Overview
- Eluned Morgan opened Welsh Labour’s campaign in Newport with five pledges focused on daily-life improvements spanning health, cost of living, jobs, the environment and fairness.
- Labour promised same-day “open access” mental health support to be tested across all health boards, a £2 single bus fare cap with 100 new routes, and a £4bn programme for new and redeveloped hospitals including a replacement for Cardiff’s University Hospital of Wales and upgrades at Wrexham Maelor.
- The Labour launch also highlighted measures such as a Clean Water Bill with a new regulator, year-round pay for school support staff, expanded childcare and a stated aim to end homelessness by 2034.
- The Welsh Conservatives became the first party to publish a full manifesto, featuring a 1p cut to the basic rate of income tax, delivery of an M4 relief road near Newport, upgrades to the A55 and A40, council tax caps requiring referendums for rises over 5% and scrapping Welsh Stamp Duty on main homes.
- Campaign dynamics featured debates over UK funding after Morgan said Keir Starmer would be welcome on the trail if he secured another £14bn for Wales, as the May 7 Senedd vote proceeds under new boundaries and an expanded chamber of 96 members.