Party positions itself as ‘government-in-waiting’ ahead of May election

PLAID CYMRU has formally launched its campaign for the 2026 Senedd election, with leader Rhun ap Iorwerth declaring the vote a “historic opportunity” to end decades of Labour rule in Wales.

Speaking at the party’s national launch on Monday (Mar 30), he urged voters to “choose hope over division,” setting out Plaid’s ambition to become the largest party in the Senedd for the first time since devolution.

The election, due to take place on Thursday (May 7), is widely expected to be one of the most competitive in Welsh political history, with Plaid Cymru seeking to capitalise on growing dissatisfaction with public services and the cost of living.

Focus on health and families

At the centre of Plaid’s campaign is a pledge to improve NHS performance, with a particular emphasis on cutting waiting times and improving access to treatment.

The party also unveiled plans to expand childcare provision, including support packages it says could be worth up to £30,000 per family, alongside wider commitments to tackle child poverty and support working households.

Education reform was another key theme, with promises to raise standards and address long-standing concerns about attainment in Welsh schools.

Pitch for change

In his speech, Rhun ap Iorwerth framed the election as a clear choice between continuity under Labour and a new direction under Plaid Cymru.

He said the party was ready to govern and presented Plaid as a credible alternative capable of delivering practical improvements in people’s day-to-day lives.

Labour has led the Welsh Government since the Senedd was established in 1999, either alone or in cooperation with other parties.

Shifting strategy

Notably, Plaid Cymru’s campaign places less emphasis on Welsh independence than in previous elections, instead focusing on public services and economic pressures.

The Herald understands this reflects a deliberate effort to broaden the party’s appeal beyond its traditional base and attract voters concerned primarily with health, education and household finances.

Tight contest expected

Recent polling suggests the election could result in a fragmented Senedd, with no single party securing an outright majority.

Alongside Plaid Cymru and Welsh Labour, other parties are expected to play a significant role in determining the balance of power after May’s vote.

With just over five weeks until polling day, all parties are now expected to intensify their campaigns across Wales, as voters prepare to decide who will form the next Welsh Government.

Photos by Matthew Horwood

Charity backs greyhound racing ban and pushes for tougher laws on pet theft and exotic animals

The RSPCA has welcomed parts of Welsh Labour’s 2026 Senedd election manifesto, while urging politicians to go further to improve animal welfare across Wales.

Responding to the manifesto’s launch on Monday (Mar 30), Billie-Jade Thomas, Senior Public Affairs Manager for RSPCA Cymru, said the charity was encouraged by several proposed measures but stressed that more action is needed.

Greyhound racing

The charity reiterated its long-standing campaign to ban greyhound racing, calling for the industry to be phased out as soon as possible.

Thomas said: “Greyhound racing is inherently dangerous. The industry’s own data shows thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths in recent years. That level of suffering, purely for entertainment, is unacceptable.”

Cat microchipping

The RSPCA backed plans to introduce mandatory microchipping for cats, saying it would help reunite lost or stolen pets with their owners and reduce the number of abandoned animals.

The charity also said the move would bring Wales in line with England and improve traceability for rescue centres handling stray animals.

Animal welfare establishments

Concerns were raised about the lack of regulation for animal sanctuaries and welfare establishments.

Thomas said RSPCA officers frequently encounter cases where poor governance, financial problems, and overcapacity lead to welfare issues.

She added: “There is a clear need for proper oversight and regulation in this sector.”

Exotic pets

The charity welcomed proposals to regulate the keeping of exotic pets, warning that many species have complex needs that are difficult to meet in domestic environments.

Better regulation, it said, could improve welfare for animals such as reptiles and birds.

Statutory powers

The RSPCA is also calling for its inspectors to be given statutory powers, arguing this would allow them to deal with animal cruelty cases more effectively and reduce pressure on public services.

Pet theft

The charity renewed its call for tougher laws on pet theft, arguing that current legislation fails to reflect the emotional impact on owners.

Thomas said: “Pets are family members. It is not appropriate that stealing a dog or cat is treated the same as stealing a mobile phone.”

Wildlife and bovine TB

On wildlife policy, the RSPCA said it supports measures to tackle bovine tuberculosis through cattle-based approaches rather than culling badgers.

Wales ‘leading on animal care’

The charity also pointed to its Animal Kindness Index, which suggests Wales has the highest proportion of animal lovers in the UK.

Thomas added: “There is still much more that can be done to ensure a good life for every animal in Wales. We want to see all political parties set out clear plans ahead of the Senedd election.”

The Senedd election is due to take place in May 2026.

FOUR-and-a-half year sentence after driver sped through village and fled scene, leaving family searching for missing father

A DELIVERY driver has been jailed after causing the death of a father-of-two in a crash in Carmarthenshire.

Daniel Douglas Wyke, aged 28, from Carmarthen, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Mar 30) after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.

The court heard that Wyke was travelling at 34mph in a 20mph zone through the village of Llanpumsaint on the evening of December 23, 2024, when he struck Aaron Jones, 38, who had been out walking his dog.

Mr Jones suffered fatal injuries in the collision.

Instead of stopping, Wyke fled the scene in his damaged vehicle. Police were able to quickly identify the vehicle involved, and he was arrested the following day.

The court was told that Mr Jones’ loved ones were left desperately searching for him in the hours after the collision, unaware of what had happened.

Sentencing, the judge described Wyke’s actions as “cruelly inhumane,” telling the court that he had been “more intent on saving his own skin” than considering the harm he might have caused.

He added that Wyke’s dangerous driving had cost the life of “a well-loved father of two children, an adored husband and son, and a man who was a good friend to so many.”

Wyke was jailed for four-and-a-half years and disqualified from driving for eight years and two months.

Paying tribute, Mr Jones’ family described him as “a remarkable, strong, caring and brilliant man who always led by the best example.”

They added: “We would like to thank Dyfed-Powys Police, and especially the investigation team, for thoroughly investigating Aaron’s case and supporting us during this awful time, and helping to secure today’s sentence.

“We would also like to thank Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity for their priceless continuing support to our family.

“We are so fortunate to have the support of dear family and friends but also a community that continue to care for us as we try to rebuild our lives without Aaron.”

Sergeant Nicholas Brookes, of Dyfed-Powys Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This was a tragic incident that has left a family grieving a dad, husband and son, whose absence is felt as strongly now as 15 months ago.

“The defendant was proven to be driving incredibly dangerously through Llanpumsaint on the night of December 23, 2024, and Aaron’s death was the devastating – and entirely avoidable – result of this.

“Our investigation has been lengthy and detailed as we worked thoroughly to secure justice for Aaron’s family, who have been at the heart of all our actions.”