The leader of Swansea Council, Rob Stewart, has spoken about the emotional turmoil of missing out on a Senedd seat and the tragic loss of a close colleague on election day.
A Day of Mixed Emotions
Cllr Stewart, who has led the council for 12 years, stood as Labour's second-ranked candidate for the Gwyr Abertawe constituency in the May 7 Senedd election. However, only incumbent MS Mike Hedges was elected for Labour, with Plaid Cymru and Reform UK making significant gains. The result was part of a disappointing day for Labour across Wales.
But the political setback was overshadowed by personal tragedy. In the early hours of May 8, the day votes were counted, Cllr Stewart received news that his long-time friend and fellow Morriston councillor, Robert Francis-Davies, had passed away.
“It was probably one of the worst days I have had as a politician, and less so because of the result,” Cllr Stewart said. “I got a call from Robert’s family at 6.30am to say he had passed away. Clearly that completely changed the perspective of the day. The whole count process paled into insignificance really given the shock news. I had lost a long-time friend, colleague, and someone who had been a mentor to me for many years.”
Staying Committed to Swansea
Despite the disappointment, Cllr Stewart remains fully focused on his role as council leader. “I never took my foot off the gas during the Senedd election campaign,” he said. “I give 100% to the job until I don’t have that job. My ambition for the city is unchanged, my commitment to the role is unchanged.”
The upcoming Morriston by-election on June 18 is a result of Cllr Francis-Davies's death, not a vacancy from Cllr Stewart's potential move to the Senedd. Candidates include Rebecca Francis-Davies (Labour), Graham Ashby (Reform UK), Idin Ghotbi (Conservatives), Hayden Lewis (Liberal Democrats), Gareth Schofield (Green Party), and Ioan Warlow (Plaid Cymru).
Political Landscape and Future Collaboration
With Plaid Cymru now leading the Welsh Government, Cllr Stewart emphasised his willingness to work collaboratively. “We will work collaboratively with the Welsh Government in the interests of the city,” he said, while vowing to hold them accountable on regeneration projects and previous commitments.
Reflecting on the election, Cllr Stewart noted that Labour's campaign was hindered by a perceived “binary choice” between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK, despite the new proportional representation system. He praised Plaid’s messaging and acknowledged confusion among voters about the new electoral system.
“Overall I don’t think we ran the best campaign that we could have run nationally despite some really good efforts locally,” he said. “Given that Labour had been in power for a number of years, I think we failed to talk enough about the good things that have happened during that period.”
Looking Ahead
Cllr Stewart remains proud of his role as leader of Wales’ second city. “It’s a job I’m proud to have and I never take for granted,” he said. “Being leader of Wales’ second city with the biggest regeneration programme in Wales does give more influence and political power than you’ve got as an opposition member in the Senedd.”
