Plaid Cymru facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Plaid Cymru – the Party of Wales
Leader	Rhun ap Iorwerth
Deputy Leader	Delyth Jewell
Westminster Leader	Liz Saville Roberts
Chair	Marc Jones
Honorary President	The Lord Wigley
Founded	5 August 1925; 99 years ago (1925-08-05)
Headquarters	Tŷ Gwynfor Marine Chambers Anson Court Atlantic Wharf Cardiff CF10 4AL
Youth wing	Plaid Ifanc
LGBT wing	Plaid Pride
Membership (2022)	c.10,000
Ideology	Welsh nationalism Welsh independence Welsh republicanism Democratic socialism Social democracy Environmentalism Regionalism Civic nationalism Left-wing populism
Political position	Centre-left to left-wing
European affiliation	European Free Alliance
Colours	Green      Yellow
House of Commons (Welsh seats)	Parliament dissolved
House of Lords	1 / 777
Senedd	12 / 60
Local government in Wales	205 / 1,231
Police and crime commissioners in Wales	1 / 4
Website
(Welsh) (English)
Politics of the United Kingdom Political parties Politics of Wales

Plaid Cymru (which means "The Party of Wales") is a political party in Wales. It is known for its Welsh nationalism and wants Wales to be an independent country, separate from the United Kingdom. The party is generally seen as centre-left to left-wing.

Plaid Cymru was started in 1925. It won its first seat in the UK Parliament in 1966. Today, the party holds three out of 40 Welsh seats in the UK Parliament. It also has 12 out of 60 seats in the Senedd (the Welsh Parliament). In local councils, it has 202 out of 1,231 seats. Plaid Cymru is part of a group called the European Free Alliance.

Plaid Cymru: The Party of Wales

What Plaid Cymru Wants

In 2008, a senior member of Plaid Cymru, Elin Jones, said that the party still wanted Wales to be independent. She told party members that they would continue to work for independence.

In 2014, Plaid Cymru's main goals were:

• Making Wales an independent country within Europe.
• Helping the economy grow, making sure everyone is treated fairly, and protecting the environment.
• Building a strong community where everyone is equal and differences are respected.
• Helping Wales become a country where both Welsh and English are used.
• Promoting Wales around the world and joining the United Nations.

While Wales is still part of the UK, Plaid Cymru wants more powers to be given to the Welsh Government. These powers include control over broadcasting, the Crown Estate (land owned by the King or Queen), welfare, and railways.

The party is against nuclear power and nuclear weapons. This includes the UK's Trident nuclear weapons programme.

Plaid Cymru also wants to lower the voting age to 16. In Wales, 16 and 17-year-olds can already vote in Senedd and local elections. However, for UK general elections, you still need to be 18 to vote.

The party supports making social care free for everyone who needs it.

Working for Wales

In 2022, Plaid Cymru made an agreement to work with the Welsh Labour party. Some of the policies from this agreement include:

• Providing Free school meals for all primary school children.
• Offering free childcare for all two-year-olds.
• Dealing with the issue of second homes.
• Creating a National Care Service to help people who need care.
• Changing how the Senedd works in the long term.
• Reforming council tax.
• Investing more money in flood defence and prevention.

How Plaid Cymru Started

Plaque remembering when Plaid Cymru was started in Pwllheli.

In the early 1900s, there was no political party focused on creating a Welsh government. So, on August 5, 1925, a new party was formed. It was first called Plaid Genedlaethol Cymru, which means "The National Party of Wales."

At first, the party's main goal was to keep the Welsh language alive. They wanted Welsh to be the only official language in Wales. Later, they added the goal of self-government for Wales.

In the 1929 general election, the party ran for the first time in a parliamentary election. They didn't win, but it was their first step into national politics.

Early Years and Challenges

By 1932, Plaid Cymru also wanted Wales to have its own government and be represented at the League of Nations. However, the party was still mostly for intellectuals and people who wanted to protect the Welsh language.

In 1936, three leaders of the party, Saunders Lewis, David John Williams, and Lewis Valentine, set fire to a new RAF air base in Penyberth. They were protesting because the base was being built in a Welsh-speaking area. They were arrested and sent to prison. This event made the party much more well-known. By 1939, their membership had doubled to nearly 2,000 people.

Growing Support in the 1950s

A Plaid Cymru rally in Machynlleth in 1949.

During the Second World War, Plaid Cymru stayed neutral. They encouraged people to refuse to fight in the war.

In 1945, Gwynfor Evans became the party's president. Under his leadership, Plaid Cymru grew into a more recognised political party. Their share of the vote in elections increased steadily.

Gwynfor Evans speaking at Bryncrug during the 1959 election.

A big event that helped Plaid Cymru grow was the plan to flood the village of Capel Celyn in 1957. This was to provide water for Liverpool, England. Welsh MPs voted against it, but the plan still went ahead. This showed many Welsh people that their votes in Westminster were not enough to protect their communities.

First Wins in the 1960s

BBC debate between Iorwerth Thomas (Labour MP) and Gwynfor Evans, Plaid Cymru's first MP.

In 1962, Saunders Lewis gave a famous radio talk called Tynged yr Iaith (The fate of the language). He said the Welsh language would die out if people didn't act. This led to the creation of the Welsh Language Society.

In 1966, Gwynfor Evans won a special election in Carmarthen. This was a huge moment for Plaid Cymru, as it was their first time winning a seat in the UK Parliament. They also came very close to winning two other elections in Rhondda West and Caerphilly.

Changes and Referendums in the 1970s

In the 1970 general election, Plaid Cymru ran in every seat in Wales for the first time. Their vote share went up a lot. Gwynfor Evans lost his seat, but won it back in October 1974. By then, the party had gained two more MPs.

In 1975, Plaid Cymru campaigned for the UK to leave the Common Market (now the European Union). They felt it would make Wales feel less important. However, Wales and the UK voted to stay.

The growth of Plaid Cymru and the Scottish National Party led the UK government to think about giving more power to Wales and Scotland. But in a 1979 vote, the idea of a Welsh Assembly was strongly rejected by voters.

New Leaders and Policies in the 1980s

After the 1979 vote, the party's morale was low. Dafydd Wigley became president in 1981. Gwynfor Evans then led a successful campaign, even threatening a hunger strike, to make the government create S4C. This is a Welsh-language television channel.

In 1984, Dafydd Elis-Thomas became president, moving the party more to the left. In 1987, Ieuan Wyn Jones won a seat for Plaid Cymru in Ynys Môn. Dafydd Wigley became president again in 1989.

Gaining More Seats in the 1990s

In the 1992 general election, Plaid Cymru gained a fourth MP. Their vote share also increased.

In 1997, another vote was held on creating a Welsh Assembly. This time, the vote was won by a small margin. The National Assembly for Wales was created. Plaid Cymru became the main opposition party, with 17 seats. They started winning seats in areas that usually voted Labour.

Before the 1999 Assembly election, Plaid Cymru changed its policy. They decided to support staying in the European Union instead of full Welsh independence. They also adopted social democracy for their economic policy. These changes helped them gain more support.

Plaid Cymru in the Senedd Era

The Plaid Cymru Group office in the Senedd building.

First Steps in the Assembly (1999-2003)

In the 1999 election, Plaid Cymru won many seats in traditional Labour areas. This was their best result in a Wales-wide election. They also gained two Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

However, Plaid Cymru then faced its own challenges. Dafydd Wigley resigned as leader. His replacement, Ieuan Wyn Jones, struggled to lead the party.

In the 2001 general election, Plaid Cymru had its highest ever vote share. But they lost one seat and gained another, keeping their total at four MPs.

Challenges and New Ideas (2003-2007)

In the May 2003 Assembly elections, Plaid Cymru's number of seats dropped from 17 to 12. They remained the second-largest party in the Assembly.

In 2003, Dafydd Iwan, a folk singer, was elected as the party's president. Ieuan Wyn Jones became the Assembly group leader again. Under Iwan's leadership, the party officially decided to support independence for Wales within Europe again.

Plaid Cymru's old logo (top) and new logo (bottom).

In 2006, the party changed its image. They decided to use "Plaid" as their main name, even though "Plaid Cymru — the Party of Wales" was still the official title. They also changed their logo from the "triban" (three peaks) to the yellow Welsh poppy.

Working with Labour (2007-2011)

In the 2007 Assembly election, Plaid Cymru increased its seats from 12 to 15. They also had their first ethnic minority candidate elected, Mohammad Asghar.

After the election, Plaid Cymru and Labour agreed to form a coalition government. This meant they would work together to run the Welsh Government. As part of their agreement, they promised to campaign for a vote on giving the Assembly full law-making powers. Ieuan Wyn Jones became the Deputy First Minister of Wales.

In the 2010 general election, Plaid Cymru kept its three MPs in Westminster. They also campaigned for the 2011 vote on law-making powers for the Assembly, which was successful.

New Leadership and Changes (2011-2016)

In the 2011 Assembly election, Plaid Cymru dropped to third place. After this, Ieuan Wyn Jones announced he would step down as leader.

On March 15, 2012, Leanne Wood was elected as the new leader of Plaid Cymru. She was the party's first female leader and the first leader who was not a fluent Welsh speaker. She decided not to take the extra pay that other party leaders in the Assembly received.

In 2013, a special election was held in Ynys Môn. Plaid Cymru's candidate, Rhun ap Iorwerth, won the seat with a large majority.

Senedd and Brexit (2016-2021)

In the 2016 Welsh Assembly elections, Plaid Cymru gained one seat and became the second-largest party.

Even though Plaid Cymru had campaigned to leave the European Economic Community in 1975, they campaigned to remain in the European Union in the 2016 referendum. Wales voted to leave the EU. Leanne Wood initially said voters' decision must be respected, but Plaid Cymru later changed its policy to support a second EU referendum.

In September 2018, Adam Price won the party's leadership election, becoming the new leader.

In the 2019 general election, Plaid Cymru kept its four seats in Westminster.

Recent Agreements (2021-Present)

Before the 2021 Senedd election, Adam Price said Plaid Cymru would not be Labour's "junior partner." He also said they would not work with the Conservatives. He believed that Welsh independence was a "practical necessity."

In the election, Plaid Cymru increased its total seats to thirteen. However, their former leader Leanne Wood lost her seat. Adam Price said he would not resign, believing the party had laid foundations for future growth.

On November 22, 2021, Plaid Cymru and Labour announced a co-operation agreement. This agreement included almost 50 different policies. These policies included free school meals for all primary school children and a national care system. It also included building a railway between North and South Wales. Adam Price called the agreement "a down-payment on independence."

The agreement was approved by 94% of Plaid Cymru members. Price said it was a "huge step forward for Wales." He highlighted benefits like free childcare for two-year-olds and action on the housing crisis.

In May 2023, Adam Price announced he would step down as leader. This followed a report about bullying within the party. Llyr Gruffydd became the interim leader. On June 16, 2023, Rhun ap Iorwerth was elected as the new permanent leader.

In October 2023, Rhun ap Iorwerth said the party was "not just for Welsh speakers." He also highlighted achievements like free school meals from the agreement with the Labour government.

Thinking About Independence

Before the 2019 general election, Adam Price said he would set up a group to study how Welsh independence could work. This group, led by former MP Elfyn Llwyd, released its report in September 2020. It suggested five main goals for Plaid Cymru:

• An independent Wales should join the European Union.
• Wales should explore a close relationship with England and Scotland.
• The Welsh Government and civil service should be improved.
• A Welsh Constitution should be written.
• A special commission should help people understand options for Wales's future.

The report also suggested a vote with multiple choices to see what people want for Wales's future.

Plaid Cymru's Credit Union

Undeb Credyd Plaid Cymru Credit Union Limited is a savings and loans group for party members. It was started in 1986. It helps members save money and get loans. Like banks, members' savings are protected if the credit union has problems.

Who Leads Plaid Cymru?

Name and portrait	Party office	Constituency (if any)	Notes
Rhun ap Iorwerth	Leader of the Senedd Group and Party Leader	Ynys Môn
Liz Saville Roberts	Westminster Group Leader	MP for Dwyfor Meirionydd
Dafydd Wigley	Honorary Party President from 2001	N/A	Former Party President Member of the House of Lords

Past Leaders

The party leader used to be called the president until March 2000.

Deputy Leaders

Chief Executives

Plaid Cymru in Parliament and Councils

Members of Parliament (MPs)

These are the Plaid Cymru MPs in the UK Parliament:

Members of the Senedd (MSs)

These are the Plaid Cymru Members of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament):

• Llyr Huws Gruffydd, MS for North Wales electoral region
• Siân Gwenllian, MS for Arfon
• Rhun ap Iorwerth, MS for Ynys Môn
• Luke Fletcher, MS for South Wales West electoral region
• Cefin Campbell, MS for Mid and West Wales electoral region
• Elin Jones, MS for Ceredigion
• Delyth Jewell, MS for South Wales East electoral region
• Sioned Williams, MS for South Wales West electoral region
• Adam Price, MS for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
• Mabon ap Gwynfor, MS for Dwyfor Meirionnydd
• Peredur Owen Griffiths, MS for South Wales East
• Heledd Fychan, MS for South Wales Central

Local Councillors

Plaid Cymru has 202 councillors in local government across Wales.

Members of the House of Lords

These are Plaid Cymru members in the House of Lords:

How Plaid Cymru Has Performed in Elections

UK Parliament Elections

Election	Wales			+/–	Government
	Votes	%	Seats
1929	609	0.003	0 / 36		N/A
1931	2,050	0.2	0 / 36		N/A
1935	2,534	0.3	0 / 36		N/A
1945	16,017	1.2	0 / 36		N/A
1950	17,580	1.2	0 / 36		N/A
1951	10,920	0.7	0 / 36		N/A
1955	45,119	3.1	0 / 36		N/A
1959	77,571	5.2	0 / 36		N/A
1964	69,507	4.8	0 / 36		N/A
1966	61,071	4.3	0 / 36		N/A
1970	175,016	11.5	0 / 36		N/A
Feb 1974	171,374	10.8	2 / 36	2	Opposition
Oct 1974	166,321	10.8	3 / 36	1	Opposition
1979	132,544	8.1	2 / 36	1	Opposition
1983	125,309	7.8	2 / 38		Opposition
1987	123,599	7.3	3 / 38	1	Opposition
1992*	156,796	9.0	4 / 38	1	Opposition
1997	161,030	9.9	4 / 40		Opposition
2001	195,893	14.3	4 / 40		Opposition
2005	174,838	12.6	3 / 40	1	Opposition
2010	165,394	11.3	3 / 40		Opposition
2015	181,694	12.1	3 / 40		Opposition
2017	164,466	10.4	4 / 40	1	Opposition
2019	153,265	9.9	4 / 40		Opposition

Senedd Elections

Election	Constituency			Regional			Total seats	+/–	Government
	Votes	%	Seats	Votes	%	Seats
1999	290,572	28.4	9 / 40	312,048	30.6	8 / 20	17 / 60		Opposition
2003	180,185	21.2	5 / 40	167,653	19.7	7 / 20	12 / 60	5	Opposition
2007	219,121	22.4	7 / 40	204,757	21.0	8 / 20	15 / 60	3	Lab–Plaid
2011	182,907	19.3	5 / 40	169,799	17.9	6 / 20	11 / 60	4	Opposition
2016	209,376	20.5	6 / 40	211,548	20.8	6 / 20	12 / 60	1	Opposition
2021	225,376	20.3	5 / 40	230,161	20.7	8 / 20	13 / 60	1	Opposition

Local Council Elections

Election	Votes	%	Councils	+/-	Seats	+/-
1995	115,900	12.5	1 / 8		202 / 1,272
1999	179,212	18.2	3 / 22	2	205 / 1,270	3
2004	149,352	16.4	1 / 22	2	175 / 1,263	30
2008	159,847	16.8	0 / 22	1	205 / 1,270	31
2012*	133,961	15.8	0 / 22		158 / 1,235	41
2017	160,519	16.5	1 / 22	1	208 / 1,254	33
2022	tbc	tbc	4 / 22	3	202 / 1,231	6

European Parliament Elections

Election	Wales			+/–
	Votes	%	Seats
1979	83,399	11.7	0 / 4
1984	103,031	12.2	0 / 4
1989	115,062	12.9	0 / 4
1994	162,478	17.1	0 / 5
1999	185,235	29.6	2 / 5	2
2004	159,888	17.1	1 / 4	1
2009	126,702	18.5	1 / 4
2014	111,695	15.3	1 / 4
2019	163,928	19.6	1 / 4

Working with Other Parties in Europe

Plaid Cymru works closely with the Scottish National Party (SNP). Their MPs often work together in the UK Parliament. Both parties are members of the European Free Alliance (EFA). The EFA is a group of political parties across Europe that support regional self-rule or independence.

Images for kids

• 

  Plaque commemorating the founding of Plaid Cymru, Pwllheli

• 

  A Plaid Cymru rally in Machynlleth in 1949 where the "Parliament for Wales in 5 years" campaign was started.

• 

  1959 election in Merioneth. Gwynfor Evans, standing, is talking at Bryncrug.

• 

  Iorwerth Thomas and Gwynfor Evans sitting at a table in front of a BBC microphone, debating.

• 

  Plaid Cymru Group office in the Senedd building.

• 

  Old logo (above) and new logo (below).

More to Explore

• List of Plaid Cymru MSs
• List of Plaid Cymru MPs
• Credit unions in the United Kingdom
• Culture of Wales
• Politics of Wales
• Republicanism in the United Kingdom