Plaid Cymru announce candidates for Sir Fynwy Torfaen in upcoming Senedd elections
Following an historic win in the Caerphilly by-election, Plaid Cymru has today announced its list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd elections in the new Sir Fynwy Torfaen constituency, introducing a diverse and experienced team committed to delivering a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Wales.
Consistent recent polling has shown that Plaid Cymru is leading in the polls in Wales for the upcoming Senedd election with Labour falling even further behind, and Reform in second place. This was reinforced in the recent by-election which saw 47.4% of people voting for Plaid Cymru, Reform on 36% and Labour on a distant 11%.
Leading the list is Matthew Jones, an experienced caseworker and campaigner who understands the challenges facing communities across the new constituency. Matthew was born and raised in Pontypool and lives in Cwmbran. He is a policy officer for a cancer charity in Cardiff. Matthew hopes to bring a community-led and people-focused approach to politics in the Senedd, and wants to use every opportunity to grow local investment and opportunities for young people to build their lives in our area.
Second on the list is Donna Cushing, Donna has worked across south-east Wales and brings a wealth of knowledge from her youth work and experience in local government and campaigning for disability rights. She has a strong track record of standing up for working families as a County Councillor in Caerphilly.
Third on the list is Dave Johnson, born and raised in Pontypridd he now lives in Chepstow. Dave has previously worked for the National Union of Students, in local Government, in the heritage sector and for an environmental charity before becoming a town planning lecturer at University of West England, Bristol for many years prior to his retirement. Dave has also been a County, City and Parish Councillor for 18 years.
Fourth on the list is Loti Glyn, a campaigner from Abergavenny, dedicated to community empowerment. 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.
Speaking on the announcement, Matthew Jones 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.”
Welcoming the announcement of the candidates, Plaid Cymru Leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth said:
“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.”