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Rhun ap Iorwerth, Plaid Cymru’s leader, has stated that Wales currently has the opportunity to give its government a fresh chance following the 25 years of Labour rule. Speaking to the BBC, Iorwerth stated how his party needs to seize this chance and build trust in the run-up to the 2026 Senedd election. Iorwerth commented on the need for change in health, education, the stagnant economy, and many other areas, but he is committed to forming a trustworthy platform for those hoping for meaningful change.
However, there has been some conflict within his own party, as the credibility of Plaid’s leader in Gwynedd, Dyfrig Siencyn, has been brought into question. His refusal to apologise for the victims of paedophile headteacher Neil Foden has led to concerns within the party about his position at the top of the council’s Cyngor Gwynedd. Plaid Cymru achieved its best-ever result in a UK general election this year with a successful winning of four Westminster seats, but has yet to win a Senedd election since devolution began in 1999.
As the number of seats in Cardiff Bay looks set to increase from 60 to 96, Plaid is currently in a strong position to contest Labour for power. The process will likely require a deal of some kind between two or more parties. However, Iorwerth has declared that he cannot see a scenario where Plaid would team up with the Welsh Conservatives or Reform UK. Iorwerth’s speech at the Principality Stadium will announce his plan to appoint a minister for public health. This planned change is part of a Plaid strategy to invest in preventative health measures to strengthen the NHS.
Iorwerth also plans to break the cycle of short-term thinking, which is one of the biggest challenges for Wales. By announcing the creation of a budget based on a healthier and wealthier Wales and accompanied by a promise that spending on preventative health measures will increase every year, he aims to create healthier lives and deliver substantial savings. He also commits to clearing the emergency maintenance backlogs at Welsh hospitals before 2030.
Without a majority of seats in the Senedd, Labour will need to find a way to collaborate with opposition parties to pass the budget next year. According to Iorwerth, Plaid Cymru is not currently seeking a budget deal, and the ball is in Labour’s court. The window of opportunity for Plaid Cymru represents a chance to make a stand for a new style of Welsh government
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