Dear friend

I hope this letter finds you well. As we approach the upcoming internal election for Plaid Cymru, I wanted to take a moment to share with you why I believe I am the right candidate to represent our party and be number 1 on the list for Casnewydd Islwyn for the 2026 Senedd election.

Since my election to the Senedd in 2021, I have worked tirelessly to build up our party locally. Whether that’s in encouraging regular meetings in constituencies like Newport, supporting by-elections and campaigns in Islwyn, to being instrumental in creating the party’s first ever Valleys conference in Merthyr which has gone from strength to strength, I know our members make our party what it is.

Bridge Building

As a natural bridge builder I am someone who is keen to foster good relations inside and outside the party. I’ll always make time to get out and about in our communities, including regular street surgeries across our region. These visits have enabled me to connect with thousands of residents, address their concerns and demonstrate our commitment to grassroots engagement reinforcing Plaid Cymru's reputation as a party that goes the extra mile for its communities. I believe this work will pave the way for great election results across the region I want the chance to carry on with this work across Casnewydd Islwyn after the 2026 elections. 

Holding the Labour Government to Account

Over the past few years, I have dedicated myself to holding the Labour Government accountable on various critical issues. From addressing the challenges at The Grange Hospital to calling for financial justice for Wales in terms of the our transport funding, I have consistently fought for the well-being of our communities and our nation. My efforts to support the economy – from huge industries like the semi-conductor industry in Newport to small businesses like the first Welsh language nursery in the city - have been strong and unstinting. As the chair of the Senedd’s Finance Committee, not only has it been a huge honour to have been voted into this role, gaining cross party support in doing so, I have been unwavering in holding the Labour Government to account over their budget and legislation.

International Voice

My record also shows that I’m keen to ensure Wales’ voice is heard on the international stage. I have been vocal about the conflict in Gaza, being one of the first to advocate for a ceasefire and condemn the disproportionate response by Israel to the Hamas attack on October 7th. That early work played a role in ensuring the Senedd was one of the first Parliaments in the world to call for a ceasefire. This was something that Husam Zomlot – the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the UK – told me personally was heard loud and clear in Palestine.

Senedd 2026 – a Crossroads and an Opportunity

Friends, the next Senedd election represent a crossroads for our nation. From speaking to people on their doorstep and in community events, I’ve seen how support for Labour is evaporating in their heartlands. Waiting in the wings to pounce, is a resurgent far-right who are better organised and funded than ever before. It is therefore vital that Plaid Cymru has a strong election to fill the void on the progressive left of Welsh politics that has been vacated by an increasingly draconian Labour Party.

If we are to secure our aim of independence for Wales, we have to capture the hearts and minds of people in constituencies like Casnewydd Islwyn who are looking for a political alternative. If Plaid Cymru can win here, we can win across Wales and take a step closer to winning a referendum on independence.

Senedd 2026 and Beyond

We need people with experience in our Senedd if Plaid Cymru are to form the next government: People who have a proven track record of working to ensure our party’s voice is heard loud and clear, but also that our communities’ voices are heard in the Senedd.

I hope I can count on your support to be the lead candidate and your number 1 choice for the Casnewydd Islwyn team in the Senedd 2026 election.

If you would like to discuss this or any other matter please feel free to contact me on [email protected].

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, 

Peredur Owen Griffiths