There may be just over two weeks before the final business day of the sixth Senedd, and alongside the rush to get business over the line, the main political parties began their campaigns in earnest.
Plaid Conference and their First 100 Day Plans
Whilst not an official launch, Plaid Cymru outlined their immediate priorities should they win the next election at their party conference in Newport on 5 March 2026. The party’s “First 100 Days” plan sets out a roadmap for investing in green energy, expanding Welsh-language education, boosting local economies, and supporting small businesses, alongside a’ new deal on business rates’ for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure sectors. The party also outlined its commitment to seek parity of powers for the Welsh Parliament with Holyrood through a new Wales Bill, and a ‘national conversation’ on Welsh Independence. Leaders also highlighted improvements to public services and housing, framing the programme as a vision for a more self-reliant and sustainable Wales ahead of the May Senedd vote.
The First 100 Days - Party of Wales
Manifesto Launches – Welsh Conservatives and Reform
The Welsh Conservatives were the first party out of the blocks in the Senedd election campaign, launching their manifesto on 3 March 2026 in Cardiff. Party leader Darren Millar unveiled the document, titled Fix Wales, setting out proposals to cut taxes, invest in infrastructure, and reform public services after more than two decades of Labour-led government. The manifesto includes a 1p cut to the basic rate of income tax, business rate relief (mainly for small businesses), plans for an M4 relief road, alignment on DRS and measures aimed at boosting economic growth ahead of the May election. The manifesto also includes plans to pilot ‘business rate‑free periods’ for new retail businesses opening on Welsh high streets, as well as expanding free parking in town and city centres.
Fix Wales - Welsh Conservatives
Just four days later, on 7 March 2026, Reform Wales unveiled their own manifesto, aiming to position themselves as a “fresh, pragmatic alternative”. The party’s 20-page document focuses on modernising public services, boosting local enterprise, and promoting digital innovation across Wales, while pledging greater transparency and accountability in government. Policies flagged include support for local enterprise and small businesses, a ‘root and branch’ review of business rates, initiatives for digital innovation, and regulatory simplification, with a clear focus on smaller and medium-sized enterprises. They have also pledged to ‘create a lobbyist register in the Senedd’, aligning Wales with rules already used at Westminster and in the Scottish Parliament.
Labour Party Campaign Launch
Welsh Labour kicked off its Senedd election campaign on 2 March 2026 at Newport Market, where First Minister Eluned Morgan set out the party’s message as it seeks to hold onto power. The current First Minister emphasised Labour’s vision for Wales, highlighting plans to build on public service investment, drive economic fairness, and use the party’s record in government to argue for stability and continuity. Senior Labour figures and Senedd candidates were alongside her, reinforcing commitments on health, education, and tackling inequality.
Learn More
Keep updated on the latest developments by joining the WRC mailing list, and join us at our WRC Manifesto Workshop on 27th April. We’ll provide an overview of what the party priorities might mean for retail post 7th May, with a presentation on the WRC Manifesto Matrix which will be available to members.
Contact: Sara.Jones@brc.org.uk
