Rhun ap Iorwerth (Image: PA Images / Alamy)
Last Updated: 3 minutes ago
Rhun ap Iorwerth has outlined the central pledges his party will take to voters next month, promising to reduce NHS waiting lists, ease the burden of childcare costs on families, and build what he describes as “a stronger Welsh economy”.
The Plaid Cymru leader, whose party formally launches its full manifesto on Thursday, said Wales possessed “enormous, untapped potential” but had lacked “a government with the ambition and the plan to realise it”.
What the manifesto promises
The document sets out what the party calls its immediate governing priorities. Among them are commitments to tackle child poverty, raise standards in Welsh schools, and secure what Plaid describes as “a fairer deal” from the UK government.
On the economy, the party says it wants a greater share of public sector contracts directed to Welsh businesses in a bid to strengthen local supply chains. It has also pledged increased investment in housing – including upgrading and retrofitting existing stock – alongside stronger protections for renters.
‘A turning point’
Ap Iorwerth framed the 7 May Senedd election as a decisive moment for the country.
“Our manifesto sets out a new direction for Wales – one rooted in fairness but driven by ambition,” he said.
“We will take action where it is needed most – cutting NHS waiting times, supporting parents with the cost of childcare, raising standards in our schools, and growing a stronger Welsh economy that works for our communities.”
He added: “This election is a turning point. We can continue with more of the same, or we can choose a new path for our nation.
“Plaid Cymru is ready to lead that change.”
The electoral landscape
Recent polling suggests Plaid Cymru and Reform are competing closely for the lead heading into next month’s vote. The party has never won a Senedd election outright but has previously supported Labour-led administrations in Cardiff Bay.
Plaid has indicated it would be willing to govern as a minority administration if it secures enough seats, relying on support from other parties to pass legislation through the chamber.
Under the new electoral system, 96 Members of the Senedd will be elected across 16 new constituencies – up from 60 MSs – with each constituency returning six members. The more proportional setup is widely seen as making an outright majority harder to achieve.
