by Meic Birtwistle
in Aberystwyth

PLAID CYMRU leader Leanne Wood told her party yesterday that it must “do whatever it takes” to prevent the Tories’ Trade Union Bill taking effect in Wales.

In her speech to Plaid’s conference, she branded the Conservative government’s Bill as an attack on working people’s rights.

“The Party of Wales will not only oppose this draconian Bill in the House of Commons but when consent is sought from the National Assembly, we will refuse that consent,” she told delegates.

“I ask our councillors to do whatever it takes to prevent its implementation.”

With Welsh Assembly elections in May 2016, Ms Wood also slammed Labour’s record on a wide range of policy areas including the NHS.

In a provocative and polished speech she accused the Welsh government of having failed in its running of the service over 16 years in power in Cardiff Bay.

“The home of the NHS deserves a party that supports the NHS and I believe that party is Plaid Cymru,” she told delegates, keen to be seen as the inheritor of Aneurin Bevan’s mantle.

“Wales is trapped. A hapless Labour government here and an ideological Tory government there.”

And Ms Wood had stern words for new British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

“It is too early to say whether he will change his party or his party will change him — although the signs so far are not good,” she said.