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Nearly a century after the founding of Plaid Cymru and following an extended period dominated by Labour in Welsh politics, a significant change appears to be underway. This transition signals the potential end of one political chapter and the rise of another in Wales. The shift carries a sense of historical symmetry, reflecting a notable reversal from the state of Plaid Cymru just three years ago, when Rhun ap Iorwerth took leadership of a party in turmoil.
Rhun ap Iorwerth, poised to become the seventh first minister of Wales, has a background deeply rooted in Welsh culture and public life. His name means “Rhun, son of Iorwerth,” with Iorwerth being a Welsh form of Edward. Born in Tonteg near Pontypridd, he grew up mainly in the northwest of Wales, spending his early childhood in Meirionnydd before moving to Anglesey at age five. His parents were both teachers actively involved in the promotion of the Welsh language and culture. His father was a notable singer, composer, and supporter of Plaid Cymru, while his mother held leadership roles in organizations dedicated to advancing Welsh linguistic heritage. Reflecting on his upbringing, ap Iorwerth recounted to the BBC’s Political Thinking podcast how politics was omnipresent in his life and how he entertained himself as a toddler by stacking Plaid Cymru leaflets.
After completing his studies in Cardiff, ap Iorwerth enjoyed a two-decade career in broadcasting with BBC Wales as a reporter and presenter. He is married to Llinos, and they have three children together. In 2013, he transitioned into politics by winning the Ynys Môn by-election, beginning his tenure as a member of the Senedd. Ap Iorwerth has spoken about the profound impact his mother’s contributions to their community and to Wales had on his decision to serve the public, stating, “I know my mother made a huge contribution to her community and to Wales. Seeing the things said about her showed me quite clearly that I couldn’t go through life without making a contribution if that was at all possible.”
His initial bid for leadership of Plaid Cymru came in 2018 during internal party upheaval, challenging incumbent leader Leanne Wood. Although Wood welcomed the contest, Adam Price soon emerged as a formidable candidate, capturing nearly half the votes and ultimately winning, with ap Iorwerth placing second. By late 2022, ap Iorwerth was contemplating a shift from Welsh politics to Westminster by running for Member of Parliament for Anglesey. However, when Price stepped down the following May, ap Iorwerth emerged as the clear choice to lead Plaid Cymru and was elected unopposed at the age of 50. His skills in communication, shaped through years in broadcasting, have been credited with his appeal and effectiveness, especially during weekly First Minister’s Questions where he challenged successive Labour leaders. Throughout these exchanges, his message has remained consistent, criticizing Labour for failing to advocate strongly for Wales and for lacking vision. Ap Iorwerth notably accused Welsh Labour of being “too cosy” with their London counterparts, prioritizing the interests of the UK Labour leadership over those of Wales, emphasizing his commitment by declaring, “My only boss is the Welsh people.”
Positioning himself as a harbinger of change, ap Iorwerth framed the recent election campaign as an opportunity for renewal after Labour’s long-standing governance, which he argued had become stagnant. Additionally, a strategic pledge to “Vote Plaid to stop Reform” helped attract Labour voters wary of alternative political forces. As he prepares to face questions from the Welsh parliament regularly, ap Iorwerth’s journey from a child amused by party leaflets to a leading political figure signals a new phase for Wales
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