At its annual conference, Plaid Cymru’s leader Rhun ap Iorwerth outlines new initiatives while reflecting on the party’s tumultuous relationship with Welsh Labour and the challenges ahead.
Plaid Cymru’s Spring Conference 2025 commenced today at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, the third gathering under the leadership of Rhun ap Iorwerth since he took charge in June 2023. Even as the party, alongside Welsh Labour, gears up for the imminent Senedd elections in May 2026—one of the most fiercely contested since devolution in 1999—there looms a starkly critical view of the established order.
Past collaborations with Welsh Labour under a co-operation agreement were shattered by ap Iorwerth due to controversies over leadership election donations that forced former First Minister Vaughan Gething to resign. This fallout only deepened the rift between Plaid and Labour, highlighted when Plaid Cymru opposed Labour’s budget on March 4, which was ultimately passed thanks to an alliance with the Liberal Democrats.
During his address at the conference, Rhun ap Iorwerth unveiled a new initiative to combat child poverty, proposing ‘Cynnal payments’—a bold move, yet many question the sincerity and efficacy of Labour’s long-drawn austerity policies, which have only exacerbated the plight of the most vulnerable. Ap Iorwerth’s determination to address child poverty needs to be matched with rigorous scrutiny of how political leadership has failed families over the years. Citing years of “austerity under the Tories and 26 years of ambivalence under Labour,” he positioned himself not as a fresh alternative, but as part of a continuing cycle of broken promises.
“The ‘Cynnal’ payment will sustain families and support communities,” he claimed, yet scepticism looms—how genuine will this commitment be when previous actions have often fallen short? Ap Iorwerth previously received a chorus of applause, but can he deliver when it truly matters?
He also outlined plans for a National Development Agency, ostensibly to foster business support, yet paralleling the criticisms levied at Welsh Labour’s track record raises questions about new ideas versus recycled promises. As he criticized the state of the NHS in Wales, which has seen skyrocketing avoidable deaths under both Labour and Tory governance, there is an underlying call for more than just talk; substantial and immediate action is paramount.
His ire towards current UK government funding suggests a desperate need for a shift in perspective, where Wales should demand respect rather than “grovel for gratitude.” However, one must wonder: how much longer can the political blame game continue without addressing the core issues at hand?
Ap Iorwerth’s comments on figures like Trump and Musk aimed to rally support against “currency of fear and hate,” but it’s worth questioning if focusing on external figures diverts attention from addressing the internal leadership failures right at home. As he characterized these individuals as self-absorbed, one cannot help but draw parallels with the lack of accountability from Welsh Labour, which has often failed to put the interests of Welsh citizens first—something that is echoed in the growing sentiment of dissatisfaction among the public.
The conference, kicked off by Councillor Nia Clwyd Owen, drew hundreds, but the underlying feelings of neglect from the Labour government continue to fester, indicating much disillusionment. With the new proportional representation voting system on the horizon, while optimism for increased representation is advocated, one must remain vigilant—will it truly empower underrepresented voices or merely preserve the status quo?
Welsh Labour’s First Minister Eluned Morgan responded sharply to the conference, labeling ap Iorwerth’s ambitions as “hot air” and claiming that Plaid is undermining positive funding measures—a retort that reveals deep tensions as Labour’s grip falters. She declared, “We in Welsh Labour are focused on what matters to people,” yet the truth remains that many Welsh citizens are anxiously awaiting actions rather than just words.
As the conference unfolds, the trajectory of Plaid Cymru will undoubtedly be keenly scrutinized, particularly in light of the pressing issues facing Wales—especially with a Labour government that has demonstrated little in the way of real progress for the people it purports to represent. The overarching observation remains stark: what Wales truly requires is not just policy promises but a genuine commitment to uplift its citizens, lest they continue to fall behind in an ever-changing political landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.partyof.wales/conference – This URL supports the claim that Plaid Cymru’s Spring Conference 2025 is being held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. It provides details about the conference, including the venue and dates.
- https://www.plaid.cymru/gwanwyn2025?lang=en – This URL further corroborates the details of Plaid Cymru’s Spring Conference 2025, including the location and anticipation for the event.
- https://www.plaid.cymru/events?lang=en – This URL lists various events related to Plaid Cymru, including the Spring Conference, which helps contextualize the party’s activities and gatherings.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-64865694 – This URL could potentially provide information on Welsh political events, such as the Senedd elections and the political landscape in Wales, although it is not directly available in the search results.
- https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/plaid-cymru-spring-conference-2025-26414241 – This URL might offer coverage of Plaid Cymru’s Spring Conference 2025, including Rhun ap Iorwerth’s initiatives and speeches, though it is not directly available in the search results.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative references recent events and future plans, such as the Senedd elections in May 2026 and Rhun ap Iorwerth’s leadership since June 2023, indicating that the content is current and not recycled from older articles.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Direct quotes from Rhun ap Iorwerth and Eluned Morgan are included, but without specific sources or dates for these quotes. However, they appear to be original to this context.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Post, a regional news outlet. While it is a known publication, its reliability may vary compared to national or international news sources like the BBC or Reuters.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about political events and policies are plausible given the current political climate in Wales. However, some assertions about sincerity and effectiveness of political actions lack concrete evidence.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative appears fresh and relevant to current political events in Wales. While quotes are included without specific sources, they seem original to this context. The reliability of the source is moderate, and the plausibility of claims is generally reasonable, though some lack concrete evidence.
