Wales' First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has dismissed calls for a General Election following Keir Starmer's resignation, instead urging focus on negotiations with the next Prime Minister. Speaking on BBC Radio Wales on June 23, ap Iorwerth said an early UK-wide poll would waste time needed to strengthen public services and secure more autonomy for Wales.
Ap Iorwerth: General Election Would Delay Key Negotiations
Ap Iorwerth stated, "I will look at this coldly from the point of view of the leader of Wales and Welsh Government and say, I don't want to waste more time in pressing ahead with those negotiations on really important things that could help us put public services in Wales on a firmer footing and allow us to have more control over our own future." He added, "A general election would mean more time lost. We've already lost weeks since the formation of a new government in Wales."
The Plaid Cymru leader emphasized his commitment to the people of Wales, saying, "I don't want that delay to continue because we are here wanting to make a difference to the people of Wales. We have been elected to stand up for the people of Wales, that is what they expect, that is what they get in me, poised, ready to go."
Nigel Farage and Others Call for UK-Wide Poll
Since Starmer's resignation, political opponents including Nigel Farage have demanded an early General Election "at the earliest possible opportunity." Ap Iorwerth rejected this, arguing that Wales needs stability to advance its agenda.
Hopes for Andy Burnham's Understanding of Devolution
Ap Iorwerth expressed optimism about Andy Burnham, the leading contender for Labour leader and next Prime Minister, noting his experience with devolution in Manchester. He said, "If it's Andy Burnham, and it looks as if it's going to be Andy Burnham, I would hope that his experience of working within devolved structures in Manchester will make him more open to understanding when I put those arguments forward."
He criticised previous Prime Ministers for indifference towards Wales: "There's the total indifference towards Wales that we've seen from successive Prime Ministers, be they Labour or Conservative." He also cited political chaos in Westminster, stating, "Every day lost to me is a day lost in being able to make the case for what's right for Wales."
Ap Iorwerth's Commitment to Wales
Concluding, ap Iorwerth reaffirmed his promise to stand up for Wales: "I came into this role on a promise of standing up for Wales and people warm to that message because they wanted a First Minister that will be loyal to the needs of Wales always." He added, "I will help whoever is in 10 Downing Street to do the right thing for Wales because goodness me, they need to step up to the mark."
