Plaid Cymru and its leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, made political history this month by winning the Senedd for the first time. Wales now has a progressive majority not dependent on Labour, defying polls that predicted a tight race with Reform UK. Some Welsh friends panicked before the election, but Reform came second, much to their relief.
Why Reform Failed in Wales
Reform UK's brand of English ethno-nationalism never stood a chance in Wales. The party tried to transpose its tactics from England, but it had no story to tell about Welsh identity. In contrast, Plaid Cymru represents a diverse and inclusive Wales, forging its own national identity against rightwing populism. You don't need to speak Welsh to be part of the project; Plaid even won in areas with historically low numbers of Welsh speakers, like Ebbw Vale.
A Shift from Classic Nationalism
Plaid used to represent a classic nationalism rooted in resistance to English colonial attempts to eradicate Welsh language and culture. That history is important, especially regarding second homes exacerbating the housing crisis in rural communities. Growing up in Gwynedd, I sometimes felt not 'Welsh enough' despite speaking the language fluently and having a name from the Mabinogion. But the party has worked to shed this reputation and embrace broader civic nationalism, fighting for social justice and self-determination for all who call Wales home.
Former leader Leanne Wood said in 2015 that Plaid's project is civic-based for everyone living in Wales. She recognized that Wales needed a new story about national identity, where being Welsh isn't about perfect pronunciation or having two white Welsh parents. Journalist Seren Jones highlights Cardiff's old Black British population and corrects misconceptions about Welshness, using 'Wenglish' to make the case for an alternative vision.
Language and Inclusivity
Most Welsh citizens have exposure to the language; it's part of living there. Encouraging learners helps fight Reform's xenophobia. Having more than one language is associated with welcoming attitudes towards immigrants. Reform's story is classic nationalism: triumphalist, xenophobic, and hypervigilant to foreign threats. As Ukrainian refugee Yuliia Bond noted, Reform's tactics felt imported, not local. For Reform, politics is about who you aren't, not who you are.
Plaid's confidence in tackling Reform has been inspirational. Labour was complacent about its dominance and failed to notice the new Wales taking shape. Now it's up to Plaid to continue staving off the threat through inclusivity, acceptance, and rejection of 'invasion' narratives.
