Roberts, who had been fourth on Plaid Cymru’s list for the new Senedd constituency covering Penarth and parts of west Cardiff, confirmed he will no longer stand in the 2026 Welsh Parliament election.
The controversy centres on a 2021 tweet posted on what was then Twitter, now X, in which Roberts used a highly offensive slang term for children while responding to a discussion about people having children “for the sake of it”.
The message resurfaced during the current campaign after a screenshot was shared by Reform in Wales, prompting criticism and calls for Plaid Cymru to act. Roberts had already described the remark as a “crass attempt at humour”, saying it was “inappropriate” and something he deeply regretted.
In his new statement, Roberts said:
“Years ago, I made a comment using online slang that was inappropriate and crude. The language I used was wrong, and I take full responsibility for it. I apologise unreservedly for the offence and concern it has caused.
“I recognise that those seeking public office have a responsibility to promote respectful and constructive debate. This is something I have sought to do since entering politics, and will continue to strive towards.
“However, I do not want this to detract from the campaign or from the issues that matter to our community. I am therefore stepping down as a candidate with immediate effect. I wish the party and its candidates the very best in this historic campaign ahead.”
His withdrawal removes a distraction for Plaid Cymru but keeps the spotlight firmly on candidate vetting and standards of behaviour on social media, issues that are likely to remain central as voters in Penarth and west Cardiff head towards the Senedd election.
