Plaid Cymru leader targets immediate appointment as First Minister following historic Senedd shift

Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, has expressed a clear intention to be appointed Welsh First Minister by Tuesday following his party's decisive victory in the Senedd elections. Although Plaid Cymru did not secure a majority in the Welsh parliament, Mr ap Iorwerth stated that his party's programme for government is designed to seek backing from across the chamber. He emphasised a commitment to active cooperation with other parties to facilitate this transition of power.

The election results marked a significant turning point in Welsh politics, with Plaid Cymru soundly beating Labour and holding off Reform UK. Consequently, Labour was left with just nine seats in the Senedd, a result that ends 100 years of continuous dominance by the party in Wales. Mr ap Iorwerth noted that while his party fell short of a majority, the outcome provides a clear mandate to pursue a collaborative approach to governance.

Mr ap Iorwerth explicitly urged UK Labour not to punish Wales for the electoral result, suggesting that Westminster should reflect on the indifference previously shown towards the nation. He indicated that he would guide the next UK Prime Minister, whoever that might be, to adopt a different perspective on Welsh affairs. He hinted that a change in leadership at Westminster, potentially involving a figure like Andy Burnham, could lead to a more favourable treatment of Wales compared to the current administration under Keir Starmer.

In terms of coalition building, the Plaid leader stated he had spoken to all party leaders except Nigel Farage, who reportedly did not wish to engage in conversation. Mr ap Iorwerth suggested potential cooperation with nationalist parties in Scotland and Northern Ireland, highlighting shared policy interests such as the use of natural resources off the coasts and reducing inequality within the islands. He believes these commonalities provide a foundation for a broader political stand.

Interim Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates addressed the formation of the next government, indicating that his party would not team up with Reform UK to block Mr ap Iorwerth's appointment. Describing the notion of allying with Reform to keep the Plaid leader out as deeply unpleasant, Mr Skates confirmed that Welsh Labour members would meet to discuss their approach to the vote. He maintained that while the relationship with Plaid would be mature, the primary focus must remain on serving the people of Wales rather than any single party.

The path to a confirmed government by Tuesday relies on complex cross-party negotiations, as Plaid Cymru must secure sufficient support to form a stable administration. While the timeline is ambitious, Mr ap Iorwerth remains confident that the clarity of the election result and the willingness to collaborate will expedite the process. The political landscape in Wales is now poised for a new era of governance following the historic shift in the Senedd.