Author: markjhooper

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda – Happy New Year

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Mae’n ddydd Nos Galan 2025, ac mae’n fore oer yn gynnar yn y Barri – ddim mor oer ag mae  Cumbria y radio yn dweud wrtha i, ond eto. Dwi’n tapio ar fy mysellfwrdd gyda fy mysedd yn chwarae mig allan o lewys fy siwmper. Fe allen i roi’r gwres ‘mla’n, ond mae pawb arall yn y tŷ yn dal yn y gwely a byddai sŵn y boeler yn clyncian wrth ddechrau yn debygol o’u deffro – ac wedi’r cyfan, i beth mae siwmperi mawr yn dda os nad am foreau fel hyn.

Gallaf weld llawer o’r dref ges i fy magu ynddi o fy ffenestr wrth i mi deipio. Mae gwawr ola’r haul am y flwyddyn yn un llachar a newydd. Mae’n gosod y naws ar gyfer diwrnod olaf 2025 a’r hyn a ddaw nesaf yn 2026. Mae’n flwyddyn newydd arall (eto) – ac ryn ni wedi eu cael o’r blaen, a bydd gennym y cerrig milltir hyn yn ein bywydau eto, ond mae’r un hon, i Gymru, a gwleidyddiaeth Cymru, yn un hynod o arwyddocaol.

Ymhen ychydig dros bedwar mis bydd Cymru’n wahanol. Bydd gennym Lywodraeth newydd sy’n rhedeg ein gwasanaethau cyhoeddus. Mae gwleidyddiaeth oes datganoli wedi cael ei ddominyddu gan Lafur yma yng Nghymru. Er gwaetha’r gafael hwn ar rym, am lawer o’r amser hwnnw, mae’r cyfrifoldeb am gyflawni wedi bod yn esgus a basiwyd rhwng San Steffan a Chaerdydd. Yr unig bobl sy’n colli yw trigolion Cymru, sydd wedi gorfod dioddef GIG ar ddibyn parhaus, gwasanaethau cyhoeddus a ddarperir yn wael a Llywodraeth nad yw’n fodlon, neu sy’n methu â sefyll i fyny dros fuddiannau Cymru yn effeithiol.

Mae chwe mlynedd ar hugain o fethiant wedi bod yn ddigon i’r etholwyr hir-ddioddefgar yng Nghymru. Mae cangen Gymreig Llafur Starmer ar fin cael eu gorchmynion i adael; gorchmynion i’w cyhoeddi’n swyddogol mewn blychau pleidleisio ledled Cymru ar Fai 7fed. Nid yw’r Blaid Lafur hyd yn oed yn y ras mwyach am bwy fydd yn arwain Cymru o fis Mai. Mae pawb yn gwybod hynny, gan gynnwys y rhan fwyaf o bobl yn y Blaid Lafur. Mae’r parti wedi dod i ben.

A’r Torïaid. Mae adain dde eu plaid wedi hercian yn atgas tuag at ReformUK dros y flwyddyn ddiwethaf tra bod y gweddill yn brwydro i fod yn berthnasol. Hyd yn oed mewn hen gadarnleoedd fel y Bont-faen, maen nhw’n dod yn drydydd tu ôl i Blaid Cymru a ReformUK. Mae rhai, fel Andrew RT Davies sy’n fythol ddig, yn ceisio gor-Farageiddio Farage gyda’i gasineb yn ei anobaith, gan adael yr ychydig Dorïaid un-genedl sy’n weddill yn meddwl tybed i ble aeth eu plaid. Bydd y Torïaid yn ffodus i ddychwelyd digon ar gyfer tîm pump bob ochr ym mis Mai – ni fyddant yn bwysig yn y cyfrif ar ôl yr etholiad – mae 14 mlynedd a mwy o fethiant yn San Steffan wedi sicrhau hynny’n iawn.

O’r fan hyn mae pethau’n achosi ychydig mwy o bryder. Mae ein huwch-etholaeth yn darged ar gyfer ReformUK – wedi’i amlygu’n fewnol (ganddyn nhw) fel “Aur +”. Maen nhw eisiau tair o’r chwe sedd yma – y math o gyfrif a fyddai’n eu rhoi yn agos at fod blaid fwyaf yng Nghymru. Plaid o ddicter ac ofn, wedi’i ariannu gan biliwnyddion sy’n esgus eu bod nhw’n poeni am gymunedau yng Nghymru. Gwelwn eu camwybodaeth a’u celwyddau a safwn yn gryf yn eu herbyn. Mae angen i Gymru, fel endid gwleidyddol, weithio’n llawer gwell – mae gennym gynlluniau credadwy i wneud hynny, ac ni fyddwn, yn wahanol i Farage a’i ffrindiau, yn pwno’r gwannaf mewn cymdeithas i wneud pethau’n well.

Yr unig blaid fydd yn eu hatal rhag cael tair sedd yn ein ardal ni yw Plaid Cymru. Awgrymodd y pôl diwethaf (Canolfan Llywodraethiant Cymru/YouGov – Rhagfyr 17eg 2025) y byddai Sarah Rees o’r Blaid yn cael y chweched sedd honno yma ond y Blaid yn y seithfed safle fyddai ReformUK. Mae rhai wedi rhybuddio am hunanfodlonrwydd ym Mhlaid Cymru – gadewch imi eich sicrhau ein bod yn canolbwyntio’n llwyr ar wneud yn siŵr ein bod yn trechu ReformUK yma ym Mhen y Bont Bro Morgannwg ac yn chwarae ein rhan gadarnhaol wrth adeiladu gwell yfory.

Gallai – a dylai etholiad Mai (yn fy marn i) gael ei benderfynu gan bleidleiswyr dan 35 oed. Does dim amheuaeth, pe bai eu cyhyrau etholiadol yn cael eu hymarfer, byddai hi ar ben ar Farage a’i gang. Yn yr arolwg barn diweddaraf, mae chwe gwaith cymaint o bobl ifanc 18–24 oed yn cefnogi Plaid Cymru o gymharu â ReformUK a thair gwaith cymaint o bobl ifanc 25–34 oed (trueni na wnaethon nhw gynnal arolwg o bobl ifanc 16–17 oed sy’n gallu pleidleisio yn yr etholiad hwn hefyd!). Fe wnaeth Llafur a’r Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol berfformio hyd yn oed yn waeth na ReformUK ac o ran y Torïaid roedd y pleidlais yn gywilyddus. Does dim amser gwell na mis Mai i wneud yn siŵr bod lleisiau pobl ifanc yn cael eu clywed a bod eu pleidleisiau’n cael eu cyfrif. Dyma’r etholiad pwysig. Dyma’r etholiad i bobl ifanc yng Nghymru bleidleisio i Blaid Cymru.

Mae gen i neges ddiffuant a chlir i’r rhai sy’n ystyried pleidleisio i’r Blaid Werdd neu’r Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol yn yr uwch-etholaeth hon. Yn syml, ni fydd eich pleidlais yn cyfrif – yr unig bobl i elwa o’ch pleidlais fydd ReformUK. Nid yw hyn yn wir ym mhob man ledled Cymru. Mae yna ambell le a fydd yn dychwelyd aelodau’r Senedd o’r ddwy blaid hyn, rwy’n siŵr, ond nid ym Morgannwg a Phen-y-bont ar Ogwr. Ni fydd y naill blaid na’r llall yn cyrraedd y trothwy sy’n ofynnol o dan y system gyfrannol sy’n cael ei defnyddio. Gallwn ddadlau rhinweddau neu fel arall y system hon (mae Plaid Cymru wedi cefnogi system Pleidlais Sengl (STV) decach yn gyson), ac mae’n debyg y byddwn yn cytuno, ond ni fydd hynny’n newid y system; rydym y tu hwnt i semanteg er byn hyn. A nawr ar faes y gad etholiadol – gwnewch i’ch pleidlais gyfrif; pleidleisiwch dros Blaid Cymru.

Yn aml, mae pleidiau yn gofyn i gefnogwyr y blaid gymharol wannach fenthyg eu pleidleisiau i atal canlyniad llawer gwaeth. Pleidlais dactegol. O ystyried y peryglon a achosir gan naill ai Llywodraeth Cymru ReformUK neu eu bod yn ennill y nifer fwyaf o seddi yn y Senedd ond yn methu ffurfio llywodraeth (oherwydd nad oes neb arall yn fodlon gweithio gyda nhw), mae’r canlyniadau gwaethaf yn glir. Ond yn wahanol i’r rhan fwyaf o bleidleisiau tactegol, gall cefnogwyr posibl y ddwy blaid sy’n pleidleisio Plaid wneud hynny’n gadarnhaol. Er bod gan Blaid Cymru wahaniaethau polisi gyda’r Gwyrddion a’r Democratiaid Rhyddion, mae gennym hefyd feysydd sylweddol yr ydym yn cytuno arnynt. Byddwn yn sefyll ar faniffesto credadwy a chyflawnadwy a fydd yn gwneud Cymru’n decach ac yn fwy ffyniannus. Gallwch bleidleisio Plaid Cymru gyda hyder a llwyddo hefyd i atal ReformUK. Rydym wedi gweld hyn yng Nghaerffili a gallwn weld yr un peth yma.

Gyda’n gilydd gallwn sicrhau bod 2026 a thu hwnt yn flwyddyn o obaith yn hytrach na chasineb, lle mae gwasanaethau cyhoeddus yr ydym oll yn dibynnu arnynt yn cael eu hariannu’n addas, lle mae’r sylfaen ar gyfer economi decach a chryfach yn cael ei osod a lle mae gennym Lywodraeth Cymru a fydd bob amser yn sefyll dros Gymru a’n buddiannau o’r diwrnod cyntaf. Nid busnes fel arfer yw’r opsiwn rydyn ni’n ei ddewis a dyna pam y gofynnwn i CHI ymuno â ni a chwarae eich rhan yn yr etholiad mwyaf hanfodol hwn. Gallwch ymuno â ni, cyfrannu i gefnogi ein gweithgareddau yn lleol neu yn syml ddweud wrthym y byddwn yn cael eich pleidlais ar Fai 7fed. Bydd angen clymblaid o gefnogaeth flaengar i ennill mewn ychydig dros bedwar mis ac yn Sarah a minnau byddwch chi’n ethol dau aelod na fydd yn eich gadael i lawr.

Mae Mark Hooper yn Gynghorydd ar Gyngor Bro Morgannwg i Blaid Cymru. Mae’n arwain rhestr y Blaid yn etholaeth Pen y Bont Bro Morgannwg sy’n cwmpasu etholaethau seneddol Bro Morgannwg a Phen-y-bont ar Ogwr. Ail ar restr ymgeisyddion Plaid Cymru mae Sarah Rees, Pennaeth Oxfam Cymru. Mae manylion llawn holl ymgeiswyr Plaid Cymru ledled y wlad i’w gweld yma.

It is New Year’s Eve 2025, and it is a cold early morning in Barry – not as cold as Cumbria the radio tells me, but still. I am tapping on my keyboard with my fingers peeking out from my jumper sleeves. I could put the heating on, but everyone else in the house is still in bed and the clunk of the boilerkicking in would likely wake them up and after all what are big jumpers for if not mornings like these.

I can see lots of the town I grew up in from my window as I type. The final sunrise of the year – bright, crisp, new, sets the tone for the last day of 2025 and what comes next in 2026. It is, yes, (yet) another new year – we have had them before, and we will have these timestamps of our lives again, but this one is, for Wales, and Welsh politics, significant.

In just over four months time Wales will be different. We will have a new Government running our public services. The politics of the devolution era has been dominated by Labour here in Wales. Despite this hold on power, for much of that time, responsibility for delivery has been the excuse-ridden buck passed performatively between Westminster and Cardiff.The only people losing out being the residents of Wales, who have had to endure an NHS forever on the brink, poorly-delivered public services and a Government unwilling or unable to effectively stand up for Welsh interests.

Twenty-six years of failure has been enough for the long-suffering electorate in Wales. The Welsh branch of Starmer’sLabour has their marching orders; orders to be officially issued in ballot boxes across Wales on May 7th. The Labour Party is not in the running for who leads Wales from May. Everyone knows it, including most in the Labour Party. The party is well and truly over.

And the Tories. The right of their Party has scrambled unedifyingly to ReformUK over the past year whilst the remaining rump are struggling for relevance. Even in former strongholds like Cowbridge, they come third behind Plaid and ReformUK. Some, like the ever-angry Andrew RT Davies,desperately try to out-nasty Farage, leaving those few remaining one-nation types wondering where their Party has gone. The Tories will be lucky to return enough for a five-a-side team come May – they will not matter in the post election reckoning – 14 years and more of failure at Westminster have rightfully ensured that.

Now it gets a little more concerning. Our super constituency is a target for ReformUK – highlighted internally (by them) as “Gold+”. They want three of the six seats here – the kind of tally that would put them close to the biggest party in Wales.A Party of anger and fear, funded by billionaires pretending to care about communities in Wales. We see their misinformation and lies and we stand strongly against them. Wales, as a political entity needs to work much better – we have credible plans to make that so, and we won’t, unlike Farage and his pals, punch down on the weakest in society to make better happen.

The only party who will stop them getting three seats in our patch is Plaid Cymru. The last poll (Wales Governance Centre/YouGov – Dec 17th 2025) suggested Plaid’s Sarah Reeswould get that sixth seat here but the Party in seventh place would be ReformUK. Some have warned of complacency setting in at Plaid Cymru – let me assure you we are focused entirely on making sure we defeat ReformUK here in Pen Y Bont Bro Morgannwg and play our positive part in building a better tomorrow.

May’s election could (and should, in my view) be decided by voters under 35. No ifs or buts, if their electoral muscles were to be exercised, it would be game over for Farage and hisnasty gang. In the latest polling, six times as many 18–24-year-olds support Plaid verses ReformUK and three times as many 25–34-year-olds (shame they didn’t poll 16–17-year-olds who can also vote in this election!). Labour and the Lib Dems performed even worse than ReformUK and as for the Tories the polling was frankly embarrassing. There is no better time than May to make sure young people’s voices are heard and their votes are counted. This is the election that matters. This is the election for young people in Wales to vote Plaid Cymru.

Penultimately, I have a sincere, but to the point, message for those considering voting Green or Lib Dem in this super-constituency. Simply put, your vote will not count positively – the only winners will be ReformUK. This is not the case everywhere across Wales. There are a few places which willreturn Senedd members from both these parties, I’m sure, but it will not be in the Vale and Bridgend. Neither party will get to the threshold required under the proportional system being used. We could argue the merits or otherwise of this system (Plaid has consistently supported Single Transferable Vote (STV) system), and we’d probably agree, but that will not change the system; we are beyond semantics and on the electoral battlefield – make your vote count; vote for Plaid Cymru.

Oftentimes, parties ask supporters of the relative weaker party to lend their votes to stop a much worse outcome. A tactical vote. Given the dangers posed by either a ReformUK Welsh Government or them winning the most seats in the Senedd but unable to form a government (because nobody else is willing to work with them), the worst outcomes are clear. But unlike most tactical votes, potential supporters of both parties who do vote Plaid can do so positively. Whilst Plaid Cymru doeshave policy differences with the Greens and Lib Dems, we also have significant areas upon which we agree. We will stand on a credible and deliverable manifesto that will make Wales fairer and more prosperous. You can vote Plaid Cymru with confidence AND still stop ReformUK in their tracks. We have seen this in Caerphilly and we can see the same here.

Together we can ensure 2026 and beyond is hopeful not hateful, where public services that we all rely on get properly funded, where the groundworks for a fairer, stronger economy are laid and where we have a Welsh Government that will always stand up for Wales and our interests from day one. Business as usual is not the option we are choosing and that iswhy we are asking YOU to join with us and play your part in this most crucial of elections. You could join us, donate to support our activities locally or simply tell us we will be getting your vote on May 7th. It will take a coalition of progressive support to win in just over four months and in Sarah and I you will be electing two members who will not let you down.

 

Mark Hooper is a Vale of Glamorgan Councillor for Plaid Cymru. He leads the Party’s list in the super constituency of Pen Y Bont Bro Morgannwg which covers the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend parliamentary constituencies.Sarah Rees, Head of Oxfam Cymru is Plaid’s second-placed candidate. Full details of all Plaid Cymru’s candidates across Wales can be found here.

I want to stand for the Senedd; so here goes…

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I issued the press release this morning (26th Feb 2025), which essentially says I’m seeking the nomination of the Pen-Y-Bont Bro Morgannwg super-constituency to lead the Plaid Cymru list for Senedd elections next May.

I’m really pleased to have received the endorsements of ALL the elected members in the constituency and want to thank them for the support and the trust they have put in me. The next step is to begin the conversation with members across the super-constituency so that they get to know more about me, and me about them. As I wrote back in 2016 on this blog

“Wales needs a different road map – we’ve slavishly followed the same plan as everyone else, and consistently failed to address the major issues that are relevant to us, here in Wales. Moreover, in lots of ways, using the plans of others has simply exacerbated some of our own problems – and yet political discourse in Wales is filled with managerialism and incrementalism. There are few radical alternatives being discussed, let alone put into action. For those who the current system benefits, I can understand a willingness to continue with the status quo – but for the vast swathes of Wales where it’s not working, this mustn’t be as good as it gets. The entire Welsh political agenda should be rebalanced to deliver better lives for all, not simply for an already well heeled minority. In simpler terms we need to beat inequality.”

“I clearly see the need for a radical, progressive Wales, and one where the deeds match the rhetoric.”

I’ve unique experience, shaped over 30 years working at the top of business, setting up projects myself (as diverse as a community radio station to a community bank) through to working in Government itself. I want to bring that experience to bear to address the big issues I’ve referred to above and that will only happen via a Plaid Cymru team in the Senedd that is leading the Government after May 26. My first step is this nomination process and I’m taking that step full of hope, energy and enthusiasm.

Ymlaen!

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MARK HOOPER YN LANSIO EI YMGYRCH I’R SENEDD

Heddiw, mae Cynghorydd Sir Plaid Cymru ym Mro Morgannwg, Mark Hooper, wedi cyhoeddi ei fwriad i geisio am brif enwebiad aelodau lleol Plaid Cymru ar gyfer uwchetholaeth Pen-y-Bont a Bro Morgannwg.

Mae’r Cynghorydd Hooper yn adnabyddus ar draws Plaid Cymru a’r mudiad annibyniaeth ehangach ac mae wedi canolbwyntio ei ymgyrch ar y cyfoeth o brofiad y byddai’n ei gynnig i’r rôl. Yn gyfrifydd wedi cymhwyso, mae gan Mark fanylion gyrfa cryf sy’n cwmpasu profiad lefel uwch mewn busnes FTSE; mae wedi sefydlu busnes o’r newydd a chwmni cydweithredol, datblygu partneriaeth gydag undeb llafur mawr ac yn ddiweddar bu’n gweithio yn y Llywodraeth fel Cynghorydd Arbennig fel rhan o Gytundeb Cydweithio Plaid Cymru.

Yn ei lyfr Independent Nation yn 2020, disgrifiwyd Mark (ochr yn ochr â’i gydweithiwr hir-dymor, Tegid Roberts) gan y newyddiadurwr Will Hayward fel:

‘… un a ystyrir i fod ymhlith y meddylwyr blaenllaw yn y mudiad annibyniaeth.‘

Ysgrifennodd Hayward ymhellach:

‘nid sôn am annibyniaeth yn unig mae’r ddau, maen nhw’n mynd ati i adeiladu’r sefydliadau i geisio cael Cymru i safle fel y gall sefyll ar ei phen ei hun’

Mae Hooper yn lansio ei ymgyrch ar ôl sicrhau cefnogaeth lawn holl aelodau etholedig etholaeth Bro Morgannwg ac mae ganddo gefnogaeth Cadeirydd etholaeth y blaid hefyd.

Ymhlith un o gefnogwyr mwyaf brwd Mark mae’r Cynghorydd Ian Johnson, Arweinydd Grŵp Plaid Cymru ar Gyngor Bro Morgannwg, ac ymgeisydd y Blaid yn Etholiad Cyffredinol yr haf diwethaf. Dywedodd: “Rwy’n ‘nabod Mark ers amser maith a dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf ac rwy’ wedi ei weld yn brwydro dros ei etholwyr ac yn gorfodi’r cyngor Llafur i fod yn yn atebol. Mae angen profiad Mark arnom ym Mae Caerdydd, ac mae angen ei syniadau arnom ar gyfer peri newid hefyd.”

Dywedodd y Cynghorydd Shirley Hodges, sy’n arwain y grŵp o naw ar Gyngor Tref y Barri: “Fe wnes i recriwtio Mark i Blaid Cymru ddegawd yn ôl oherwydd fe welais i ynddo yr ymbenderfyniad hwnnw yr oedd ei angen arnom yn y Blaid. Byddai’n dod â’r dur hwnnw at ein Senedd. Mark yw’r ymgeisydd y byddai’n well gan y pleidiau eraill nad oedd yno, ac mae hynny i mi yn dweud y cyfan.”

Geraint Evans, dyn busnes adnabyddus yn y Barri sydd wedi ymddeol ac sy’n nai i Aelod Seneddol cyntaf erioed y Blaid, Gwynfor Evans, yw cadeirydd Plaid Cymru dros etholaeth Bro Morgannwg. Mae’n credu bod gan Mark y profiad i fod yn Aelod Senedd eithriadol ac mae wedi rhoi ei gefnogaeth lawn iddo. Dywedodd Geraint: “Mae’n debyg mai’r etholiad hwn sydd ar ddod yw’r pwysicaf hyd yma yn yr oes ddatganoledig. Mae’n ddyletswydd arnom ni, fel aelodau’r Blaid, i ddewis yr ymgeiswyr gorau un i gynrychioli pobl Cymru, ac yn yr achos hwn dylai aelodau Plaid Cymru ym Mhen-y-bont ar Ogwr a’r Fro ddewis Mark – mae angen ei ddeallusrwydd, ei brofiad a’i farn yn y Siambr arnom. Does gen i ddim amheuaeth wrth annog aelodau i ddewis Mark i fod ar frig rhestr Plaid Cymru.”

Dywedodd Mark: “Rwy’n falch iawn i gyflwyno fy hun i fy nghyd-aelodau yn etholaethau Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr a’r Fro. Rwy’n sefyll dros y gymuned lle cefais fy magu a lle rwyf bellach wedi adeiladu fy mywyd teuluol. Rwyf wedi fy ngwreiddio yma ac rwyf am chwarae rhan weithgar wrth sicrhau bod Llywodraeth dan arweiniad y Blaid yn cyflawni gwelliannau diriaethol i fywydau’r bobl rwy’n byw ac yn gweithio ochr yn ochr â nhw.”

Mae Mark hefyd wedi cadarnhau cefnogaeth dros 20 o bobl o bob rhan o gymunedau gwleidyddol, academaidd a busnes ar draws Cymru sydd wedi cymeradwyo ei ymgyrch. Bydd yr ardystiadau hyn yn cael eu dadorchuddio wrth i’r ymgyrch fynd yn ei flaen.

Mae Tegid Roberts, sydd wedi gweithio gyda Mark ar sefydlu Banc Cymunedol i Gymru, Banc Cambria, yn un ohonyn nhw. Dywedodd: “Rwyf wedi adnabod a gweithio gyda Mark ers bron i 13 mlynedd. Mae ei ddewis fel prif ymgeisydd ar gyfer y Senedd, yn fy marn i, yn anghenreidiol – mae angen meddlywyr a gweithredwyr fel Mark ar Gymru. Gwyddwn hefyd y bydd Llywodraeth dan arweiniad Plaid Cymru yn dod o dan y microsgop gan y rhai sy’n benderfynol o’i thanseilio – mae angen gwleidyddion gyda’r dewrder i barhau i ganolbwyntio ar newid a pheidio â chael eu dargyfeirio gan y rhai nad ydynt yn poeni am Gymru – mae ffocws Mark yn ei wneud yn un o’r gwleidyddion hynny.”

Daeth Mark i’r casgliad: “Rwy’n edrych ymlaen at yr ymgyrch fewnol hon ar gyfer dethol ymgeiswyr, ond mae’r frwydr go iawn yn dechrau pan fydd y bleidlais hon yn cau a Phlaid Cymru yn nodi ein gweledigaeth fanwl am Gymru well. Rwyf am chwarae rhan weithgar yn y frwydr honno o syniadau ac felly rwy’n ceisio cefnogaeth aelodau i gael bod ar frig y rhestr ym Mhen-y-Bont a Bro Morgannwg.”

MARK HOOPER LAUNCHES SENEDD CAMPAIGN BID

Plaid Cymru Vale of Glamorgan County Councillor, Mark Hooper, has today announced his intention to seek the primary nomination of local Plaid Cymru members for the super constituency of Pen-Y-Bont Bro Morgannwg.

Councillor Hooper is well-known across Plaid Cymru and the wider independence movement and has focused his campaign on the wealth of experience he would bring to the role. A qualified accountant, Mark has a strong CV that encompasses senior level experience at a FTSE business; he’s founded a new-start business; set up a co-operative, developed a partnership with a large trade union and recently worked in Government as a Special Adviser as part of Plaid’s Co-operation Agreement.

In his 2020 book Independent Nation, journalist Will Hayward, described Mark (alongside his longtime collaborator, Tegid Roberts) as:

‘…considered to be among the leading thinkers in the independence movement.‘

Hayward further wrote:

‘the pair are not just talking about independence, they are actively building the institutions to try to get Wales into a position to stand on its own’

Hooper launches his campaign having secured the full backing of all the elected members of the Vale of Glamorgan constituency and has the Chair of the constituency party in his corner too.

Mark has received firm backing from Cllr Ian Johnson, Plaid’s Leader on the Vale of Glamorgan Council, and the party’s candidate in last summer’s General Election. In endorsing him he said: “I’ve known Mark for a long time and over the past few years I’ve witnessed him at close hand taking the local Labour-run administration to task and contributing on behalf of his constituents. We need Mark’s experience in Cardiff Bay, and we need his ideas for change too.”

Cllr Shirley Hodges, who leads the nine-strong Barry Town Council group said: “I recruited Mark into Plaid Cymru a decade ago because I saw the grit and determination we needed in the Party. As a Senedd Member he would bring that steel to bear in our Senedd. Mark is the candidate opposition parties would prefer wasn’t there, and that for me, says it all.”

Geraint Evans, the well-known Barry businessman and nephew of Plaid’s first ever MP, Gwynfor Evans, is the Party’s local constituency chair. He believes Mark has the experience to make an exceptional Senedd Member and has thrown his full support behind him. Geraint said: “This upcoming election is probably the most important in the devolved era. It is incumbent on us, as Party members, to select the very best candidates to represent the people of Wales, and in this case Plaid members in Bridgend and the Vale should choose Mark – we need his intellect, experience and judgement in the Siambr. I have no hesitation in recommending members select Mark to top the Plaid Cymru list.”

Mark said: “I’m very proud to be putting myself forward to members across the Bridgend and Vale constituencies. I’m standing for the community in which I grew up and where I have now built my family life. I am rooted here and want to play an active part in ensuring a Plaid-led Government delivers tangible improvements to the everyday lives of the people I live and work alongside.”

Mark has also confirmed the backing of over 20 people from across the Welsh political, academic and business communities who have endorsed his campaign. These endorsements will be unveiled as the campaign evolves. Tegid Roberts, who has worked with Mark on the establishment of a Community Bank for Wales, Banc Cambria, is one of them. He said: “I’ve known and worked with Mark for almost 13 years. Selecting him as lead candidate for the Senedd is, in my view, a necessity – Wales needs thinkers and doers like Mark. We also know that a Plaid-led Government will come under the microscope from those determined to undermine it – we need politicians with the bravery to stay focused on change and not get buffeted by those who don’t care about Wales – Mark is one of those politicians.”

Mark concluded: “I’m looking forward to this internal campaign for selection, but the real battle starts when this poll closes and Plaid sets out our vision, in detail, for a better Wales. I want to play an active part in that battle of ideas and am therefore seeking members’ support to top the list in Bridgend and The Vale of Glamporgan.”

Yes Cymru – Central Committee

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Last year I stood for election to the Central Committee of Yes Cymru, this year I’ve decided not to – here’s why

Remember those pre-pandemic days. Just. In early 2020 I stood and was successful in the election to Yes Cymru’s Central Committee. In what will undoubtedly be recognised as a hugely consequential year for the movement, it was important to begin the process of preparing the organisation for important challenges ahead. A paid-up membership approaching 20,000 is a seriously powerful political machine, and this power comes with consequences and responsibility.

The Committee have met only once in real life over the course of this extraordinary year, but very often virtually over zoom. I have tried to make all the meetings, but have sometimes found myself with fewer hours in the day than I need. As some may know, I’m heavily involved in getting Banc Cambria off the ground, and this has been intense work; work that will not let up over the next year or two.

I have therefore decided I’m not going to be accepting the nomination to go forward for election again this year. Thanks to whoever nominated me, but I want to focus my efforts on getting Banc launched – an institutional brick in our self-reliant wall.

I want to make it clear, I am wholly supportive of the movement, and the organisation – it has grown massively over the past year, and it has changed significantly. The change hasn’t been without challenge or learning. But that challenge and learning should be celebrated and not feared. In fact, the movement should encourage even more – that is the place where the winning line is – that is the place where we can have a better Wales for everyone.

We need a movement that reflects the sort of Wales we want to see. A Wales that is positively welcoming to all and one where contributions are actively sought from those whose voice has too often been marginalised by those of us with privilege.

I will therefore use my votes to support the candidates for the new Central Committee who will continue the work done over the past year, but importantly, back those who propose to go further and faster. I will be looking at the candidate profiles carefully, for both the portfolio and non-portfolio positions, and choose only those who seek to ensure widening participation and supporting the voices of everyone. I am looking for positive statements on inclusion, not simplistic soundbites.

#AnnibyniaethIBawb has to be more than a slogan – I look forward to voting for those who will ensure Yes Cymru is the force of positive change that takes us towards an independent Wales that makes a lasting difference to everyone.

I’m voting for Leanne Wood. Here’s why you should too…

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I’d intended on simply voting quietly and privately in this leadership election. I’d told my friends how I intended to vote, and why. But I didn’t envisage sharing my thoughts more widely.

But as the ballot papers drop tomorrow, what’s become clear is that we’ve not really been addressing the real issues. The vacuum has been filled, for sure. Filled with the soundbites politics we’ve all become used to; pushing personality over beliefs; concepts (some of which are good) touted as policies; triangulating messages; managerialism etc. The type of PRollocks-ridden politics that has led more and more people away from trusting politicians.

The thing is, this is the easy way. This is how politics is done. Done by professional politicians to a population who are fast giving up on politics as an answer to their problems. The result of politics like this is a fast-track to the far right. Why? Because unless we do something to change outcomes for those living precarious lives, or those whose lives have dropped into real poverty, they will end up choosing the strongmen who use politics to blame others. Others are so easy to find aren’t they? Remember which politician has consistently stood up for those ‘others’. Yup, Leanne.

Meanwhile, in the real world of everyday Wales, we have multiple crises at play. We are fast approaching 40% child poverty; we pay millions to sports car manufacturers owned by the richest people in the world to make cars nobody in Wales will ever afford; and we pay public funds into the coffers on the super-rich on the promise of economic growth. And we also have the very real impact of Brexit on our doorstep. Brexit was, in my opinion, a massive two-fingers to a system that’s failed too many.

We can spend (& waste) energy blaming Westminster, Welsh Labour, Nigel Farage, the EU…., all of the above. We can even spend our energy trying to reverse the decision. In, and of, themselves important. But until we address the reasons why, we’re simply storing up these concerns for the next opportunity, to stick it to ‘the man’. Brexit doesn’t just need fighting; it needs addressing.

Economy – Over the past decade (unlike all the candidates, and most of their advisors) I’ve worked across communities in Wales, supporting lots of different people with their own small and micro businesses. In that time, I’ve learnt a lot. I’ve learnt that this group really matter in Wales. They matter in communities up and down the Country. They don’t just provide financial wealth; they provide social wealth too. I’ve learnt that many of these business owners have been waiting on the promise of politicians since devolution, and all they’ve seen is a failure to deliver, apart from for a select few. They’re fed up seeing promises of the next economic nirvana resulting in nothing.

I’m clear on a number of issues. Firstly, the concept of trickle-down economics is a fallacy, which blows the idea of a big transformative project out of the water. When the state uses scarce resources to fund say, a call centre whose owners are based in India, the profits that operation make don’t stay in Cardiff; they jump over the Severn Bridge, get on a plane at Heathrow and head to Mumbai. Trickle-down is actually a cover for more extractivism that Wales has been subjected to for centuries. Only now it’s not coal and steel, it’s financial returns (oh, and water!).

Secondly, we need to start to address a world with much less work. Until politicians begin thinking properly about the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on the world of work, we will forever be stuck in a rut of economic dependency. Hardly addressed by any of the candidates.

Finally, and most importantly, the economy must mean something. Even if all the grandest of ideas come off, if we don’t solve the pressing social issues of our time, inequality, poverty and climate change, what is the point? It’s important for the societal construct to come before the financial. It does with Leanne.

Leadership – There have been some very personal criticisms of Leanne’s leadership style over the course of this campaign. Whether they’ve been orchestrated or not, isn’t important. What is important is creating some balance within all this negativity. Plaid’s leadership, especially at the Assembly seemed to me to have been a joint endeavour, especially amongst the three standing for Leader. The manifestos were joint endeavours, and if they failed to set the world alight, I’d suggest that failure should be collectively owned.

Outside of the politically active bubble, Leanne consistently polls well, and above the competition (internal and external). In my personal experience she has a unrivalled ability to get a message across to the general public. She is liked. In the shrill world of cut’n’thrust, bloke-centric, politics, being liked is too often overlooked as a strong political characteristic. Just think about it; do you give more time to those you like, or those you don’t? The electorate are the same. If the message didn’t quite work, perhaps it isn’t the messenger who should get all the blame?

Independence – As some will know, I’m a newcomer to the cause of Welsh independence. I’ve said before, I’m one of the increasing number who struggle to see an answer to Wales’ problems via the status quo. In fact, I do think the status quo is damaging to Wales (for the record, I think the same is true of much of England, Scotland and the north of Ireland). I think those who share my concerns over ways we’re likely to address the issues of inequality and poverty, are also persuadable to the cause of Welsh independence. They’re less enamoured by the (valid though they are) cultural arguments. The civic and cultural arguments for independence need to be brought together.

But one thing concerns me, and it relates to our own personal dependence. If Wales is to truly be independent, it needs to be able to remove its dependence on single transformational events, messianic individuals, and especially the tired old ideas from outside. Our answers lie within. Within our towns and villages, our communities and our individuals. It’s always easiest to fall back on traditional economic thinking; mimicking the global, unequal world of market efficiency and financialisation. The problem with this – it just doesn’t work, and it won’t work for Wales.

If anything, repeating more of the same old mistakes will likely push people away from the independence movement, in the same way Brexit prevailed. If we want to build a better Wales, it needs to be less about owning the next iPhone, however beguiling, and more about reducing inequality and ending poverty. That won’t be solved by markets, growth & trickle-down redistribution. It will be solved by being radical. Upholding and supporting social capital, and especially when there is a direct choice between that and financial capital. Only one of the contenders gets that; Leanne.

Alliances & Electoral Success – My concerns about the situation Wales is in helps me to be a pragmatist. Why? Because, I think we’re in deep trouble. I don’t agree with any of the candidates that we need a Plaid Government to deliver independence. We firstly need to understand how damaging the current political system is to Wales’ communities. We then need to lead a consensus of those who want to change that system – the only way to do this is with ALL the levers of power in our hands. That can’t be anything other than independence. If members of other parties buy into this vision of a different economic system in Wales, then that is sufficient for me to want to work with them.

This also brings me to the issue of electoral success. Some are expecting a change of leader to radically change the Party’s electoral fortunes. I think that is pie-in-the-sky thinking. If Plaid is serious about electoral success in the medium term, it must become a radical force; it must deliver on ‘The Change Wales Needs’; Leanne’s pamphlet.

Voting for Leanne – So I’m voting for Leanne as my first and only choice. I won’t be using my second vote. Does this mean I’m failing to participate fully in this democratic process? I’d argue not.

Rhun has yet to set out anything of substance, policy-wise. He’s talked about being a great communicator, but I wanted to know more about his politics, and that really hasn’t got out. The race is almost run, and I think he’s left it too late.

I’ve spoken with Adam during the campaign about some of his ideas. He has said he’s not prepared to give up on the big transformative projects, and his focus is clearly on ‘the economy’. This is standard fare for mainstream politicians – after all, wasn’t it Bill Clinton who famously said ‘It’s the economy, stupid!’, and you can’t get more mainstream than Bill, can you? But the economy is a social construct. The economy as it currently operates is there to make rich people richer – it creates inequality. It also destroys our ecology.

I want our economy to do more. I want it to be set to give prominence to ensuring no child starts their days in poverty in one of the richest economies in the world. That’s the language I wanted to hear, and I’ve not heard it from him.

That doesn’t mean I don’t respect both Rhun and Adam for standing. Nor does it mean, that the policy debates that they’ve raised (or plan to) aren’t worthy of serious debate. Nor does it mean, I disagree with all they’re saying. Far from it, and given we’re all members of the same party, I’d be shocked if I did disagree entirely.

However, on the substantive questions of diagnosing Wales’ current position and setting a clear political vision, there are differences, and they are significant.

An economy that is full of publicly supported companies like Aston Martin, Airbus, Ford and all the others, but fails to address inequality and poverty, isn’t an economy; it’s a con. An economy that funds billionaires over those on the edge of precarity, isn’t an economy; it’s a con. An economy that provides tax cuts to rival the lowest around to attract the entrepreneurial class and global corporations who have no foundation, isn’t an economy; it’s a con. And finally, an economy that ends up looking anything like the unequal U.K., with an overheating core and a dependent hinterland, isn’t an economy; it’s a massive con.

I didn’t want to write this blog, but I felt I needed to. If, like me, you have a vote in this leadership election, and if like me you are committed to Wales being a fairer, more inclusive country; a country where no child starts their life (and undoubtedly ends it too) in poverty, then the only way to vote is with Leanne Wood.

No politician is perfect. They’re just like the rest of us. To expect otherwise is plain daft. And to suggest otherwise, of others, is equally daft. But what I’m sure of, the desperate straits we find ourselves in doesn’t call for a mainstream leader. We need someone who’ll fight to realign our economy to better suit everyone; not try to make a bad system grow.

At the end of the day, I believe the system isn’t working for Wales, and we must change things, now. Don’t expect radical, socialist policies from anyone other than Leanne, because it just isn’t going to happen. They’ve told you they’re going the way of markets and capital. It’s crystal clear.

If you want radical, vote for the only radical on the ticket. Leanne Wood.

NB – I’ve written this in a personal capacity. I’ve not sought Leanne’s permission, or approval. She hasn’t sought to approve or censure my blog, and had she asked, I wouldn’t have obliged. The first time Leanne reads this, will be the first time you could’ve read it.