Welsh Government Accused of Lacking Westminster Influence
Baroness Eluned Morgan, the Welsh First Minister, has faced sharp criticism in the Senedd, with Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth accusing her of having no influence on her Labour colleagues in Westminster. The political clash occurred during First Minister's Questions on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, just a day before the UK government's Budget announcement.
'A Pantomime, Not a Budget'
Launching his attack, Mr ap Iorwerth described the pre-Budget announcements from Chancellor Rachel Reeves as resembling a pantomime. "It's 'oh yes she will' one minute and 'oh no she won't' the next, and it's all denting this UK Government's credibility," he stated. He expressed a firm belief that Wales was once again set to be short-changed in the financial settlement.
The Plaid Cymru leader was direct in his assessment of the First Minister's sway over the UK Labour leadership. "This First Minister clearly has no influence on her Labour colleagues at Westminster and misery is what those two Labour governments are inflicting on the people of Wales week after week," he asserted.
Plaid Cymru's Demands and Labour's Defence
Mr ap Iorwerth outlined his party's key demands, which he argued the Welsh Labour government had failed to secure from Westminster. These included:
- Introducing a tax on extreme wealth.
- Devolving management of the Crown Estate in Wales.
- Reclassifying the HS2 rail project so Wales receives consequential funding.
He challenged Baroness Morgan to stand up to Keir Starmer, contrasting her approach with the independence he claimed a Plaid Cymru government would offer.
In her response, the First Minister defended her record and her engagement with the UK government. "I have listed a whole raft of things where I think we should be looking for support from the Chancellor for people within Wales... And we have been making those representations," she countered.
Highlighting her priorities, Lady Morgan said she was really concerned about people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and wished to see support for the lowest paid. She pointed to the recent positive announcement regarding the Wylfa nuclear plant in Anglesey as a tangible success. "They weren't miserable in Anglesey when we announced Wylfa, they were celebrating," she said, framing it as part of a hopeful vision for Wales that her government embodies.
