Propel (political party): Difference between revisions
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* [[Welsh nationalism]] |
* [[Welsh nationalism]] |
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* [[Welsh independence]] |
* [[Welsh independence]] |
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* [[Localism (politics)|Localism]] |
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* [[Souverainism|Sovereignism]] |
* [[Souverainism|Sovereignism]] |
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* [[Anti-nuclear movement|Anti-nuclear]] |
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| headquarters = 321 Cowbridge Road East<br />Canton<br />Cardiff<br />CF5 1JD |
| headquarters = 321 Cowbridge Road East<br />Canton<br />Cardiff<br />CF5 1JD |
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| international = |
| international = |
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| seats3 = {{Composition bar|0|60|hex=#0b8e36}} |
| seats3 = {{Composition bar|0|60|hex=#0b8e36}} |
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| seats4_title = [[Local government in Wales]] |
| seats4_title = [[Local government in Wales]] |
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| seats4 = {{Composition bar| |
| seats4 = {{Composition bar|1|1254|hex=#0b8e36}} |
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| colours = {{Nowrap|{{colour box|#00c95e}} Green, {{colour box|#FFFFFF}} white, and {{colour box|#FF0000}} red}} |
| colours = {{Nowrap|{{colour box|#00c95e}} Green, {{colour box|#FFFFFF}} white, and {{colour box|#FF0000}} red}} |
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| slogan = ''Not politics as usual'' |
| slogan = ''Not politics as usual'' |
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| country2 = Wales |
| country2 = Wales |
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| website = {{URL|https://www.propel.wales}} |
| website = {{URL|https://www.propel.wales}}<br/>{{url|https://www.propel.cymru/home|www.propel.cymru}} |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Welsh nationalism|sidebar=yes}} |
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⚫ | '''Propel''' (formerly the '''Welsh National Party''' and later '''Welsh Nation Party''') is a [[souverainism|sovereignist]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Neil McEvoy's new Welsh Nation Party sets its sights on disengaged voters|url=https://nation.cymru/news/neil-mcevoys-new-welsh-national-party-sets-its-sights-on-disengaged-voters/|date=12 February 2020|website=nation.cymru}}</ref> and [[Welsh nationalism|Welsh nationalist]] political party in [[Wales]] which advocates [[Welsh independence]] from the [[United Kingdom]]. The party was formed in early 2020 by its current leader [[Neil McEvoy]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Expelled Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Neil McEvoy registers new 'Welsh National Party'|url=https://nation.cymru/news/expelled-plaid-cymru-assembly-member-neil-mcevoy-registers-new-welsh-national-party/|date=7 February 2020|website=nation. |
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⚫ | '''Propel''' (formerly the '''Welsh National Party''' and later '''Welsh Nation Party''') is a [[souverainism|sovereignist]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Neil McEvoy's new Welsh Nation Party sets its sights on disengaged voters|url=https://nation.cymru/news/neil-mcevoys-new-welsh-national-party-sets-its-sights-on-disengaged-voters/|date=12 February 2020|website=nation.cymru}}</ref> and [[Welsh nationalism|Welsh nationalist]] political party in [[Wales]] which advocates [[Welsh independence]] from the [[United Kingdom]]. The party was formed in early 2020 by its current leader [[Neil McEvoy]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Expelled Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Neil McEvoy registers new 'Welsh National Party'|url=https://nation.cymru/news/expelled-plaid-cymru-assembly-member-neil-mcevoy-registers-new-welsh-national-party/|date=7 February 2020|website=nation.cymru}}</ref> Propel currently has one county councillor in Wales. |
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⚫ | The [[ |
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== History == |
== History == |
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In 2018, Neil McEvoy started a [[advocacy group|pressure group]] called 'Propel Wales' and officially launched the group at a meeting in the [[Coal Exchange|Cardiff Coal Exchange]] on 21 May 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New Neil McEvoy movement hopes to 'Propel' Plaid Cymru towards election win|url=https://nation.cymru/news/audio-new-neil-mcevoy-movement-hopes-to-propel-plaid-cymru-towards-election-win/|date=22 May 2018|website=nation.cymru}}</ref> McEvoy, sitting as an [[Independent politician|Independent]] [[Member of the Senedd|AM]] at the time due to his |
In 2018, Neil McEvoy started a [[advocacy group|pressure group]] called 'Propel Wales' and officially launched the group at a meeting in the [[Coal Exchange|Cardiff Coal Exchange]] on 21 May 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New Neil McEvoy movement hopes to 'Propel' Plaid Cymru towards election win|url=https://nation.cymru/news/audio-new-neil-mcevoy-movement-hopes-to-propel-plaid-cymru-towards-election-win/|date=22 May 2018|website=nation.cymru}}</ref> McEvoy, sitting as an [[Independent politician|Independent]] [[Member of the Senedd|AM]] at the time due to his expulsion from Plaid Cymru in March 2018,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Neil McEvoy expelled by Plaid Cymru for 18 months|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-43457417|date=19 March 2018|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> stated that while Propel Wales was 'within Plaid Cymru', it sought to reach out to those outside of Plaid Cymru and to people who were disengaged with [[Politics of Wales|Welsh politics]] altogether.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sharp End May 21st|url=https://www.itv.com/walesprogrammes/articles/sharp-end-may-21st|date=22 May 2018|publisher=ITV News}}</ref> |
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On 10 July 2019, McEvoy withdrew his application to re-join Plaid Cymru, citing an "absence of natural justice" and "due process" as the reason behind his decision. By late 2019, Propel Wales had changed their description from 'members and supporters of Plaid Cymru' to 'without ties to any political party'.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Propel Wales Homepage (2018)|url=https://www.propel.wales/|date=27 October 2018|website=propel.wales|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127163655/https://www.propel.wales/|archive-date=27 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Propel Wales Homepage (2019)|url=https://www.propel.wales/|date=19 December 2019|website=propel.wales|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219195940/https://www.propel.wales/|archive-date=19 December 2019}}</ref> |
On 10 July 2019, McEvoy withdrew his application to re-join Plaid Cymru, citing an "absence of natural justice" and "due process" as the reason behind his decision. By late 2019, Propel Wales had changed their description from 'members and supporters of Plaid Cymru' to 'without ties to any political party'.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Propel Wales Homepage (2018)|url=https://www.propel.wales/|date=27 October 2018|website=propel.wales|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127163655/https://www.propel.wales/|archive-date=27 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Propel Wales Homepage (2019)|url=https://www.propel.wales/|date=19 December 2019|website=propel.wales|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219195940/https://www.propel.wales/|archive-date=19 December 2019}}</ref> |
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On 23 October 2019, [[Cardiff Council]]'s three remaining Plaid Cymru [[councillor]]s resigned the party's whip, accusing the party of becoming "too close to Labour."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Plaid Cymru Cardiff councillors resign party whip|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-50160402|date=23 October 2019|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> McEvoy also sat as a Plaid Cymru councillor for the [[Fairwater (Cardiff electoral ward)|Fairwater]] ward prior to his expulsion from that party. |
On 23 October 2019, [[Cardiff Council]]'s three remaining Plaid Cymru [[councillor]]s resigned the party's whip, accusing the party of becoming "too close to Labour."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Plaid Cymru Cardiff councillors resign party whip|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-50160402|date=23 October 2019|publisher=BBC News |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104174852/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-50160402 |archive-date= 4 January 2023 }}</ref> McEvoy also sat as a Plaid Cymru councillor for the [[Fairwater (Cardiff electoral ward)|Fairwater]] ward prior to his expulsion from that party. |
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The Welsh National Party was registered with the [[Electoral Commission (United Kingdom)|Electoral Commission]] on 15 January 2020.<ref name=":0" /> On 7 February, McEvoy confirmed to [[Nation.Cymru]] that the party had been registered and said that "exciting news will follow in the near future."<ref name=":0" /> In an interview with [[ITV Cymru Wales|ITV Wales']] political editor, [[Adrian Masters]], McEvoy said that the party aimed to "offer an alternative to Labour and Plaid Cymru" and "shake up the status quo."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Independent AM Neil McEvoy to launch new Welsh National Party|url=https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2020-02-10/neil-mcevoy-welsh-national-party/|last=Masters|first=Adrian|date=10 February 2020|publisher=ITV}}</ref> He described the party as being 'sovereignist', which he says is about 'more than just national independence'.<ref name=":1" /> He stated that the party would field candidates in the [[2021 Senedd election]] and confirmed that he would challenge the [[First Minister of Wales|First Minister]], [[Mark Drakeford]], in his [[Cardiff West (Senedd constituency)|Cardiff West]] constituency.<ref name=":1" /> McEvoy came a close second in Cardiff West at the [[2016 National Assembly for Wales election|2016 National Assembly election]] as a Plaid Cymru candidate, reducing Drakeford's majority from 21.3% in [[2011 National Assembly for Wales election|2011]] to 3.7%. |
The Welsh National Party was registered with the [[Electoral Commission (United Kingdom)|Electoral Commission]] on 15 January 2020.<ref name=":0" /> On 7 February, McEvoy confirmed to [[Nation.Cymru]] that the party had been registered and said that "exciting news will follow in the near future."<ref name=":0" /> In an interview with [[ITV Cymru Wales|ITV Wales']] political editor, [[Adrian Masters]], McEvoy said that the party aimed to "offer an alternative to Labour and Plaid Cymru" and "shake up the status quo."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Independent AM Neil McEvoy to launch new Welsh National Party|url=https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2020-02-10/neil-mcevoy-welsh-national-party/|last=Masters|first=Adrian|date=10 February 2020|publisher=ITV |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818035911/https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2020-02-10/neil-mcevoy-welsh-national-party |archive-date= 18 August 2023 }}</ref> He described the party as being 'sovereignist', which he says is about 'more than just national independence'.<ref name=":1" /> He stated that the party would field candidates in the [[2021 Senedd election]] and confirmed that he would challenge the [[First Minister of Wales|First Minister]], [[Mark Drakeford]], in his [[Cardiff West (Senedd constituency)|Cardiff West]] constituency.<ref name=":1" /> McEvoy came a close second in Cardiff West at the [[2016 National Assembly for Wales election|2016 National Assembly election]] as a Plaid Cymru candidate, reducing Drakeford's majority from 21.3% in [[2011 National Assembly for Wales election|2011]] to 3.7%. |
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In February 2020, the WNP gained its first [[Local government in Wales|local government]] representation when McEvoy and his three former Plaid Cymru colleagues on Cardiff Council announced that they would form a Welsh National Party group.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Neil McEvoy's Welsh National Party forms first council group|url=https://nation.cymru/news/neil-mcevoys-welsh-national-party-forms-first-council-group/|date=24 February 2020|website=nation.cymru}}</ref> Cllr Keith Parry was chosen to lead the group, stating that the group would focus on promoting "individual, community and national sovereignty for Wales" as well as "putting forward positive proposals for sorting the housing crisis, tackling corruption and ending severe poverty in our city."<ref name=":2" /> On 30 March 2020, Cllr Martyn Peters, councillor for the [[Dyffryn Clydach|Dyffryn]] ward on [[Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council|Neath Port Talbot Council]], left Plaid Cymru and joined the Welsh National Party, stating that he believed that "this nation needs fresh new thinking to take it forward."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Neath Port Talbot Councillor Joins the WNP|url=https://www.wnp.wales/neath_port_talbot_councillor_joins_the_wnp| |
In February 2020, the WNP gained its first [[Local government in Wales|local government]] representation when McEvoy and his three former Plaid Cymru colleagues on Cardiff Council announced that they would form a Welsh National Party group.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Neil McEvoy's Welsh National Party forms first council group|url=https://nation.cymru/news/neil-mcevoys-welsh-national-party-forms-first-council-group/|date=24 February 2020|website=nation.cymru |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230607164049/https://nation.cymru/news/neil-mcevoys-welsh-national-party-forms-first-council-group/ |archive-date= 7 June 2023 }}</ref> Cllr Keith Parry was chosen to lead the group, stating that the group would focus on promoting "individual, community and national sovereignty for Wales" as well as "putting forward positive proposals for sorting the housing crisis, tackling corruption and ending severe poverty in our city."<ref name=":2" /> On 30 March 2020, Cllr Martyn Peters, councillor for the [[Dyffryn Clydach|Dyffryn]] ward on [[Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council|Neath Port Talbot Council]], left Plaid Cymru and joined the Welsh National Party, stating that he believed that "this nation needs fresh new thinking to take it forward."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Neath Port Talbot Councillor Joins the WNP|url=https://www.wnp.wales/neath_port_talbot_councillor_joins_the_wnp |website=WNP |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118203541/https://www.wnp.wales/neath_port_talbot_councillor_joins_the_wnp |archive-date= 18 January 2021}}</ref> On 30 April 2020, the WNP gained its first councillor in North Wales after Cllr Dylan Bullard, an Independent councillor for the [[Pwllheli|Pwllheli North]] ward on [[Gwynedd Council]], announced that he was joining the party.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Gwynedd Councillor Dylan Bullard Joins the WNP|url=https://www.wnp.wales/gwynedd_councillor_joins_the_wnp |date=30 April 2020|website=WNP |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028210803/https://www.wnp.wales/gwynedd_councillor_joins_the_wnp |archive-date=28 October 2020 }}</ref> McEvoy welcomed the news of Bullard's defection, saying that "with the addition of Dylan to our team we are demonstrating that the WNP truly is a national party for Wales."<ref name=":3" /> On 13 May 2020, Cllr Peter Read, councillor for the [[Abererch]] ward, left Plaid Cymru and joined Bullard to sit as the WNP's second councillor on Gwynedd Council.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Second Gwynedd Councillor joins Neil McEvoy's new party|url=https://nation.cymru/news/second-gwynedd-councillor-joins-neil-mcevoys-new-party/|date=13 May 2020|website=nation.cymru |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818040009/https://nation.cymru/news/second-gwynedd-councillor-joins-neil-mcevoys-new-party/ |archive-date= 18 August 2023 }}</ref> Both councillors cited opposition to elements of Gwynedd Council's Local Development Plan as motivating factors in their defections and as a key focus of their new group.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> |
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The party was scheduled to hold its official launch on 3 April 2020 at the [[Cardiff Marriott Hotel]], but this was postponed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.westwaleschronicle.co.uk/blog/2020/03/12/wnp-party-launch-postponed-until-the-coronavirus-risk-has-passed/|title=WNP party launch postponed until the Coronavirus risk has passed|date=12 March 2020|work=West Wales Chronicle|access-date=5 March 2021|language=en-GB}}</ref> |
The party was scheduled to hold its official launch on 3 April 2020 at the [[Cardiff Marriott Hotel]], but this was postponed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.westwaleschronicle.co.uk/blog/2020/03/12/wnp-party-launch-postponed-until-the-coronavirus-risk-has-passed/|title=WNP party launch postponed until the Coronavirus risk has passed|date=12 March 2020|work=West Wales Chronicle|access-date=5 March 2021|language=en-GB |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216221208/https://www.westwaleschronicle.co.uk/blog/2020/03/12/wnp-party-launch-postponed-until-the-coronavirus-risk-has-passed/ |archive-date= 16 December 2023 }}</ref> |
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⚫ | The [[Electoral Commission (United Kingdom)|Electoral Commission]] rejected the name ''Welsh Nation Party'' in January 2021, having previously rejected the name ''Welsh National Party'' as well, saying that the official Welsh translation of the name was "confusingly similar to another already registered party [Plaid Cymru]". McEvoy stated he would instead seek to register the name ''Propel'',<ref>{{cite news |title=Neil McEvoy's party rejected ahead of Senedd elections |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-55680379 |access-date=17 January 2021 |publisher=BBC News |date=15 January 2021}}</ref> a name which was accepted by the [[Electoral Commission (United Kingdom)|Electoral Commission]] in March 2021.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|date=2021-03-03|title=Neil McEvoy's party finally registered with the Electoral Commission after third name change|url=https://nation.cymru/news/neil-mcevoys-party-finally-registered-with-the-electoral-commission-after-third-name-change/|access-date=2021-03-10|website=Nation.Cymru|language=en-GB}}</ref> |
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⚫ | Propel put forward 10 constituency candidates in the [[2021 Senedd election]] as well contesting each regional list seat. It was not a successful night for the new party as they registered less than 1% of the vote nationwide and lost a number of deposits.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://business.senedd.wales/mgElectionResults.aspx?ID=18&RPID=1026744215|title = Election |
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⚫ | Propel put forward 10 constituency candidates in the [[2021 Senedd election]] as well contesting each regional list seat. It was not a successful night for the new party as they registered less than 1% of the vote nationwide and lost a number of deposits.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://business.senedd.wales/mgElectionResults.aspx?ID=18&RPID=1026744215|title = Senedd Election (Constituency) 2021 - Thursday, 6 May 2021 |website=[[Senedd]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://business.senedd.wales/mgElectionResults.aspx?ID=19&RPID=1026744247|title = Senedd Election (Regional) 2021 - Thursday, 6 May 2021 |website=[[Senedd]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/parties-lost-most-unreturned-deposits-20561594|title = The parties which lost the most in deposits in Wales' elections|date = 10 May 2021}}</ref> McEvoy achieved their best result on the night, accruing 9.5% of the vote in [[Cardiff West (Senedd constituency)|Cardiff West]], finishing 4th behind [[Plaid Cymru]], the [[Welsh Conservatives|Conservative Party]] and the victorious [[Mark Drakeford]] of the [[Welsh Labour|Labour Party]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-17 |title=Senedd 2021 Post-Election Analysis: Lib Dems & Others |url=https://stateofwales.com/2021/05/senedd-2021-post-election-analysis-lib-dems-others/ |access-date=2022-04-10 |last=Donovan |first=Owen |website=State of Wales |language=en-US}}</ref>{{Self-published inline|date=March 2023}} |
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== Policies == |
== Policies == |
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{{CSS image crop|Image=Welsh_independence_march_Cardiff_May_11_2019_24.jpg|Description=Propel Leader [[Neil McEvoy]] at the AUOB Cymru March for Independence in Cardiff, 11 May 2019|bSize=1000|cWidth=300|cHeight=200|oTop=250|oLeft=70}} |
{{CSS image crop|Image=Welsh_independence_march_Cardiff_May_11_2019_24.jpg|Description=Propel Leader [[Neil McEvoy]] at the AUOB Cymru March for Independence in Cardiff, 11 May 2019|bSize=1000|cWidth=300|cHeight=200|oTop=250|oLeft=70}} |
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The party is explicitly [[Welsh nationalism|Welsh nationalist]] and advocates [[Welsh independence]] from the [[United Kingdom]]. On 22 October 2019, Neil McEvoy (then sitting as an Independent AM) introduced a motion calling for a referendum on 'Welsh national sovereignty'.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NNDM7170 – 2|url=https://record.assembly.wales/Motion/7170|date=22 October 2019|website=record.assembly.wales}}</ref> This was the first time that a Welsh legislature had voted on the proposal for a Welsh independence referendum.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Propel Wales |
The party is explicitly [[Welsh nationalism|Welsh nationalist]] and advocates [[Welsh independence]] from the [[United Kingdom]]. On 22 October 2019, Neil McEvoy (then sitting as an Independent AM) introduced a motion calling for a referendum on 'Welsh national sovereignty'.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NNDM7170 – 2|url=https://record.assembly.wales/Motion/7170|date=22 October 2019|website=The Record - Welsh Parliament |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231216222611/https://record.assembly.wales/Motion/7170 |archive-date= 16 December 2023}}</ref> This was the first time that a Welsh legislature had voted on the proposal for a Welsh independence referendum.<ref>{{Cite web|title=BREAKING! Here's @neiljmcevoy's amendment, which will be voted on today in the Welsh parliament. For the first time in history a Welsh legislature will have a vote on holding a referendum on Welsh national sovereignty. #CofiwchDryweryn @YesCymru |author=Propel Wales |url=https://twitter.com/PropelWales/status/1186653340521943041|date=22 October 2019|website=Twitter |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022163805/https://twitter.com/PropelWales/status/1186653340521943041 |archive-date=22 October 2019}}</ref> The motion was defeated by 8 votes to 43,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senedd rejects motion backing Welsh independence referendum if no-deal Brexit goes through|url=https://nation.cymru/news/senedd-to-vote-on-motion-backing-welsh-independence-referendum-if-no-deal-brexit-goes-through/|date=22 October 2019|website=nation.cymru |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923143003/https://nation.cymru/news/senedd-to-vote-on-motion-backing-welsh-independence-referendum-if-no-deal-brexit-goes-through/ |archive-date= 23 September 2023}}</ref> with even some Plaid Cymru AMs failing to support the motion,<ref>{{Cite web|title=NNDM7170 – Amendment 2|url=https://business.senedd.wales/documents/s95043/Votes%20Summary%2022102019.pdf|date=22 October 2019|website=Senedd Business |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220327025412/https://business.senedd.wales/documents/s95043/Votes%20Summary%2022102019.pdf |archive-date= 27 March 2022}}</ref> despite it being official Plaid Cymru policy to hold an [[independence referendum]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Plaid Cymru 'would hold Wales independence referendum'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-43520301 |author1=Aled ap Dafydd |date=24 March 2018|website=BBC |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528170347/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-43520301 |archive-date= 28 May 2023 }}</ref> |
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The party's platform is built around the principles of [[Self-ownership|individual sovereignty]], [[Localism (politics)|community sovereignty]] and [[National Sovereignty|national sovereignty]].<ref name=":1" /> The party released a statement of their principles on their website, with much of it derived from the earlier 'Propel Wales Statement'.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The WNP Statement|url=https://www.wnp.wales/wnp-statement| |
The party's platform is built around the principles of [[Self-ownership|individual sovereignty]], [[Localism (politics)|community sovereignty]] and [[National Sovereignty|national sovereignty]].<ref name=":1" /> The party released a statement of their principles on their website, with much of it derived from the earlier 'Propel Wales Statement'.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The WNP Statement|url=https://www.wnp.wales/wnp-statement |website=WNP |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129070932/https://www.wnp.wales/wnp-statement |archive-date=29 November 2020}}</ref> |
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In the statement, the party advocates for: |
In the statement, the party advocates for: |
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* [[Natural justice]], [[due process]] and [[Freedom of speech|free speech]] to be enshrined in a Welsh [[constitution]] and [[bill of rights]]. |
* [[Natural justice]], [[due process]] and [[Freedom of speech|free speech]] to be enshrined in a Welsh [[constitution]] and [[bill of rights]]. |
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* The right of communities to influence local policy through [[ |
* The right of communities to influence local policy through [[referendum]]s. |
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* The [[Decentralization|decentralisation]] of decision making to a community level. |
* The [[Decentralization|decentralisation]] of decision making to a community level. |
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* Making 'actions that would lessen national sovereignty' subject to a national referendum. |
* Making 'actions that would lessen national sovereignty' subject to a national referendum. |
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* The [[Sustainable industries|sustainable]] [[Reindustrialization|reindustrialisation]] of Wales |
* The [[Sustainable industries|sustainable]] [[Reindustrialization|reindustrialisation]] of Wales |
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Propel has also expressed a strongly [[Anti-nuclear movement|anti-nuclear]] stance, particularly in relation to the dumping of [[Dredging|dredged]] mud from [[Hinkley Point]] in [[Somerset]] off the coast of [[Cardiff]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nuclear Dumping in Wales?|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4WLr6cH7Cc|date=13 May 2020|website=youtube.com}}</ref> Anti-nuclear campaigners have raised fears that dredging the seabed near the site of the new [[Hinkley Point C nuclear power station|Hinckley Point C nuclear power station]] could be churning up [[Radioactive contamination|contamination]] from the old [[Hinkley Point A nuclear power station|Hinkley Point A]] and [[Hinkley Point B Nuclear Power Station|Hinckley Point B]] [[nuclear reactor]]s and in turn meaning that contaminated mud is being dumped along the Cardiff coastline.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nuclear station mud dumping plans off Cardiff Bay revealed|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-51375497|date=5 February 2020|website= |
Propel has also expressed a strongly [[Anti-nuclear movement|anti-nuclear]] stance, particularly in relation to the dumping of [[Dredging|dredged]] mud from [[Hinkley Point]] in [[Somerset]] off the coast of [[Cardiff]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nuclear Dumping in Wales?|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4WLr6cH7Cc|date=13 May 2020|website=YouTube |author=The WNP |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200531142739/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4WLr6cH7Cc&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date= 31 May 2020}}</ref> Anti-nuclear campaigners have raised fears that dredging the seabed near the site of the new [[Hinkley Point C nuclear power station|Hinckley Point C nuclear power station]] could be churning up [[Radioactive contamination|contamination]] from the old [[Hinkley Point A nuclear power station|Hinkley Point A]] and [[Hinkley Point B Nuclear Power Station|Hinckley Point B]] [[nuclear reactor]]s and in turn meaning that contaminated mud is being dumped along the Cardiff coastline.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nuclear station mud dumping plans off Cardiff Bay revealed|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-51375497 |first1=Steffan |last1=Messenger |date=5 February 2020|website=BBC |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308092159/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-51375497 |archive-date= 8 March 2022 }}</ref> McEvoy has been a longterm critic of the plans.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nuclear Mud #GeigerBay|url=https://www.neilmcevoy.wales/geigerbay|date=14 March 2019|website=neilmcevoy.wales|access-date=14 May 2020|archive-date=14 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814131821/https://www.neilmcevoy.wales/geigerbay|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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== Leadership == |
== Leadership == |
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|1 |
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|[[Neil McEvoy]] |
|[[Neil McEvoy]] |
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<small>(b. 1970)</small> |
<small>(b. 1970)</small> |
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|[[File:Neil McEvoy AM (28092346611).jpg|frameless|125x125px]] |
|[[File:Neil McEvoy AM (28092346611) (cropped).jpg|frameless|125x125px]] |
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|15 January 2020 |
|15 January 2020 |
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|2021 |
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|[[Incumbent]] |
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== Name controversy== |
== Name controversy== |
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In February 2020, the [[Electoral Commission (United Kingdom)|Electoral Commission]] decided that the party could not use the [[Welsh language|Welsh]] name |
In February 2020, the [[Electoral Commission (United Kingdom)|Electoral Commission]] decided that the party could not use the [[Welsh language|Welsh]] name {{lang|cy|Plaid Genedlaethol Cymru}}, on the grounds that it was too similar to [[Plaid Cymru]], but accepted the registration of the [[English language]] name ''Welsh National Party''. In response, McEvoy stated that "we will be known as {{lang|cy|Plaid Genedlaethol Cymru}} in our national language, whatever appears on a ballot paper."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Welsh National Party can't use Welsh language name, Electoral Commission rules|url=https://nation.cymru/news/welsh-national-party-cant-use-welsh-language-name-electoral-commission-rules/|date=28 February 2020|website=nation.cymru}}</ref> |
||
On 1 May 2020, it was reported that Plaid Cymru was preparing to take the Electoral Commission to court over its decision to allow McEvoy to register the English name 'Welsh National Party'.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Plaid Cymru taking Electoral Commission to court over name of McEvoy's Welsh National Party|url=https://nation.cymru/news/plaid-cymru-taking-electoral-commission-to-court-over-name-of-mcevoys-welsh-national-party/|date=1 May 2020}}</ref> Plaid Cymru had been formed in 1925 as |
On 1 May 2020, it was reported that Plaid Cymru was preparing to take the Electoral Commission to court over its decision to allow McEvoy to register the English name ''Welsh National Party''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Plaid Cymru taking Electoral Commission to court over name of McEvoy's Welsh National Party|url=https://nation.cymru/news/plaid-cymru-taking-electoral-commission-to-court-over-name-of-mcevoys-welsh-national-party/|date=1 May 2020}}</ref> Plaid Cymru had been formed in 1925 as {{lang|cy|Plaid Genedlaethol Cymru}} (English: 'The National Party of Wales'), but the party had abandoned this name at some point in the 1940s in favour of using ''Plaid Cymru'' ([[English language|English]]: The Party of Wales)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Writing on the Line |url=http://www.gwynalfwilliams.co.uk/documents/writing-on-the-line.pdf|last=Williams|first=Gwyn A. |date=1993 |website=gwynalfwilliams.co.uk |page=16 }}</ref> and was often referred to as 'The Welsh Party' in party literature of the time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Wages of Servitude |url=http://www.hanesplaidcymru.org/filebase/llyfrynnau/1944%20Wages%20of%20Servitude.pdf |date=1944 |website=Hanes Plaid Cymru |publisher=[[Plaid Cymru]] }}</ref> |
||
On 6 May 2020, following the threat of legal action from Plaid Cymru, the Electoral Commission removed the Welsh National Party from the register of political parties, so that a second application to register a name would need to be made.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Neil McEvoy loses fight to call his new party the Welsh National Party|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/neil-mcevoy-loses-fight-call-18206354|last=Hayward|first=Will|date=6 May 2020|website=walesonline.co.uk}}</ref> In response, McEvoy described the decision as representing "a shameful day for democracy" and said that the party was seeking 'urgent legal advice' as well as a statement from the [[Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission]], which oversees the Electoral Commission.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Neil McEvoy's Welsh National Party removed from register after Plaid Cymru legal threat|url=https://nation.cymru/news/neil-mcevoys-welsh-national-party-removed-from-register-after-plaid-cymru-legal-threat/|date=6 May 2020|website=nation.cymru}}</ref> |
On 6 May 2020, following the threat of legal action from Plaid Cymru, the Electoral Commission removed the Welsh National Party from the register of political parties, so that a second application to register a name would need to be made.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Neil McEvoy loses fight to call his new party the Welsh National Party|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/neil-mcevoy-loses-fight-call-18206354|last=Hayward|first=Will|date=6 May 2020|website=walesonline.co.uk}}</ref> In response, McEvoy described the decision as representing "a shameful day for democracy" and said that the party was seeking 'urgent legal advice' as well as a statement from the [[Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission]], which oversees the Electoral Commission.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Neil McEvoy's Welsh National Party removed from register after Plaid Cymru legal threat|url=https://nation.cymru/news/neil-mcevoys-welsh-national-party-removed-from-register-after-plaid-cymru-legal-threat/|date=6 May 2020|website=nation.cymru}}</ref> |
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In November 2020, McEvoy announced plans to rebrand the party as the |
In November 2020, McEvoy announced plans to rebrand the party as the ''Welsh Nation Party'' ahead of the 2021 elections.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-55024386|title=Neil McEvoy's party plans rebrand after Plaid Cymru challenge|work=BBC News|date=22 November 2020}}</ref> This rebranding had already taken place on the party's official website, "wnp.wales".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wnp.wales/|title=WNP|website=WNP}}</ref> |
||
In January 2021, the Electoral Commission rejected the new name, saying it was "confusingly similar to another already registered party Plaid Cymru", and McEvoy stated he would seek to register the name Propel instead.<ref>{{cite news |title=Neil McEvoy's party rejected ahead of Senedd elections |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-55680379 |access-date=17 January 2021 | |
In January 2021, the Electoral Commission rejected the new name, saying it was "confusingly similar to another already registered party Plaid Cymru", and McEvoy stated he would seek to register the name Propel instead.<ref>{{cite news |title=Neil McEvoy's party rejected ahead of Senedd elections |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-55680379 |access-date=17 January 2021 |work=[[BBC News Online]] |date=16 January 2021 }}</ref> |
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In March 2021, the Electoral Commission accepted the application to register the name |
In March 2021, the Electoral Commission accepted the application to register the name ''Propel'', to be used in both Welsh and English.<ref name=":5" /> The application included a [[Welsh dragon]] and a silhouette map of Wales as the party's symbols, together with four descriptions: "Neil McEvoy Propel", "Propel: Better for Wales / {{lang|cy|Propel: Gwell i Gymru}}", "Propel: Wales Needs Champions / {{lang|cy|Propel: Mae Cymru Angen Pencampwyr}}", and "Propel: Not Politics as Usual / {{lang|cy|Propel: Nid Gwleidyddiaeth fel Arfer}}".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/party-registration-applications/view-current-applications |title=View current applications |publisher=[[Electoral Commission]] |access-date=14 February 2021}}</ref> |
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== Leader controversy == |
== Leader controversy == |
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On 2 December 2020, McEvoy was excluded from Senedd proceedings for 21 calendar days, was barred from Senedd buildings and had his pay docked after a Senedd Committee found him to have breached Senedd rules following an altercation with [[Welsh Labour|Labour]] MS [[Mick Antoniw]] where McEvoy behaved in a threatening manner and employed physical and verbal aggression to do so.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/neil-mcevoy-suspension-aggressive-antoniw-19395923|title=Neil McEvoy faces 21-day Senedd ban after shouting at fellow MS|first=Martin|last=Shipton|date=3 December 2020|website=WalesOnline}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nation.cymru/news/standards-committee-recommends-neil-mcevoy-be-excluded-from-the-senedd/|title=Standards Committee recommends Neil McEvoy be excluded from the Senedd|date=2 December 2020|website=Nation.Cymru}}</ref><ref>https://senedd.wales/laid%20documents/cr-ld13884/cr-ld13884-e.pdf |
On 2 December 2020, McEvoy was excluded from Senedd proceedings for 21 calendar days, was barred from Senedd buildings and had his pay docked after a Senedd Committee found him to have breached Senedd rules following an altercation with [[Welsh Labour|Labour]] MS [[Mick Antoniw]] where McEvoy behaved in a threatening manner and employed physical and verbal aggression to do so.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/neil-mcevoy-suspension-aggressive-antoniw-19395923|title=Neil McEvoy faces 21-day Senedd ban after shouting at fellow MS|first=Martin|last=Shipton|date=3 December 2020|website=WalesOnline}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nation.cymru/news/standards-committee-recommends-neil-mcevoy-be-excluded-from-the-senedd/|title=Standards Committee recommends Neil McEvoy be excluded from the Senedd|date=2 December 2020|website=Nation.Cymru}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://senedd.wales/laid%20documents/cr-ld13884/cr-ld13884-e.pdf|title=Report 03-20 by the Committee on Standards of Conduct to the Senedd under Standing Order 22.9|publisher=[[Senedd]]|date=December 2020}}</ref> |
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== Elected members == |
== Elected members == |
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|[[Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council|Neath Port Talbot Council]] |
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== Former elected members == |
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Cllr Tim Thomas in Bridgend, who also served as Party Chair,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.westwaleschronicle.co.uk/blog/2021/02/04/propel-announce-tim-thomas-as-new-chair/|title=Propel Announce Tim Thomas as New Chair|date=4 February 2021|work=West Wales Chronicle}}</ref> joined Propel<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/bridgend-council-plaid-cymru-ynysawdre-19396560|title=Bridgend councillor switches to WNP after 15 years with Plaid Cymru|first=Hannah|last=Neary|date=8 December 2020|website=WalesOnline}}</ref> but left in early 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cllr Tim Thomas |url=https://democratic.bridgend.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=636 |website=Bridgend Council |access-date=14 January 2022}}</ref> |
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Cllr Dylan Bullard (Gwynedd, Pwllheli (North)) left Propel to sit as an Independent member in January 2022. |
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==Electoral performance== |
==Electoral performance== |
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{{Political parties in Wales}} |
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{{Welsh devolution}} |
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{{Nationalism in the United Kingdom}} |
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[[Category:2020 in British politics]] |
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[[Category:Locally based political parties in Wales]] |
[[Category:Locally based political parties in Wales]] |
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[[Category:Welsh independence]] |
Revision as of 11:58, 30 January 2024
Propel | |
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![]() | |
Chair | Vacant as of Jan 2022 |
Leader | Neil McEvoy |
Founded | 15 January 2020 |
Split from | Plaid Cymru |
Headquarters | 321 Cowbridge Road East Canton Cardiff CF5 1JD |
Ideology | |
Colours | Green, white, and red |
Slogan | Not politics as usual |
Senedd | 0 / 60
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Local government in Wales | 1 / 1,254
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Website | |
www www.propel.cymru | |
This article is part of a series of articles on |
Welsh nationalism and republicanism |
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Propel (formerly the Welsh National Party and later Welsh Nation Party) is a sovereignist[1] and Welsh nationalist political party in Wales which advocates Welsh independence from the United Kingdom. The party was formed in early 2020 by its current leader Neil McEvoy.[2] Propel currently has one county councillor in Wales.
History
In 2018, Neil McEvoy started a pressure group called 'Propel Wales' and officially launched the group at a meeting in the Cardiff Coal Exchange on 21 May 2018.[3] McEvoy, sitting as an Independent AM at the time due to his expulsion from Plaid Cymru in March 2018,[4] stated that while Propel Wales was 'within Plaid Cymru', it sought to reach out to those outside of Plaid Cymru and to people who were disengaged with Welsh politics altogether.[5]
On 10 July 2019, McEvoy withdrew his application to re-join Plaid Cymru, citing an "absence of natural justice" and "due process" as the reason behind his decision. By late 2019, Propel Wales had changed their description from 'members and supporters of Plaid Cymru' to 'without ties to any political party'.[6][7]
On 23 October 2019, Cardiff Council's three remaining Plaid Cymru councillors resigned the party's whip, accusing the party of becoming "too close to Labour."[8] McEvoy also sat as a Plaid Cymru councillor for the Fairwater ward prior to his expulsion from that party.
The Welsh National Party was registered with the Electoral Commission on 15 January 2020.[2] On 7 February, McEvoy confirmed to Nation.Cymru that the party had been registered and said that "exciting news will follow in the near future."[2] In an interview with ITV Wales' political editor, Adrian Masters, McEvoy said that the party aimed to "offer an alternative to Labour and Plaid Cymru" and "shake up the status quo."[9] He described the party as being 'sovereignist', which he says is about 'more than just national independence'.[9] He stated that the party would field candidates in the 2021 Senedd election and confirmed that he would challenge the First Minister, Mark Drakeford, in his Cardiff West constituency.[9] McEvoy came a close second in Cardiff West at the 2016 National Assembly election as a Plaid Cymru candidate, reducing Drakeford's majority from 21.3% in 2011 to 3.7%.
In February 2020, the WNP gained its first local government representation when McEvoy and his three former Plaid Cymru colleagues on Cardiff Council announced that they would form a Welsh National Party group.[10] Cllr Keith Parry was chosen to lead the group, stating that the group would focus on promoting "individual, community and national sovereignty for Wales" as well as "putting forward positive proposals for sorting the housing crisis, tackling corruption and ending severe poverty in our city."[10] On 30 March 2020, Cllr Martyn Peters, councillor for the Dyffryn ward on Neath Port Talbot Council, left Plaid Cymru and joined the Welsh National Party, stating that he believed that "this nation needs fresh new thinking to take it forward."[11] On 30 April 2020, the WNP gained its first councillor in North Wales after Cllr Dylan Bullard, an Independent councillor for the Pwllheli North ward on Gwynedd Council, announced that he was joining the party.[12] McEvoy welcomed the news of Bullard's defection, saying that "with the addition of Dylan to our team we are demonstrating that the WNP truly is a national party for Wales."[12] On 13 May 2020, Cllr Peter Read, councillor for the Abererch ward, left Plaid Cymru and joined Bullard to sit as the WNP's second councillor on Gwynedd Council.[13] Both councillors cited opposition to elements of Gwynedd Council's Local Development Plan as motivating factors in their defections and as a key focus of their new group.[12][13]
The party was scheduled to hold its official launch on 3 April 2020 at the Cardiff Marriott Hotel, but this was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[14]
The Electoral Commission rejected the name Welsh Nation Party in January 2021, having previously rejected the name Welsh National Party as well, saying that the official Welsh translation of the name was "confusingly similar to another already registered party [Plaid Cymru]". McEvoy stated he would instead seek to register the name Propel,[15] a name which was accepted by the Electoral Commission in March 2021.[16]
Propel put forward 10 constituency candidates in the 2021 Senedd election as well contesting each regional list seat. It was not a successful night for the new party as they registered less than 1% of the vote nationwide and lost a number of deposits.[17][18][19] McEvoy achieved their best result on the night, accruing 9.5% of the vote in Cardiff West, finishing 4th behind Plaid Cymru, the Conservative Party and the victorious Mark Drakeford of the Labour Party.[20][self-published source?]
Policies
The party is explicitly Welsh nationalist and advocates Welsh independence from the United Kingdom. On 22 October 2019, Neil McEvoy (then sitting as an Independent AM) introduced a motion calling for a referendum on 'Welsh national sovereignty'.[21] This was the first time that a Welsh legislature had voted on the proposal for a Welsh independence referendum.[22] The motion was defeated by 8 votes to 43,[23] with even some Plaid Cymru AMs failing to support the motion,[24] despite it being official Plaid Cymru policy to hold an independence referendum.[25]
The party's platform is built around the principles of individual sovereignty, community sovereignty and national sovereignty.[9] The party released a statement of their principles on their website, with much of it derived from the earlier 'Propel Wales Statement'.[26]
In the statement, the party advocates for:
- Natural justice, due process and free speech to be enshrined in a Welsh constitution and bill of rights.
- The right of communities to influence local policy through referendums.
- The decentralisation of decision making to a community level.
- Making 'actions that would lessen national sovereignty' subject to a national referendum.
- A just and fair market economy.
- The elimination of severe poverty in Wales.
- Tackling corruption, nepotism and corporate lobbying and money in politics.
- Breaking up monopolies.
- A welfare state which acts as a 'strong safety net'.
- The sustainable reindustrialisation of Wales
Propel has also expressed a strongly anti-nuclear stance, particularly in relation to the dumping of dredged mud from Hinkley Point in Somerset off the coast of Cardiff.[27] Anti-nuclear campaigners have raised fears that dredging the seabed near the site of the new Hinckley Point C nuclear power station could be churning up contamination from the old Hinkley Point A and Hinckley Point B nuclear reactors and in turn meaning that contaminated mud is being dumped along the Cardiff coastline.[28] McEvoy has been a longterm critic of the plans.[29]
Leadership
# | Name | Portrait | Took office | Left office |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Neil McEvoy
(b. 1970) |
![]() |
15 January 2020 | 2021 |
Name controversy
In February 2020, the Electoral Commission decided that the party could not use the Welsh name Plaid Genedlaethol Cymru, on the grounds that it was too similar to Plaid Cymru, but accepted the registration of the English language name Welsh National Party. In response, McEvoy stated that "we will be known as Plaid Genedlaethol Cymru in our national language, whatever appears on a ballot paper."[30]
On 1 May 2020, it was reported that Plaid Cymru was preparing to take the Electoral Commission to court over its decision to allow McEvoy to register the English name Welsh National Party.[31] Plaid Cymru had been formed in 1925 as Plaid Genedlaethol Cymru (English: 'The National Party of Wales'), but the party had abandoned this name at some point in the 1940s in favour of using Plaid Cymru (English: The Party of Wales)[32] and was often referred to as 'The Welsh Party' in party literature of the time.[33]
On 6 May 2020, following the threat of legal action from Plaid Cymru, the Electoral Commission removed the Welsh National Party from the register of political parties, so that a second application to register a name would need to be made.[34] In response, McEvoy described the decision as representing "a shameful day for democracy" and said that the party was seeking 'urgent legal advice' as well as a statement from the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, which oversees the Electoral Commission.[35]
In November 2020, McEvoy announced plans to rebrand the party as the Welsh Nation Party ahead of the 2021 elections.[36] This rebranding had already taken place on the party's official website, "wnp.wales".[37]
In January 2021, the Electoral Commission rejected the new name, saying it was "confusingly similar to another already registered party Plaid Cymru", and McEvoy stated he would seek to register the name Propel instead.[38]
In March 2021, the Electoral Commission accepted the application to register the name Propel, to be used in both Welsh and English.[16] The application included a Welsh dragon and a silhouette map of Wales as the party's symbols, together with four descriptions: "Neil McEvoy Propel", "Propel: Better for Wales / Propel: Gwell i Gymru", "Propel: Wales Needs Champions / Propel: Mae Cymru Angen Pencampwyr", and "Propel: Not Politics as Usual / Propel: Nid Gwleidyddiaeth fel Arfer".[39]
Leader controversy
On 2 December 2020, McEvoy was excluded from Senedd proceedings for 21 calendar days, was barred from Senedd buildings and had his pay docked after a Senedd Committee found him to have breached Senedd rules following an altercation with Labour MS Mick Antoniw where McEvoy behaved in a threatening manner and employed physical and verbal aggression to do so.[40][41][42]
Elected members
Local Authority | Seats |
---|---|
Cardiff Council | 1 / 79
|
Electoral performance
Senedd elections
Year | Regional vote | Constituency vote | Overall seats | Change | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | 9,825 votes | 0.9% | 0 / 20
|
8,864 votes | 0.8% | 0 / 40
|
0 / 60
|
New Party |
References
- ^ "Neil McEvoy's new Welsh Nation Party sets its sights on disengaged voters". nation.cymru. 12 February 2020.
- ^ a b c "Expelled Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Neil McEvoy registers new 'Welsh National Party'". nation.cymru. 7 February 2020.
- ^ "New Neil McEvoy movement hopes to 'Propel' Plaid Cymru towards election win". nation.cymru. 22 May 2018.
- ^ "Neil McEvoy expelled by Plaid Cymru for 18 months". BBC News. 19 March 2018.
- ^ "Sharp End May 21st". ITV News. 22 May 2018.
- ^ "Propel Wales Homepage (2018)". propel.wales. 27 October 2018. Archived from the original on 27 November 2018.
- ^ "Propel Wales Homepage (2019)". propel.wales. 19 December 2019. Archived from the original on 19 December 2019.
- ^ "Plaid Cymru Cardiff councillors resign party whip". BBC News. 23 October 2019. Archived from the original on 4 January 2023.
- ^ a b c d Masters, Adrian (10 February 2020). "Independent AM Neil McEvoy to launch new Welsh National Party". ITV. Archived from the original on 18 August 2023.
- ^ a b "Neil McEvoy's Welsh National Party forms first council group". nation.cymru. 24 February 2020. Archived from the original on 7 June 2023.
- ^ "Neath Port Talbot Councillor Joins the WNP". WNP. Archived from the original on 18 January 2021.
- ^ a b c "Gwynedd Councillor Dylan Bullard Joins the WNP". WNP. 30 April 2020. Archived from the original on 28 October 2020.
- ^ a b "Second Gwynedd Councillor joins Neil McEvoy's new party". nation.cymru. 13 May 2020. Archived from the original on 18 August 2023.
- ^ "WNP party launch postponed until the Coronavirus risk has passed". West Wales Chronicle. 12 March 2020. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ "Neil McEvoy's party rejected ahead of Senedd elections". BBC News. 15 January 2021. Retrieved 17 January 2021.
- ^ a b "Neil McEvoy's party finally registered with the Electoral Commission after third name change". Nation.Cymru. 3 March 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
- ^ "Senedd Election (Constituency) 2021 - Thursday, 6 May 2021". Senedd.
- ^ "Senedd Election (Regional) 2021 - Thursday, 6 May 2021". Senedd.
- ^ "The parties which lost the most in deposits in Wales' elections". 10 May 2021.
- ^ Donovan, Owen (17 May 2021). "Senedd 2021 Post-Election Analysis: Lib Dems & Others". State of Wales. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- ^ "NNDM7170 – 2". The Record - Welsh Parliament. 22 October 2019. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023.
- ^ Propel Wales (22 October 2019). "BREAKING! Here's @neiljmcevoy's amendment, which will be voted on today in the Welsh parliament. For the first time in history a Welsh legislature will have a vote on holding a referendum on Welsh national sovereignty. #CofiwchDryweryn @YesCymru". Twitter. Archived from the original on 22 October 2019.
- ^ "Senedd rejects motion backing Welsh independence referendum if no-deal Brexit goes through". nation.cymru. 22 October 2019. Archived from the original on 23 September 2023.
- ^ "NNDM7170 – Amendment 2" (PDF). Senedd Business. 22 October 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 March 2022.
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