Plaid Cymru Launches Senedd Election Campaign
Plaid Cymru has officially launched its campaign for the upcoming Senedd election, drawing parallels between the forthcoming May vote and its notable success in the 2025 Caerphilly by-election.
Rhun ap Iorwerth highlighted the "spirit" of that by-election, where Plaid Cymru secured second place by surpassing Reform and pushed Labour into third, as a potential catalyst to propel the party toward forming the first-ever Plaid Cymru government.
"The spirit of that vote could drive us forward into the formation of the first ever Plaid Cymru government," said ap Iorwerth.
He further asserted that Labour's era is concluding, framing the election as a clear choice between Plaid Cymru and Reform, and between "hope and division." The election is scheduled for 7 May, with opinion polls indicating a close contest for first place between Plaid and Reform.
Policy Priorities and Campaign Focus
Plaid Cymru has outlined key objectives for the election, including reducing NHS waiting lists, improving school standards, and addressing child poverty.
Speaking at the Workmen's Hall in Bedwas, located within the Caerphilly constituency previously held by Lindsay Whittle, Rhun ap Iorwerth described the by-election victory as a historic moment.
"Labour suffered its first parliamentary defeat in the seat for 100 years at the October vote," he noted.
He emphasized the potential for Wales to "make history again" in the upcoming election, invoking the energy from the Caerphilly 2025 by-election as a driving force toward establishing a Plaid Cymru government.
"Well five weeks from now Wales can make history again and that spirit of Caerphilly 2025, whose energy we still feel in Bedwas today, could be the spirit that drives us forward to the formation of the first ever Plaid Cymru government for Wales."
Ap Iorwerth remarked that the people of Wales have embraced Plaid's "nation mission," and the party's current challenge is to unite all of Wales behind this vision.
Significance of the Election
Ap Iorwerth characterized the 7 May election as the "most important election in the history of devolution."
"Labour's time is up," he stated. "This now is a straight choice between Plaid Cymru and Reform, between hope and division, between credibility and chaos."
The party has established seven priorities for the election campaign, aiming to address critical issues facing Wales.
In an interview with BBC Wales, ap Iorwerth affirmed that his plans are "carefully costed" and "deliverable," underscoring the feasibility of Plaid Cymru's proposals.
Comments from Party Members and Relations with Westminster
During his speech at the Workmen's Hall, Lindsay Whittle referred to Westminster as the "enemy."
However, ap Iorwerth later clarified his stance regarding relations with the UK government.
"I've made it very, very clear that I want to have a very constructive relationship with the UK prime minister, standing up for Wales in a way that we've never seen from a Welsh government before."
