Imagine four years ago, waking up to the news that Plaid Cymru had gained a Council seat in the South of our Capital. Difficult to envisage? That's because until yesterday, it had never happened. Welsh Labour losing a seat in a so-called 'heartland' is still to many, completely unheard of. But we only have to look to the Rhondda, to Blaengwrach, to Grangetown, to see, that tides are changing, and the 'Clear Green Water' of Plaid Cymru, is rising.
Plaid's fellow Cardiff Cllr in Fairwater, Neil McEvoy described Tariq Awan's emphatic result as a 'historic win', asserting that 'there are no safe Labour seats left in Cardiff'. Elin Roberts, Plaid's candidate in Grangetown for the May election also stated how 'change is coming to our Capital'. Four years ago, we might have laughed, just as some may have when Neil McEvoy suggested Plaid's vote in Cardiff West would double in May 2016. Some may have laughed when Plaid's targets of taking over Cardiff Council in May 2017 were first mentioned. Between now and May, we could be seeing some very anxious laughs.
Throughout the build-up to the election, Tariq Awan has demonstrated the importance of being a well-known, local face in the Community, an aspect that has been neglected by many 'local' Labour Councillors in recent years. He has displayed how crucial it is to listen to the concerns of the people, to offer something different, something which he, and Cardiff Plaid campaigners did tirelessly.
After his victory, the newly elected Councillor and lifelong Grangetown resident opened a Surgery at 11 o'clock. It's just the start of Tariq's pledges to clean up Grangetown in every sense.
There has been a wave of support and enthusiasm towards Plaid Cymru in the past year. Leanne Wood gained the Rhondda. We saw swings in Blaenau Gwent, Cardiff West. Carolyn Edwards was locally elected in Blaengrwach, Neath Port Talbot. Plaid held an inspiring Conference in Llangollen, ruling out coalition with the Labour Party...and now, Plaid Cymru and the countless numbers of Cardiff Plaid activists are celebrating the first gain outside of the West of our Capital.
So, what has all of this taught us? Quite simply - you don't win votes, you earn them. If we've learnt anything from Welsh Labour over the past 17 years, it's that you shouldn't neglect your supporters. Those supporters will grow dissatisfied and seek other alternatives.
The Welsh political landscape is ready for change, but change does not come from solely planting the seed. The seed has certainly been planted, but it is fundamental that all members and supporters allow that seed to grow.
Never underestimate the power of a conversation.
If you disassociate yourself with the opinion of the people and become arrogant with your position, you will lose track of what is needed. Plaid must ensure that this does not happen, and continue to listen to the concerns of those in our communities. Why is Tariq focussing on cleaning up Grangetown? Why have there been consultations about the LDP in our Capital? Why have there been campaigns against needle use in Butetown? Because these are concerns of the people - the people have spoken, and Plaid Cymru have listened and taken action.
The victory in the Rhondda, in Blaengwrach and in Grangetown were no coincidence. The swings across Wales from Labour to Plaid Cymru - not a coincidence. They were the result of commitment from members, from conversations door to door, from local campaigns, delivering leaflets and interacting with the community.
So what do we take from last nights victory? We must remember to never underestimate the power of one conversation, one door knock, one leaflet delivery and one telephone conversation.
The precedent has been set and the momentum is with us.We all have a role to play. Whether that be encouraging people to join the Party, or encourage people to not vote on habit and vote for 'the same old and no change'. Change is possible by the power of the people.
Plaid Cymru can be the answer to local change - it is our job to spread that message.
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Ymlaen - Forward Stronger - May 17.
