Alun Cox has served as the Member of the Senedd Afan Ogwr Rhondda since May 2026. A lifelong socialist and trade unionist, Alun has spent most of his life living in Porth and working within the communities of the South Wales valleys.
Professional Background & Union Activism
Before entering the Senedd, Alun worked as a Funding and Development Officer for Research and Innovation at the University of South Wales. Parallel to his professional role, Alun served as the Assistant Branch Secretary for Unison at the university. In this role, Alun frequently challenged large institutional bureaucracies, fighting to protect the rights and pay of low-paid service workers.
Political Strategy & Party Positions
Alun spent years as a key strategist for Plaid Cymru in the Valleys. He served as the campaign manager for Leanne Wood during two defining political milestones:
- her successful Plaid Cymru leadership bid in 2012,
- and her historic 2016 constituency win in the Rhondda.
Alun has been active in Plaid Cymru since the 1980's. Whilst a student in Aberystwyth he was elected to the NUS and went on to the Welsh National Executive of the NUS, serving in a number of roles including President of NUS Wales.
Alun has been a Constituency Officer in the Rhondda and has been on the National Executive Committee sitting as a representative of the Party's Trade Union section - UNDEB.
Local Government
Alun served a Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Councillor for the Porth Ward between 2017 and 2022.
Whilst a Councillor Alun served on a number of Committees including Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Licensing Act 2003 Committee and the Local Education Authority (LEA) Governors Appointment Committee.
Senedd Career (2026–Present)
On May 8, 2026, alongside Sera Evans and Elyn Stephens Alun was elected to the new seat of Afan Ogwr Rhondda.
Alun's Parliamentary Committee Appointments (2026):
- Economy, Energy and Connectivity Committee
- Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee
Alun’s political priorities focus on tackling the cost-of-living crisis, reducing NHS waiting lists and protecting local public services. A firm proponent of a socialist, independent Wales, Alun's focus is on immediate community delivery and rebuilding trust with voters who feel alienated by mainstream politics.