Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth: The Rugby-Playing Leader Shaping Wales’ Path Toward Independence

Who is the head of Plaid Cymru, Rhun ap Iorwerth?

The party he leads advocates for Welsh independence from the United Kingdom, yet the 51-year-old father of three has decided not to run for a seat in the UK Parliament. Here's the reason behind his decision.

Wales correspondent @TomosGruffydd

Thursday, June 13, 2024, 7:

Rhun ap Iorwerth is the musician and rugby enthusiast advocating for Welsh independence from the United Kingdom.

The ex-BBC reporter has helmed Plaid Cymru since the previous year.

Originally from Tonteg in the South Wales valleys, the individual, now 51, was raised on Anglesey, an island situated along the northern coastline of Wales.

He speaks Welsh fluently and, having spent time in Cardiff and London, has now moved back to Anglesey with his wife and three kids.

He credits his mother with having a significant impact on his life, especially in shaping his interest in politics.

Away from the political scene, Mr. ap Iorweth mentions that he writes music and "tries his hand at playing various instruments."

He also uses his free time to go running or to explore on his bicycle.

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He is a member of the Senedd's rugby squad and has also served as a coach for a youth team in Llangefni, which he describes as an experience he "truly relished."

An alumnus of Ysgold David Hughes, he pursued degrees in Politics and Welsh at Cardiff University.

Notable alumni of the bilingual comprehensive school in Menai Bridge encompass Wales and Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, vocalist Aled Jones, and actor Taron Egerton.

Previous news reporter

Prior to his political career, Mr. ap Iorwerth worked as a journalist.

He initially became part of BBC Wales in 1994, where he hosted several shows, spending some time as a presenter in Westminster.

He resumed his duties in Wales following the 1997 referendum where the electorate marginally supported the establishment of what was then referred to as the Welsh Assembly.

He first won his seat in the Welsh parliament during a special election in 2013.

Mr. ap Iorwerth had intended to leave the Senedd and pursue a seat in the upcoming general election as the Plaid Cymru representative for Ynys Mon.

He withdrew from his candidacy as the party's prospective member of parliament after he replaced Adam Price as leader, in the wake of a critical report on claims of a harmful environment within the party.

The Project Pawb report concluded that the party did not adopt a strict no-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment.

The efforts to put its suggestions into action are continuing, and Mr. ap Iorwerth has expressed his dedication to "learning lessons."

According to the regulations of Plaid Cymru, the party leader must hold a seat in the Senedd rather than in the House of Commons.

Autonomy

In the realm of decentralized politics, for the past two and a half years, Plaid Cymru has engaged in a collaborative arrangement with the Labour administration.

Rhun ap Iorwerth declared that the agreement with the party would be terminated immediately, as of last month.

Upon his election as leader, he shared with Plaid members his aspiration for Wales to develop a robust and equitable economy, which would underpin enduring public services.

In his prior position as the health representative for his political party, he frequently spoke out about the challenges confronting Betsi Cadwaladr, the largest health board in Wales, which the Welsh government reinstated into special measures last year.

Plaid Cymru is a political party that advocates for Welsh independence, and its leader shares this viewpoint.

Discover more: Plaid Cymru demands equitable allocation of resources for Wales, insists on ending the neglect by Westminster, according to Plaid.

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However, Mr. ap Iorwerth has expressed his desire for Plaid to welcome all individuals who are eager to build a more equitable, sustainable, and thriving society, even those who are intrigued by the idea of independence but may not be entirely persuaded.

He earlier mentioned to Sky News that setting a date for a referendum was "not useful."

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