Plaid Cymru has emerged as the largest party in the Welsh Parliament following a catastrophic defeat for Labour, which saw First Minister Baroness Eluned Morgan lose her own seat. With all votes counted, Plaid secured 43 seats, Reform UK won 34, Labour managed only nine, the Welsh Conservatives seven, the Greens two, and the Liberal Democrats one.
Labour's Collapse
Lady Morgan warned that Sir Keir Starmer’s Government needs to “change course” after she resigned as leader of Welsh Labour upon failing to be re-elected to the Senedd. The result marks a historic low for Labour in Wales, a party that had dominated Welsh politics for decades.
Plaid's Path to Government
Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, told a press conference that his party “stands ready to take the necessary steps to form the next Government of Wales”, having won the most seats. However, Plaid did not secure an overall majority, with Mr ap Iorwerth stating he intends to “reach out to others” with urgency and put his name forward to be nominated as the next first minister.
The election outcome reshapes the political landscape in Wales, with Reform UK making significant gains and the Welsh Conservatives retaining a presence. Plaid Cymru now faces the challenge of building a coalition or securing support from other parties to govern effectively.
