‘Independence is scary to many’: an interview with Plaid’s new leader

Plaid Cymru’s office in the Senedd is quiet. This is perhaps apt for a party that finds itself lost in the political wilderness. Unlike its sister party, the SNP, Plaid are no closer to government after two decades of devolution. To boot, they have also recently found themselves awkwardly overshadowed by a report that found misogyny, harassment and bullying are rife in the party. Its former leader, Adam Price, heralded not long ago as the key to unlocking the dream of Welsh independence, was forced to step down days after its publication.  

I am meeting his replacement, Rhun ap Iorwerth, after his coronation as Price’s successor. No other Plaid candidate wanted to stand against the former BBC journalist, to grasp what could be described as the poison chalice of Welsh politics. The party, which has an intensely rich history, is now at its most critical junction.