News

Plaid Cymru launches bid to lead next Welsh Government

Published

3 months ago

March 30, 2026

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.

CAERPHILLY, WALES – MARCH 30: Leader of Plaid Cymru Rhun ap Iorwerth speaks during the party’s campaign launch at Bedwas Workmen’s Hall & Institute on March 30, 2026 in Caerphilly, Wales. Wales’ Plaid Cymru party is launching its campaign ahead of Senedd elections to be held on May 7.

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

Crime

Scaffolder banned after cannabis smell reported from van

Published

9 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A SCAFFOLDER has been banned from driving for 14 months after an off-duty police officer smelt cannabis coming from his Volkswagen Transporter as it travelled through Slebech.

The report was made to police at around 10.30am on February 15. When officers located the vehicle, they discovered it was being driven by 46-year-old Christopher Bennett.

Further blood tests showed Bennett had 16.8 mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2.

This week Bennett, of Queensdown Gardens, Brislington, Bristol, pleaded guilty to drug-driving when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates. He was represented in court by Alaw Harries.

“The defendant is remorseful for his actions and recognises the seriousness of the offence,” Ms Harries told the Bench.

“He suffers significant pain following operations to his shoulders and has been prescribed codeine. But this causes drowsiness, so he began self-medicating using cannabis.

“On the day of the offence, he was in worse pain than usual, so he used cannabis earlier than he normally does.”

Ms Harries said the conviction would have serious financial consequences for Bennett, who works as a self-employed scaffolder.

“His driving licence is fundamental to his livelihood,” she said.

“The financial consequences are going to be significant to him, as well as to those who are dependent on him.”

Magistrates fined Bennett £600 and ordered him to pay a £240 surcharge and £85 costs.

He was disqualified from driving for 14 months.

Crime

Estate agent banned after drug-drive crash in Milford Haven

Published

9 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Alison Walker had nearly five times the legal benzoylecgonine limit in her system

A PEMBROKESHIRE estate agent has been banned from the road after admitting driving through Milford Haven with nearly five times the legal limit of a cocaine metabolite in her system.

Alison Walker, 59, was arrested on February 2 after her white MG was involved in a two-car collision on Great North Road, Milford Haven.

“Fortunately there were no injuries, just damage to the vehicles,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

After providing a positive roadside drug swipe, Walker was arrested and asked to provide blood samples. These showed she had 240mcg of benzoylecgonine in her system. The legal limit is 50mcg.

Walker, of Woodland Crescent, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to drug-driving and was represented in court by solicitor Tom Lloyd.

He told the bench that prior to the offence, Walker had been employed as an estate agent.

“She has a good relationship with her boss, and as soon as this conviction is dealt with and her sentence has been served, he will be happy for her to return to her employment,” he said.

After considering a comprehensive probation report, magistrates disqualified Walker from driving for 20 months.

She was fined £80 and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs. Walker must also carry out a 12-month community order, during which she must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Crime

Pembroke Dock motorist banned after driving with cocaine in system

Published

10 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKE DOCK motorist has been banned from the roads after being caught driving with more than seven times the legal cocaine limit in her system.

Naomi Grant, 47, was stopped by police on the night of February 6 as she drove her Vauxhall Astra along the A477 near Pembroke Dock.

After providing a positive roadside drug swipe, Grant, of Cheriton Road, Pennar, Pembroke Dock, was taken for further tests.

Blood analysis showed she had 74mcg of cocaine in her system. The legal limit is 10mcg. She also had 1,200mcg of benzoylecgonine, a breakdown product of cocaine, where the legal limit is 50mcg.

This week Grant, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to two charges of drug-driving when she appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates.

She was represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd, who told the court that his client is currently prescribed a considerable amount of medication for a number of medical issues.

“She also has her own personal assistant as a result of her medical needs,” he said.

“She has done everything that has been asked of her in relation to this offence and has engaged with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service to help her move forward.”

Magistrates disqualified Grant from driving for 12 months and fined her £120.

She must also pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.