Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has accused Labour of failing to learn from its mistakes, warning that their “do the same thing over and over again” approach is delivering the same disappointing results for Wales - and that it’s time for change of government with Plaid Cymru.

Speaking on Tuesday (November 4) during First Minister’s Questions, the Plaid Cymru Leader challenged the Labour Government on its record on health and education, arguing that Labour’s lack of fresh thinking was failing the people of Wales.

The number of people waiting more than two years for treatment on the NHS in Wales rose again last month according to the latest figures (published October 23, 2025).

The First Minister previously pledged to eliminate the longest waits, yet the latest figures show the numbers are once again increasing.

The Plaid Cymru Leader also pointed to deep concerns in education following the resignation of literacy expert Elizabeth Nonweiler from the Welsh Government’s literacy advisory panel.

Last week, Ms Nonweiler wrote publicly to Education Secretary Lynne Neagle, warning that the government’s £8.2m literacy project was being led by individuals who do not clearly support proven principles of systematic synthetic phonics.

Wales’ reading performance in international PISA tests remains the worst of all four UK nations - more than 3% below the international average.

Speaking during FMQs, Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “There was an expectation that the position achieved in March 2025 on two-year waits would be maintained, with further reductions wherever possible. The reality, however, is that the March figure of 8,400 has seen a net increase of 300. And let’s not forget that the government’s original promise was to eradicate all two-year waits by 2023.

“Behind every one of these statistics lies a woman or man waiting longer and longer in pain.

“In January, Plaid Cymru published plans to bring waiting lists down - including a commitment to establish more elective care hubs, and to do so at pace, as recommended by the Royal College of Surgeons.”

“But not only are we accustomed to government failure in health, but failings are now built into Wales’ new literacy programme too. That’s the damning verdict of an expert who quit the Welsh Government’s literacy panel, saying it’s ‘not fit for purpose’.

“Elizabeth Nonweiler’s message is stark - the mission of improving literacy to raise standards will fail unless current plans change.

“Plaid Cymru would take a different approach. We’d deliver a bold, practical and inclusive strategy to renew educational standards in Wales - one that focuses on excellence, fairness and ambition for every child.

“Labour keep doing more of the same – and it’s not working. It’s time for change - time for a government led by Plaid Cymru, with new leadership to improve our NHS, raise standards in our schools, and build a better future for Wales.”