Wales goes to the polls on 7 May 2026. Here’s a plain-English guide to what the parties are offering — and what Cytûn thinks faith communities should be asking.
What’s different about this election?
This is the biggest change to Welsh elections since devolution began in 1999. For the first time, the Senedd will have 96 Members — up from 60 — and they will be elected by a system of proportional representation. That means the results are likely to be much more spread out between the parties, and no single party is likely to win outright. Whoever governs Wales after 7 May will almost certainly need to work with others to do so. If you are 16 or over, you can vote.
Who’s standing, and what are they offering?
A wide range of political parties and independent candidates will be standing for election. Here is a brief over view of the policy priorities of the six main parties which are likely to return candidates as Members of the Senedd following the vote.
Wales Labour want to invest £4 billion in rebuilding and upgrading NHS hospitals, expand same-day mental health services, and introduce cheaper bus fares. They are the current government but are facing their toughest election for a generation.
Plaid Cymru are polling strongly and are promising action on child poverty, stronger support for the Welsh language, and investment in the rural economy. They have set aside any prospect of a referendum on Welsh independence during a first term.
The Welsh Conservatives are focusing on economic growth — promising to cut income tax, build new roads including the M4 relief road, and invest in the NHS. Independent economists have raised questions about whether the numbers add up.
The Welsh Liberal Democrats are putting the NHS and social care at the heart of their campaign, and are the only party honestly saying they would raise income tax slightly to pay for it.
Reform UK are polling very highly and have made immigration the centrepiece of their campaign — though most of their immigration policies are actually decisions for Westminster, not the Senedd. Their most clearly devolved pledge is to scrap the 20mph speed limit.
The Wales Green Party are entering the Senedd for the first time with a real chance of winning seats. They are proposing ambitious action on climate change, free public transport for young people, and a fairer economy — linking the cost of living with the need to look after the planet.
What should faith communities be looking for?
Cytûn has produced a full briefing setting out where all six main parties stand on the issues that matter most to churches and faith communities: health and social care, poverty and the cost of living, housing, education, the environment, and Wales’s responsibilities to refugees and asylum seekers.
One important thing to be aware of is that several parties have made promises in their manifestos about things the Senedd cannot actually control — particularly on immigration, welfare benefits, and overseas aid. These are decisions for the UK Government in Westminster, not the Welsh Government. It doesn’t mean those issues don’t matter — they do — but it’s worth knowing which promises a Welsh Government can actually keep.
What does Cytûn ask of its members?
Cytûn does not tell anyone how to vote. What we do ask is that you engage thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with as much information as possible.
Follow the Cytûn website for updates and online resources
Pray for candidates, for the people of Wales, and for wisdom.
Vote on 7 May 2026.