Cllr Donna O’Brien Confirmed as Plaid Cymru’s Sixth Candidate for Gwynedd Maldwyn
Plaid Cymru has confirmed that Donna O’Brien, a Ruabon Community Councillor, will be the sixth candidate on the party’s list for the new Gwynedd Maldwyn constituency in the 2026 Senedd election.
Cllr O’Brien has established a strong record of delivery in her community. She has been at the forefront of local campaigns, including pressing for the closure of Hafod landfill after rising complaints about the stench from the Wrexham site, and convening a public meeting to demand the reopening of the Multi-Use Games Area in her ward.
Speaking following the announcement, Cllr Donna O’Brien said:
“I’m proud to share that I have joined Plaid Cymru’s superb list of candidates for the new Gwynedd Maldwyn constituency in next year’s Senedd election.
“This is a huge and diverse area – from the mountains of Eryri, to the Glyndŵr area of Wrexham and the border towns of Powys – and I’m ready to stand up for our communities.
“I was born and raised in the area and have deep roots in the community I’m proud to call home. I own a local business and understand first-hand the challenges and opportunities facing residents and small businesses in our area.
“Alongside this, I serve as a Community Councillor, working hard to represent local voices, protect services, and support projects that benefit our town.
“As an active member of Plaid Cymru, I’m also passionate about promoting our Welsh culture and language, and ensuring that the Glyndŵr area has a strong voice both locally and nationally.”
The Gwynedd Maldwyn constituency – the largest in Wales – stretches from Pen Llŷn on the west coast to Dyfi and Machynlleth, across mid Wales to Newtown and Welshpool, and as far east as Corwen and Rhosllannerchrugog near Wrexham. Formed by combining the Westminster constituencies of Dwyfor Meirionnydd and Maldwyn a Glyndŵr, it will play a pivotal role in the 2026 Senedd election.
Leading the Plaid Cymru candidate list for Gwynedd Maldwyn are two experienced current Members of the Senedd – Siân Gwenllian and Mabon ap Gwynfor. They are followed by Cllr Beca Brown, Cllr Elwyn Vaughan, and Cllr Elin Hywel, with Donna O’Brien now completing the strong team of six.
From next year, the Senedd will increase from 60 Members to 96, with larger multi-member constituencies created by pairing Wales’ 32 Westminster seats into 16 “super constituencies.”
Siân Gwenllian MS, Plaid Cymru’s lead candidate for Gwynedd Maldwyn, welcomed Donna to the team:
“I’m delighted to be welcoming Donna to Plaid Cymru’s strong team of candidates for Gwynedd Maldwyn 2026.
“Plaid Cymru has assembled a powerful geographical spread of representatives – from Arfon, Pen Llŷn, Meirionnydd, Montgomeryshire, and the post-industrial communities to the south of Wrexham.
“Each of us brings unique strengths and experiences, and together we will ensure that this vast and diverse constituency has a strong Plaid Cymru voice in the next Senedd.”
Cllr Donna O’Brien concluded:
“On 7 May 2026, I urge everyone to vote for Plaid Cymru – to secure a stronger voice for Gwynedd Maldwyn, and for the future of our communities and our country.”