Rhun ap Iorwerth Confirmed as First Minister
Rhun ap Iorwerth has been elected first minister of Wales following Plaid Cymru’s electoral success in the Senedd, which ended a century of Labour dominance and resisted challenges from Reform UK.
Ap Iorwerth’s appointment was confirmed through a plenary vote on Tuesday, receiving support from 43 Plaid Cymru members and two Green Party members of the Senedd.
Historic Election Results
In last week’s elections, Plaid Cymru secured the most seats in the expanded 96-seat Senedd, thereby ending Labour’s 100-year electoral control in Wales. Reform UK, which had aimed to become the largest party, won 34 seats, while Labour finished third with only nine seats. This outcome represents a significant shift in the political landscape of Wales, Labour’s traditional stronghold.
The former Labour first minister, Eluned Morgan, lost her seat in the election, prompting a leadership contest within the party. Ken Skates, representing Fflint Wrecsam and former cabinet secretary for transport, has assumed the role of interim leader.
New Parliamentary Dynamics
Under Wales’s revised and more proportional electoral system, a majority requires at least 49 seats. Although no party achieved this threshold, the election results positioned Plaid Cymru comfortably to establish a minority government.
Ap Iorwerth indicated his intention to pursue constructive collaboration with opposition parties on an issue-by-issue basis. He also emphasized that his administration would advocate for increased powers from the UK government in areas such as policing and justice, aiming to avoid confrontational politics with Westminster.
"I would seek out mature cooperation from all opposition parties on a case-by-case basis, and my administration will press the UK government for extra powers over policy areas such as policing and justice, rather than engaging in political rows with Westminster."
Stance on Welsh Independence
While Plaid Cymru has ruled out holding an independence referendum during the current Senedd term, the party has consistently stated its intention to use its time in government to build support for an independent Wales.
Additional Senedd Developments
Prior to the vote for first minister, the Senedd elected Labour’s deputy leader, Huw Irranca-Davies, as the new Llywydd, or presiding officer. Following his confirmation, Ap Iorwerth is expected to begin appointing cabinet secretaries on Tuesday afternoon.
