Plaid Cymru and its leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, made political history this month by winning the Senedd. For the first time ever, Wales now has a progressive majority that is not dependent on Labour. Polls had placed Plaid and Reform UK neck and neck, but in the run-up to the election, many Welsh voters expressed relief that Reform came second.
A New Kind of Nationalism
Plaid Cymru has forged a brand of inclusive nationalism that resonates across Wales. Unlike Reform UK, which attempted to transpose its English ethno-nationalist tactics into Wales, Plaid offers a story of what it means to be Welsh that embraces diversity. This was evident in an incident during the Brexit referendum, when a Muslim woman on a bus was told to “speak English,” only for another passenger to point out she was speaking Welsh. Such overlapping identities are now at the heart of Plaid’s vision.
Winning in All Areas
Plaid’s victory extended to areas with historically low numbers of Welsh speakers, such as Ebbw Vale, demonstrating that the party’s appeal is not limited to traditional Welsh-speaking communities. The party has worked to shake off its past reputation as catering only to white native Welsh speakers, embracing a broader civic nationalism that includes social justice and self-determination for all who call Wales home.
Inclusive Vision vs. Exclusionary Politics
Former leader Leanne Wood emphasized that Plaid’s project is civic-based, for everyone living in Wales. This contrasts sharply with Reform UK’s classic nationalism, which relies on xenophobia and the creation of enemies. As Ukrainian refugee Yuliia Bond noted, Reform’s tactics felt imported and did not resonate locally. Plaid’s confidence in tackling Reform through inclusivity has been inspirational, rejecting narratives of invasion and instead promoting acceptance.
Labour, complacent about its dominance, failed to notice the new Wales taking shape. Now, Plaid must continue to stave off the threat by fostering a welcoming and diverse national identity.
