PLAID CYMRU leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has vowed to put Wales “back on track” if his party wins this year’s Senedd election, as the campaign intensifies ahead of polling day on May 7.
Voters across Wales will elect 96 Members of the Senedd to represent them in the Welsh Parliament. Recent polls suggest Plaid Cymru is on course to win the largest number of seats, potentially paving the way for Mr ap Iorwerth to become First Minister.
With the Senedd returning this week after the Christmas recess and just 10 weeks remaining before official business is paused for the election campaign, the Ynys Môn MS set out his vision during a press conference at the Senedd on Tuesday morning.
Opening proceedings, Mr ap Iorwerth described 2026 as an “exciting” and potentially “historic” year for Wales, saying Plaid Cymru was taking nothing for granted despite growing public support.
“It is now possible to make a Plaid Cymru government a reality,” he said. “A Plaid Cymru government will stand up for Wales and only be answerable to the people of Wales.”
He criticised Labour’s record after 27 years in power, accusing successive Labour First Ministers of putting party interests first and pointing to waiting times, poverty, and what he described as “a failure to stand up for Wales”.
“A vote for Plaid Cymru isn’t a vote for change for change’s sake,” he said. “It’s a hope to put Wales back on track and ensure no community is left behind.”
He outlined pledges including what he described as the most generous childcare offer in the UK, support for families facing the cost of living crisis, and reforms to put the NHS “on a sustainable footing”.
“This is a vote to deal as best as we can with waiting times, which is such a problem, and to change how the NHS and care system works for the long term,” he said.
On health board performance, Mr ap Iorwerth was asked specifically about Betsi Cadwaladr, which is in special measures. He said he was not proposing a wholesale reorganisation but acknowledged the possibility of reshaping the north.
“We have spoken openly about potentially reshaping the north. It’s a particularly large, diverse health board — maybe it would be better as two,” he said. “But I am not going into the election saying that is a specific policy.”
He also called for a “revolution” in preventative care and a stronger social care system to ease pressure on the NHS. “This is not something that will be done overnight, it won’t be done in four years. We want more than four years to have a chance to deliver,” he said.
Turning to rival parties, he claimed Reform UK would use Wales as a “stepping stone” for Westminster ambitions. “A vote for Plaid is a vote for change and will deliver a Plaid Cymru government for the first time,” he said.
On relations with the UK Government, Mr ap Iorwerth insisted he would seek a constructive relationship with Prime Minister Keir Starmer but warned that immediate results should not be expected. He argued Labour’s claim that aligned governments in Cardiff Bay and Westminster were delivering for Wales was misleading.
When asked about independence, he confirmed Plaid Cymru’s support for a sovereign Wales but said the party would focus first on laying the groundwork. “You can call it independence now, you can call it the road to independence, but we have work to do now,” he said. He proposed a commission to explore different constitutional options, with the final decision resting with the people of Wales.
Mr ap Iorwerth also said Plaid Cymru had begun pre-election “access talks” with the Welsh Government. These confidential meetings between civil servants and the opposition are designed to familiarise a potential incoming government with departmental operations and allow for a smooth transition if power changes hands.
Summing up his broader vision, he said he wanted a “redesign of the country’s in this island” and stressed his focus on what was best for the people of Wales.
“While momentum is with Plaid Cymru and support for our positive vision for Wales is greater than ever, we’ll work tirelessly over the coming four months to build trust and earn every single vote,” he said.
“This is the year we say no more to London parties who only see Wales as a stepping stone to Westminster. For too long, Labour have taken Wales for granted, and they’re now out of the race. Reform is seeking to take advantage of that through playing on people’s fears and stoking anger, but Plaid Cymru is offering hope and ambition for Wales’ future — which even Labour themselves admit.”
