Plaid Cymru

Plaid Cymru was founded in 1925, originally as Plaid Genedlaethol Cymru — the National Party of Wales. The party emerged from Welsh nationalist organisations concerned with the status of the Welsh language, national identity and political self-government.

Official Plaid Cymru website ↗

Language, identity and early nationalism

In its early decades Plaid placed particular emphasis on protecting the Welsh language and strengthening a distinct Welsh national consciousness. Saunders Lewis was one of its most influential early figures. The party initially had limited electoral success, but its campaigning helped keep questions of Welsh political autonomy and cultural survival on the national agenda.

Parliamentary breakthrough and devolution

Gwynfor Evans won Carmarthen in a 1966 by-election, becoming Plaid’s first MP at Westminster. The party subsequently established a durable presence in parts of west and north Wales and became an important advocate of devolution.

Welsh devolution was rejected in a 1979 referendum but approved narrowly in 1997. Plaid became a major party in the new National Assembly for Wales from its first election in 1999.

From autonomy to independence

Over time the party’s constitutional programme developed from cultural and political autonomy towards an explicit commitment to Welsh independence. Its constitution describes independence in Europe, economic prosperity, social justice, environmental protection and a bilingual national community as central aims.

At the 2026 Senedd election Plaid won 43 seats and became the largest party in the expanded 96-member Senedd. Rhun ap Iorwerth was subsequently elected First Minister of Wales.