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.