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Plaid Cymru’s Lindsay Whittle issued a rallying call to party faithful as he urged supporters to “play your part in history”.

Mr Whittle, who returned to the Welsh Parliament after winning the Caerphilly by-election in October, spoke at Plaid Cymru’s spring conference – where the mood was buoyant ahead of May’s Senedd election.

Polling is favouring Plaid – with the party currently favourites to become the largest party in the Senedd and lead the next Welsh Government.

It would be the first time Plaid has won an election, and Mr Whittle urged his party to seize the chance to create history.

Speaking at the ICC Wales in Newport on Saturday February 28, Mr Whittle recalled the UK Parliament by-election in Caerphilly in 1968 – where Plaid Cymru’s Phil Williams won 40.4% of the vote and came a close second to Labour’s Alfred Evans.

“Wales will face the reality that the dream will come true”, said Mr Whittle. “Rhun ap Iorwerth’s team can create the history we dreamt of.”

He spoke of the “great change” he has seen in the party since returning to the Senedd, nine years after he represented the South Wales East region in the then-Welsh Assembly: “In the Senedd team there are pretty astute members, and most importantly behind them is a team of young, dynamic professionals whose daily thoughts concentrate on the future.

“It’s the very essence of what good government should be about. I refer you to the old adage, fail to prepare, prepare to fail. That is etched into our very soul. There is a determination to succeed that is nothing short of impressive.”

He continued: “Now make no mistake – it’s no good giving people that positive message for new Wales unless you can deliver.

“Wales is in for an exciting time. I have adrenaline pumping through my veins that this hope will become a reality.

“Reminiscence is for another time. The dreams are almost over, it’s time to take up and deliver. We, the members of this party, must win and will play our part in this new Wales.”

‘We can and will create history’

Talking up his party’s chances in May, Mr Whittle said: “The opinion polls have seen us climb to a strong commanding lead, others see us closer. Under Rhun ap Iorwerth we can and will create history.

“This generation will be the generation who didn’t just dare to dream. This is the generation that woke up from that dream and actually made it happen. Be proud of yourself. This new, young Wales, all of the people of Wales.”

Urging members to “play your part in history”, he continued: “Go back to your constituencies, go back proudly. You will be that history. The people of Wales will not forget you. History will not forget you. Become the heroes you are.

“It is you who will set Wales free. May we never again see that slogan painted on walls that says Free Wales. It will belong in a museum. It’s our past and we will cherish it as we look to a great future for Wales under the new First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth.

“Go out and do your work for Wales.”