WELSH nationalists kick off their Senedd bid today in Caerphilly, claiming voters have a straight choice between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK.

Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth is launching his bid to become Wales’ first non-Labour First Minister at the scene of last October’s Senedd by-election victory over Reform.

“On May 7, people will have a historic opportunity to change Wales for the better,” Mr ap Iorwerth said.

“Labour’s time is up, they are now out of the picture — this campaign will be a straight choice between Plaid Cymru and Reform, between hope and division, between credibility and chaos.

“Reform are making it up as they go along and have no interest whatsoever in doing what’s best for Wales and its communities.”

The latest YouGov polling for ITV Wales/Cardiff University shows that Plaid Cymru’s support has dropped four points to 33 per cent, but is still on course to be the largest party, winning 43 seats.

Reform UK has closed the gap on Plaid after increasing its share to 27 per cent since the last poll, which translates to 30 seats.

Mr ap Iorwerth said that Caerphilly “can be a blueprint for success” in all parts of Wales, giving people the option of rejecting Reform’s chaotic, uncosted and divisive plans and uniting behind Plaid Cymru’s vision for forming a credible and compassionate government.

He said: “Plaid Cymru is the only party with an ambitious and deliverable plan to bring down waiting times, raise standards in our schools, introduce our universal childcare offer and give Welsh businesses the support they desperately need.”