elections will primarily feature a contest between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK, with Labour trailing significantly, potentially falling behind even the Green party.
“Plaid Cymru presents an alternative route. Our commitment is to govern with optimism, humility, and an urgent determination to effect change,” ap Iorwerth stated.
Many of the party’s key manifesto commitments had been previously communicated. Key focuses include reducing NHS waiting times, which are currently longer in Wales than in other parts of the UK, implementing a universal childcare scheme, tackling child poverty through a new weekly child allowance, and establishing a business-led national development agency for Wales.
Among their demands directed at Westminster are increased tax powers, addressing the historical underfunding of Wales, and devolving responsibilities for justice and policing, as well as the management of the Crown Estate.
While Plaid Cymru has ruled out holding an independence referendum during its first term, the manifesto outlines plans for a national school of governance, the creation of a diaspora taskforce, and the development of a “new and comprehensive bilateral cooperation framework” with Ireland.
The manifesto’s proposals have been evaluated by prominent Welsh economist Prof Gerry Holtham, who described them as “achievable,” according to ap Iorwerth.
He expressed confidence regarding the potential electoral challenge from Reform, noting that recent polls suggest Plaid Cymru is gaining ground. Reform may benefit from Wales’s new proportional voting system, which could see them transition from two Members of the Senedd—both former Conservatives—to potentially becoming the leading party. However, given that both Plaid Cymru and Labour have ruled out forming a coalition with Nigel Farage’s party, it is only Plaid Cymru that stands a chance of leading the government.
“It is crucial to prevent them from gaining power, and the people of Wales are clearly aligned with this sentiment. According to one poll, two-thirds of respondents indicated that a Reform government would be their greatest concern,” ap Iorwerth remarked.
He noted that Plaid Cymru is prepared to confront a possibly antagonistic opposition as well as the challenges of governance. “We understand that we would be inheriting a challenging situation from underperforming administrations in Wales. We recognize the complexities we’ll face, but we are committed to finding solutions, and we will encourage the public to evaluate us based on our accomplishments,” he concluded.
