As Wales enters a new political chapter following the Senedd elections of 7 May, there is a growing sense that incremental change is no longer enough, writes the team from Co-op Wales. https://www.thenews.coop/comment-a-new-era-for-wales/
Communities are tired of seeing wealth leave local areas, public services diminished, and everyday decisions made far away from the people affected. People voted for Plaid Cymru because they wanted change, just as a minority voted for the false promises of Reform UK Ltd.
The question facing the new Plaid government is not simply how to grow the economy, it’s what type of economy, and who it’s for. There is a compelling argument that Wales now could take a different path; one rooted not in extraction and centralisation, but in democracy, community ownership and shared prosperity.
About David Smith
A lifelong co-operative activist at all levels of the movement, including the Co-op Group Main Board. Public service includes Government Food Adviser; UK Healthcare Regulator.
David founded the first Community Law Centre in Wales and directed the first EC funded Wales Anti-Poverty Programme: pioneering co-operative & place making community initiatives: including local Co-op Development Agencies, Care & Repair, and multipurpose Social Care Co-operatives.
Founded Cardiff Student Community Action, Welsh Food Alliance & Wales Progressive Co-operators. Robert Owen Memorial Museum Trustee. Director, Sheffield Co-op Development Group. Former Lecturer, Gwent Tertiary College.
Graduate Ruskin College, Oxford and UC Cardiff + PGCE, MA (European Human Resource Management) Keele; Professional Food & Management qualifications.
