Plaid Cymru confirm conference postponement over Covid peak fears

Plaid Cymru have confirmed that the party has cancelled its conference in the autumn due to fears Covid-19 could peak at the time.

The conference was due to take place in Aberystwyth on October 15-16.

Welsh Labour has already cancelled its autumn conference because it expects a “peak in cases” of coronavirus in November, and it wants to take “practical action to limit the spread”.

Plaid Cymru Steering Committee’s made the recommendation to cancel the conference the party’s ruling body, the National Executive Committee, on Friday.

“Plaid Cymru’s National Executive Committee met last night to discuss a recommendation from the party’s Steering Committee that our 2021 Annual Conference should be postponed,” Alun Ffred Jones, Chair of Plaid Cymru, said.

“Following careful consideration, the NEC agreed with the recommendation and regrettably Conference will not be taking place as planned in Aberystwyth on October 15-16^th.

“I know members will share our disappointment that we will not be meeting in person to discuss ideas and build towards the local elections next year. As a party we will always put the safety of our members, stakeholders, and communities first.

“The number of Covid cases remains high and current projections are that pressures on our hospitals will peak around the date of Conference. It is vital that we play our part in keeping everyone safe.

“It is however important that we do come together at the earliest possible opportunity. The party will discuss options for hosting a virtual Annual Conference in the near future that will allow us to conduct the essential business of forming policy and electing representatives to the National Executive Committee.”