Plaid Cymru Leader Declares Senedd Election a Two-Horse Race
Rhun ap Iorwerth, the leader of Plaid Cymru, has asserted that the upcoming Senedd election in May is now a direct contest between his party and Reform UK, dismissing Labour as effectively "over" in Wales. He made these remarks ahead of his party's spring conference in Newport, where he is set to unveil his priorities for the first 100 days of a potential Plaid government.
Criticism of Reform UK's Loyalty to Wales
In a speech expected on Friday, Mr. ap Iorwerth will sharply criticize Reform UK, accusing the party of having "zero loyalty to Wales." He will warn that a Reform government, populated by former Conservatives, could set Wales back decades, describing its candidates as "faceless" and council leaders as "feckless." He added, "They say they accept devolution, for now. But they'd turn against it on a whim. We all know they have zero loyalty to Wales and our nationhood."
Reform Wales Leader Fires Back
Dan Thomas, the leader of Reform Wales, responded by accusing Plaid Cymru of having "propped up" Labour in the Senedd and supporting policies like the Nation of Sanctuary. He stated, "In May, Wales has a clear choice. On the one hand is Plaid, who have propped up Labour in the Senedd and who have supported policies like the Nation of Sanctuary. On the other is Reform, who will scrap the Nation of Sanctuary and deliver the real change Wales deserves."
Plaid's Vision for the First 100 Days
On Saturday, Mr. ap Iorwerth is expected to detail his First 100 Days plan, arguing that a Plaid Cymru government would "do politics differently" in Wales. He emphasized addressing feelings of being unheard, left behind, and abandoned by conventional politics, stating, "We have to promote the kind of democracy that engages people and dispels cynicism." His priorities include improving the health service, reducing wait times for elderly care, and easing childcare costs.
Polling Data Shows Plaid Leading in Rural Wales
Recent polling data, exclusively shared with Sky News, indicates that Plaid Cymru and Reform UK are leading in the polls. A survey of over 1,000 voters in Wales's most rural constituencies shows Plaid Cymru ahead with 22.3%, followed by Reform at 16.7%, the Green Party at 14.5%, Labour at 13.5%, Conservatives at 12.9%, and the Liberal Democrats at 7.9%. Among respondents who would not consider voting Labour, 20% cited the party's performance in Westminster as their main reason, matching concerns over the cost of living.
Rural Wales Feels Ignored, Says CLA Director
Victoria Bond, director of CLA Cymru, highlighted that rural Wales feels increasingly ignored, with a third of the population living outside cities yet feeling shut out of decisions. She noted, "Families are being priced out of their own villages. Long-standing businesses are under strain. Planning rules block growth before it begins. It is getting harder to stay and harder to build a future." She added that any party with a serious plan for rural Wales would find support, while those treating it as merely a scenic area would not.
Welsh Labour Responds
A Welsh Labour spokesperson criticized Plaid Cymru for "spin slogans" and avoiding explanations on funding their policies, while emphasizing Labour's focus on delivering for Wales. The spokesperson stated, "We're investing in a clean, green energy-independent Wales of the future, bringing new skilled jobs, while Plaid come to the realisation that their own net zero policies are unrealistic. Only Welsh Labour has the ambition and record to create a fair future for Wales."
The Senedd election is scheduled for 7 May, with counting beginning at 9am on Friday, and full results will be broadcast live on Sky News.
