Who is Rhun ap Iorwerth? Family and views on Plaid Cymru’s Welsh independence

Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth represents one of the two nationalist parties in tonight’s debate and will attempt to appeal to Welsh voters.

Iorwerth’s task tonight will be unusual compared to the majority of tonight’s representatives as he will largely focus on Wales, instead of the entire UK. While Plaid has not published its manifesto, Iorwerth will likely advocate for transferring more powers from Westminster to Cardiff.

The Plaid leader will take part in tonight’s debate on BBC One and BBC News that starts at 7.30pm. BBC journalist Mishal Husain will moderate the 90-minute-long debate.

Here’s what you need to know about the Plaid leader from his previous career to background in politics.

Life before politics

Iorwerth was born near Pontypridd and moved to the island of Anglesey at the age of five. According to the BBC, his dad was a passionate campaigner for the Welsh language and culture and his mum was the president of numerous bodies that promoted Welsh.

Before entering politics, Iorwerth spent nearly two decades reporting on politics with BBC Wales. He joined the broadcaster in 1994 and worked in Westminster for some time before returning to Wales following the 1997 devolution vote.

During his spell at the BBC, he presented numerous programmes on TV and radio in both English and Welsh. He is understood to live in Anglesey with his wife and has three children.

Career in politics

Iorwerth was elected as the Senedd’s representative for Anglesey following a 2013 by-election. He previously served as Shadow Minister for the Economy and Transport, Health and Care as well as Fianance.

He previously told Wales Online that the death of his mum spurred him to turn to politics. “We’re not here for a long time and I know my mother made a huge contribution to her community and to Wales,” he said. “Seeing the things said about her and the gratitude shown towards the work she’d done showed me quite clearly that I couldn’t go through life without making a contribution if that was at all possible.”

The ex-BBC journalist became Plaid leader in 2023 after former leader Adam Price resigned following the publication of a report on misogyny, harassment and bullying within the party.