Plaid Cymru Unveils Detailed 100-Day Plan for Government if Elected

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth unveils a detailed 100-day government plan focusing on NHS waiting lists, education, and public services ahead of the May Senedd election.

Plaid Cymru Presents Detailed 100-Day Government Plan

Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, has pledged to address NHS waiting lists as part of the party's first 100 days in government, should they win the Senedd election in May.

"Plaid Cymru yw'r unig blaid sydd â chynllun gweithredu manwl," said Rhun ap Iorwerth.

He acknowledged that the public does not expect immediate changes to NHS waiting lists within three months, but the party's plan includes an extensive list of initiatives aimed at improving the NHS, raising education standards, and delivering "better government."

The plan proposes measures such as restricting mobile phone use in schools and introducing a new bus service running from north to south Wales.

Additionally, the document promises several reviews of public service operations but does not specify the extent to which waiting lists would be reduced during this period.

In his Friday speech, Rhun ap Iorwerth depicted the Senedd election as a contest between Plaid Cymru and Reform.

Araith Rhun ap Iorwerth — Disgrifiad o’r llun, Yn ei araith ddydd Gwener, fe wnaeth Rhun ap Iorwerth bortreadu etholiad y Senedd fel brwydr rhwng Plaid Cymru a Reform

Labour has been in power since the National Assembly for Wales—its former name—opened in Cardiff Bay 27 years ago.

Opinion polls have suggested that Plaid Cymru is competing with Reform to become the largest party following the Senedd election on 7 May.

Plaid Cymru has never won an election for the whole of Wales and has previously supported Welsh Labour governments.

Financial Challenges and Criticism of Labour Rule

Rhun ap Iorwerth stated that "nearly 27 years of Labour-led governance has left our nation short of funds."

"The NHS is under excessive pressure from demand, education standards are among the worst in Europe, and the economy remains too tied to Westminster to have any real power.

Others may promise change, but as this plan demonstrates—Plaid Cymru is the only party with a detailed action plan representing the genuine new leadership the people of Wales deserve."

Focus on NHS and Public Services

The document outlines that a Plaid Cymru-led Welsh Government would focus on "reducing waiting lists" and "commissioning an independent review of NHS performance in Wales."

While no specific target for waiting list reduction is provided, Plaid Cymru intends to establish a group responsible for delivering up to 10 surgical centres across Wales, with a report to be published by the end of 2026.

The plan also includes introducing a new cancer strategy, holding a summit to transfer resources to primary care, and developing local plans for 20 hours of free childcare for every two-year-old child.

Furthermore, the party plans to prepare to launch a rapid bus service connecting north and south Wales, as well as restricting mobile phone use in schools for children under 16, according to the document.

Commitment to Education and Health

Speaking at the party conference in Newport, Rhun ap Iorwerth emphasized that his government would focus on "a clear set of priorities—improving the basics so we can truly enhance people's lives in meaningful ways."

He promised "a health and care service that works" and an education system "focused on providing essential life skills to every pupil."

He acknowledged the financial constraints, stating that the party understands "funding will be tight and that is why efficiency and value for money are at the heart of our vision for an effective government."

Heledd Fychan, Plaid Cymru's finance spokesperson, said at the conference that the party's Senedd group members are being "realistic" while working on the election manifesto.