Plaid Cymru’s leader will be visiting the Ceredigion Penfro constituency this week to address rural poverty and present the party's vision for Wales ahead of the 2026 election.

Rhun ap Iorwerth, will visit Cardigan and Crymych within the new Ceredigion Penfro Senedd constituency on Thursday, August 14, and promises to breathe new life into rural communities forgotten by Labour.

This is the second stop of Mr ap Iorwerth’s leader’s tour of Wales and is a key part of Plaid Cymru’s election campaign – to give people and communities across Wales the chance to hear more about the party’s vision for a fairer, more ambitious Wales, and have their say on key issues ahead of the Senedd election in 2026.

Rural communities are currently struggling with the cost of living, with rising levels of poverty. 36% of households in Pembrokeshire and 39% of households in Ceredigon face unaffordable living costs – and house prices in Ceredigion are also far higher than the Wales average despite having the seventh lowest median income in Great Britain.

Plaid Cymru outlined a strategy to tackle rural poverty and drive rural growth in the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show in 2024. The strategy focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by rural Wales, in response to the triple pressures of high costs, low incomes, and poor access to services in rural Wales.

Mr ap Iorwerth said a Plaid Cymru government would breathe new life into rural communities with a strong focus on reviving the economy.

The party’s economy strategy Making Wales Work released in May outlined plans to re-establish the Welsh Development Agency as a one-stop shop for Welsh businesses and will have a tailored approach to help rural communities.

Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said: “On the second stop of my tour of Wales, I’ll be engaging with communities in Ceredigion Penfro and putting forward Plaid Cymru’s plans to breathe new life into rural communities and businesses struggling with the cost of living.

“We know that poverty often hides in plain sight in our rural and coastal communities. That’s why Plaid Cymru will focus on building a healthier, wealthier Wales – with a strong focus on an economy that helps its people thrive, offering secure and well-paid jobs.

“This tour of Wales is about sharing that vision but also listening to what communities across Wales have to say – and how we can work together to ensure a Plaid Cymru government is elected to deliver that.

“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.”

Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion and lead candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, Elin Jones MS said: “The new constituency unites the communities of Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire—two neighbouring counties bound by shared values and deep-rooted connections, yet each with its own distinct identity and priorities.”

“Plaid Cymru is committed to being a strong voice for west Wales. Our focus is on securing the investment and attention our NHS, public services, and local economy deserve. That means fighting to retain vital stroke and other health services at Bronglais and Withybush hospitals and pushing for fairer business rates—so that town centres such as Aberystwyth aren’t penalised while businesses in Cardiff and Swansea pay less.”

“I’m looking forward to welcoming Rhun to Ceredigion Penfro on Thursday, where he’ll meet with constituents, enterprises and local businesses to hear directly about the issues that matter most to them.”