Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, has announced plans to form a stable minority government in the Senedd, emphasising a cooperative approach with opposition parties. He stated that his administration would focus on results rather than political spats, and would press the UK government for additional powers over policing, justice, and other areas.
Plaid Cymru won 43 of the 96 seats in the Welsh Parliament, falling short of a majority but comfortably ahead of Reform UK's 34 seats and Labour's nine. The Green Party leader in Wales, Anthony Slaughter, has confirmed support for ap Iorwerth's bid to become first minister, while the sole Liberal Democrat, Jane Dodds, plans to abstain. Labour is also expected to abstain, clearing the path for ap Iorwerth to take office, with a vote possible as early as Tuesday.
Ap Iorwerth outlined priorities including improving the health service, raising education standards, creating jobs, and rolling out a generous childcare offer. He expressed a desire to build a programme that attracts support from other parties without forming a formal coalition, describing it as a 'cooperative approach'. A supplementary budget may be introduced, and his cabinet could include both new and experienced members.
On relations with the UK government, ap Iorwerth said he would be 'relentless whilst constructive' in seeking results, asking for devolution of the crown estate, fairer funding, and more powers over justice and policing. He cautioned that Labour must decide whether to punish Wales for its electoral defeat or reflect on the message sent by Welsh voters.
Ap Iorwerth also indicated potential cooperation with nationalist parties in Scotland and Northern Ireland on shared policies, such as offshore natural resources, to push for greater equality across the UK. When asked about independence, he said a 'more confident' Wales felt closer to that goal, adding: 'The people of Wales said: We believe in your belief in Wales.'
