WALES is at a “real opportunity” for political change after 25 years of Labour dominance, according to Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth. Addressing his party’s annual conference, ap Iorwerth urged supporters to seize the moment and “build trust” with voters ahead of the 2026 Senedd election.

In a rousing speech, he asked the Welsh public to decide whether to “accept second best” by continuing to support Labour or take “that first step towards becoming the nation we know we can be” under a Plaid Cymru government. The leader sharply criticised Labour’s record, accusing them of losing the moral high ground in Welsh politics. This comes after a year marked by controversy surrounding donations to former First Minister Vaughan Gething.

Plaid Cymru’s conference was overshadowed by internal tension over the refusal of Cyngor Gwynedd leader Dyfrig Siencyn to apologise to the victims of a paedophile headteacher. Senior figures within Plaid called Siencyn’s position “untenable” after his remarks during an interview with Newyddion S4C.

Despite recent controversies, Plaid Cymru has reasons for optimism. The party achieved its best-ever result at a UK general election in July, winning four Westminster seats, but it has yet to claim a victory in the Senedd since devolution in 1999.

In previous years, Plaid Cymru has worked alongside Labour in coalition governments and under a co-operation agreement, which ap Iorwerth ended abruptly in May. He told conference attendees: “Wales can’t afford another 25 years of Labour.” His remarks come as Plaid positions itself as a strong challenger ahead of the 2026 election, buoyed by a new, more proportional voting system that could benefit smaller parties like Plaid.

Criticism of Welsh Labour

Ap Iorwerth saved his harshest words for Welsh Labour, accusing the party of failing to recognise “the difference between right and wrong.” He specifically called out the £200,000 donation to Vaughan Gething from a donor with a criminal record for environmental offences. This scandal played a part in Gething’s downfall and is being used as evidence of Labour’s ethical failings.

In contrast, ap Iorwerth positioned Plaid as a party of integrity and bold reform. “Unlike Eluned Morgan, I will acknowledge that some things are broken, but more importantly, I’ll be determined that nothing is beyond repair,” he declared.

A vision for change

If elected, ap Iorwerth promised to break the cycle of “short-term thinking” in Welsh politics. He outlined plans to overhaul the NHS, committing to preventative healthcare measures and promising a new budget within the first 100 days of a Plaid Cymru government. Ap Iorwerth announced plans to increase spending on preventative health measures annually, stating: “No more sticking plaster, no more blaming the individual, no more passing the buck.”

In response to the recent critical incident at Bridgend’s Princess of Wales Hospital, where significant damage to the roof was discovered, ap Iorwerth committed to clearing emergency maintenance backlogs in Welsh hospitals by 2030. He also vowed to appoint a dedicated minister for public health if he becomes First Minister, ensuring that preventative health becomes a national priority.

His party’s focus on health policy extended to education and housing, with Plaid Cymru pledging to overhaul how children are taught to read and launching an ambitious retrofitting programme to improve energy efficiency in homes. Additionally, the party vowed to reinstate meaningful targets for reducing child poverty, which remains a persistent issue in Wales.

Looking towards 2026

Speaking to the media, ap Iorwerth highlighted the new electoral system for the 2026 election, which increases the number of Senedd seats from 60 to 96. Polling suggests Plaid Cymru could be in a strong position to challenge Labour, raising the possibility of a coalition government.

However, ap Iorwerth ruled out any co-operation with the Welsh Conservatives or Reform UK, focusing his sights on Labour as his party’s main opposition. While Labour will likely need to strike a deal with another party to pass its budget in the coming year, ap Iorwerth was clear that Plaid would not seek a budget deal. “The ball is very much in Labour’s court,” he said.

Analysis

Plaid Cymru has never been closer to becoming the largest party in the Senedd. With positive polling and its best-ever general election result, the party feels momentum is on its side. However, with this increased pressure comes heightened scrutiny. The row over Dyfrig Siencyn has cast a shadow over the start of the conference, offering a taste of the challenges Plaid will face as it moves closer to potentially unseating Labour.

The question for the Welsh public in 2026 will be whether Plaid Cymru can translate this momentum into electoral success and deliver the change it promises.

AT Plaid Cymru’s recent Cardiff conference, the party showed overwhelming support for the local Pembrokeshire campaign opposing the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) project. Delegates unanimously backed a motion committing the party to fight against the proposed radar installation at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy, amid growing concerns from local communities about its impact on the environment, tourism, and local livelihoods.

The Pembrokeshire Against the Radar Campaign (PARC), which has spearheaded efforts to stop the DARC project, hailed the decision as a “hugely significant moment.” PARC claims the MoD has been largely unresponsive to local concerns, with no substantial engagement from Welsh Labour, despite a petition signed by over 16,000 local residents. The group asserts that Plaid Cymru’s support signals an escalation in political pressure and believes it will become a key issue in the 2026 Senedd elections.

A campaign gathers momentum

PARC’s spokesperson stated, “Plaid Cymru’s decision to support us against DARC radar is a major step forward. Welsh Labour’s silence on the issue has been frustrating, and the local community is growing increasingly impatient. Today’s vote sends a clear message that if Labour continues to ignore the issue, political pressure will increase.”

The campaign, which has also gained backing from the Wales Green Party, is putting additional pressure on the Liberal Democrats to take a stance. With growing cross-party support, the group believes that this will be a defining issue in the upcoming elections, particularly with the expansion of the Senedd to 96 members. PARC hopes that a coalition between Plaid Cymru, the Greens, and potentially the Lib Dems could force Welsh Labour to rethink its stance on DARC.

The MoD’s perspective

In contrast, the MoD has defended the DARC project, citing its critical importance for national security. The radar, which is part of a broader international collaboration between the UK, Australia, and the US under the AUKUS alliance, is designed to detect and track objects in deep space. The MoD asserts that DARC will play a vital role in protecting essential satellite networks that underpin both civilian and military operations, ranging from navigation systems to climate monitoring.

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, has emphasised that the project will not only enhance the UK’s space awareness but also secure long-term jobs in Pembrokeshire. Up to 100 personnel will be stationed at Cawdor Barracks to operate and maintain the radar system, ensuring the site remains active beyond its previously planned closure in 2028. Healey described the radar as essential for both national defence and daily civilian life, from banking services to mobile phone communications.

Addressing local concerns

The MoD has also acknowledged local concerns regarding the environmental and health impacts of the radar system. To address these, it is conducting a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) alongside a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. The MoD has assured the community that DARC will meet stringent international safety standards set by organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These evaluations will be key in securing planning consent from Pembrokeshire County Council.

Public engagement has been central to the MoD’s approach. In September 2024, two public information sessions were held in Solva and St Davids, where residents could raise their concerns and seek clarity on the project. The MoD has pledged to continue its dialogue with the local community, emphasising that it wants to work collaboratively on the development of the site.

Opposition remains strong

Despite the MoD’s efforts to reassure the public, opposition to the project remains strong. PARC continues to argue that the radar will have far-reaching negative impacts on the local tourism industry, property values, and the unique natural habitats in the region. The group has staged several protests, including a high-profile demonstration that garnered national attention, and has established an encampment outside Cawdor Barracks.

PARC also highlights the strategic risks of hosting such a large-scale military installation, arguing that the radar could make Pembrokeshire a prime target in the event of global conflicts. The group remains committed to using all available legal and planning mechanisms to halt the project.

“We believe that DARC poses a real threat to our landscape, economy, and health,” said a PARC spokesperson. “This is not just about local opposition—it’s about protecting our region and making sure Wales isn’t unnecessarily drawn into US foreign policy. We will continue to fight this with everything we’ve got.”

As the campaign continues to grow, it seems certain that the debate over DARC will dominate local politics in Pembrokeshire in the coming years. Both the MoD and local opposition are preparing for a protracted battle over the future of Cawdor Barracks and the role of deep-space radar in West Wales.

TO celebrate his 30^th anniversary of working for Ashmole & Co, Jim Cornock a Partner with the accountancy firm, will be taking on Marathon Eryri later this month to help raise funds for Tenovus Cancer Care.

Marathon Eryri is a demanding and spectacular event which encircles Yr Wyddfa. Jim is not a newcomer to running but is more familiar with half marathon distance rather than a full marathon. He has bravely agreed to take on the 26.2mile challenge on 26 October to help raise funds for Ashmole & Co’s chosen charity for this year as it has special meaning for him personally.

Jim said, “Tenovus Cancer Care provide so much support for people with cancer. This one is personal for me as my mum passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of just 61. I have no doubt there were times when she wanted to just ‘turn around’ and go home but like thousands of others facing a cancer diagnosis, she couldn’t. That is what keeps me going during my training runs. I felt like turning back lots of times recently out on my longest runs, but I kept remembering why I am doing this.”

Jim joined Ashmole & Co in 1994 and qualified as a Chartered Tax Advisor in 1999. Originally from Milford Haven, he moved to Carmarthen in 2003 and became a partner in the Ammanford office in 2004. He works out of the Haverfordwest, Ammanford, Llandeilo and Llandovery Ashmole & Co offices. Jim enjoys all aspects of his role as business adviser, particularly the satisfaction of helping clients achieve their goals.  

Jim is married to Pamela and they have two children Rosie and Owen. He has a particular love of Llandovery as his parents are originally from the town and are buried there. In his spare time, he loves cycling, swimming, running, football, reading and history. Jim is proud to have completed Ironman Wales in 2018.

Jim added, “Thank you to everyone that has supported me during my training. It means a lot. I hope Ashmole & Co’s clients and friends will help us raise as much money as possible for this extremely worthy cause.”

Elin Murphy, Tenovus Cancer Care’s Regional Fundraising Manager for south west Wales, said, “Ashmole & Co are going all out to raise funds with staff signing up to do so many events out of their comfort zone. We are very grateful to Jim for choosing to help raise funds for Tenovus Cancer Care by taking part in Marathon Eryri. Donations mean that we can continue to support cancer patients and their loved ones with our services and actively campaign to improve outcomes and give a voice to all affected by cancer in Wales.”

Tenovus Cancer Care are a Wales-based charity which gives help, hope and a voice to everyone affected by cancer. Tenovus is there for anyone affected by cancer. Together with its inspiring community of supporters, volunteers and fundraisers, the charity is determined to be there for everyone affected today, tomorrow and beyond.

Any donations to support Jim and Ashmole & Co’s fundraising would be gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate at any office: Ashmole and co is fundraising for Tenovus Cancer Care (justgiving.com)