A Cwmbran resident has been chosen to head the list of candidates who will stand for Plaid Cymru in the 2026 Senedd elections.
Matthew Jones, who was born and raised in Pontypool and now lives in Cwmbran, is number one on the list for the newly formed Sir Fynwy Torfaen constituency.
He works as a policy officer for a cancer charity in Cardiff, bringing experience as a caseworker and campaigner.
He said: “It’s a real honour to lead Plaid Cymru’s team into this election – with each of us committed to improving lives across Sir Fynwy Torfaen.
“Plaid Cymru is offering a healthier, wealthier, greener Wales for every person and community in Monmouthshire and Torfaen, and more and more people are turning to Plaid Cymru – replacing Labour and rejecting Reform UK.
“Next year we can finally have a Welsh Government that believes in Wales, and will stand up for Wales, by voting Plaid Cymru.”
In the recent Caerphilly by-election, Plaid Cymru secured 47.4% of the vote, with Reform UK on 36% and Labour on 11%.
Joining Jones on the list is Donna Cushing, a former County Councillor in Caerphilly with a background in youth work, disability rights advocacy, and local government. She has worked across South East Wales. The press release announcing the list said she has a ” strong track record of standing up for working families.”
Dave Johnson, third on the list, is from Pontypridd and now lives in Chepstow. He has 18 years of experience as a county, city, and parish councillor.
His career has included roles in student unions, heritage, environmental charities, and academia.
Rounding out the team is Loti Glyn, a campaigner from Abergavenny focused on youth empowerment. The press release said: “Putting the needs of young people at the heart of Wales’ politics is one of Loti’s key aims, and she has worked on campaigns encouraging young people to use their voice in politics.”
Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth welcomed the announcement, saying: “Sir Fynwy Torfaen deserves representatives who will fight for investment in local public services and tackle the cost-of-living crisis.
“As we saw in the recent Caerphilly by-election, people across Monmouthshire and Torfaen can choose hope over division, and progress over the tired status quo, backing Plaid Cymru’s positive, pro-Wales vision.
“Labour have been in power for 26 years, yet they’re failing on every metric. It’s time for a Plaid Cymru government, with new ideas and a bold vision to deliver the positive change Wales needs.
“By voting Plaid Cymru, and for this strong, experienced team, every community in Sir Fynwy Torfaen will get a voice in the Senedd. Wales is ready for new leadership, and Plaid Cymru is leading the way.”