Plaid Cymru Leader Positions Welsh Election as Clash of Values
In a televised address at the Plaid Cymru conference in Newport, leader Rhun ap Iorwerth framed the upcoming Welsh parliament elections as a pivotal choice between "culture or ignorance, humanity or indifference." He asserted that the contest in May will be a straight fight between his party and Reform UK, dismissing Labour and the Conservatives as forces "slipping away" from relevance in Welsh politics.
Radical Plans and Progressive Vision Unveiled
Ap Iorwerth, the clear favourite to become the next Welsh first minister, used the party's largest-ever conference to outline a bold agenda. He promised 10 surgical hubs to tackle NHS waiting lists and a commitment to ensure every school in Wales has a library. On Saturday, the party plans to reveal a detailed blueprint for its first 100 days in power, should it win the Senedd elections.
He emphasised pushing for "fair funding" for Wales and "parity of powers" with Scotland, advocating for a new Wales bill and a standing commission to foster a national conversation about the country's future. Notably, the speech avoided explicit mention of independence, a core Plaid aspiration, focusing instead on practical governance measures.
Criticism of Rivals and Reform UK in Focus
The Plaid leader criticised Welsh Labour leader Eluned Morgan for defending Keir Starmer's judgment over Peter Mandelson, arguing that Labour is no longer fit to govern after a century of dominance. However, his sharpest rebuke was reserved for Reform UK, which he described as a threat with "faceless candidates and feckless council leaders." He warned that Reform, with its deep pockets and ties to figures like Nigel Farage and Elon Musk, represents a divisive force in politics.
Ap Iorwerth stated, "For Labour, the party is over – and so the election in May will be a choice between two contrasting futures. Tolerance or division. Progress or decay. Defiance or deference. Culture or ignorance. Humanity or indifference. Plaid or Reform."
Conference Highlights and Grassroots Enthusiasm
The conference opened with local Senedd member Peredur Owen Griffiths invoking the spirit of the 1839 Newport rising, drawing parallels to current democratic struggles. Attendees, including Alison Vyas and her son Cole—who gained attention during a BBC debate—expressed optimism about Plaid's prospects. Many noted the vibrant atmosphere, with Siân Thomas, a long-time attendee, calling it the most exciting conference she has seen.
Heledd Fychan, another prominent Plaid member, stressed that culture is the backbone of the nation, lamenting inadequate funding and political leadership in this area. Outside the main hall, merchandise stalls sold items like T-shirts with the Welsh word for independence, "annibyniaeth," reflecting the party's grassroots energy.
Electoral Confidence and Sister Party Dynamics
Plaid Cymru is leading comfortably in polls, and ap Iorwerth expressed confidence that voters seeking a progressive alternative will turn to his party, despite the Greens' success in the Gorton and Denton byelection. Myfanwy Davies, a community councillor, noted the Greens as a sister party without fundamental tensions, though cooperation in the Senedd election remains unspecified.
The conference underscored a sense of momentum, with younger members joining and a focus on building bridges. As Wales heads toward the May elections, Plaid Cymru positions itself as the champion of culture and humanity against what it portrays as the ignorance and indifference of Reform UK.
