How did we beat Nigel Farage and Reform in Caerphilly? We stood by our convictions | Rhun ap Iorwerth

Welsh voters have rejected Labour and Starmerite managerialism. By offering hope and not division we showed the populist right can be beaten

Rhun ap Iorwerth is the leader of Plaid Cymru

P

laid Cymru’s decisive victory in the Caerphilly byelection proves that Labour’s century of dominance in Wales is over. Voters now face a clear choice between two very different futures, and Caerphilly shows that it is Plaid Cymru’s bold, inclusive vision that carries momentum.

Caerphilly was one of the safest Labour seats in Wales. Many London commentators expected the seat to fall to Reform – perhaps even hoped it would. It would have fit the narrative that post-industrial communities naturally drift to the populist right. We proved them wrong. A message built on fairness, community and national purpose resonated with voters, and a comfortable majority voted for it.