Ken Skates has been confirmed as the new leader of Welsh Labour, taking on the role permanently after serving on an interim basis since May 9, 2026. No other candidate stood against him in the contest.
Unanimous Backing from Senedd Group
The decision was made by a vote of the Senedd group, with all nine members supporting Mr Skates. He has represented the constituency of Fflint Wrecsam since 2011. The 50-year-old said he was "deeply honoured to have the unanimous backing of my colleagues in the Senedd in seeking the leadership of Welsh Labour."
Party's Election Loss
Mr Skates took on the interim role the day after the Senedd election results were announced. In that election, Welsh Labour fell from being the largest party in the Senedd to third place, losing half of its seats in the then-60-seat chamber. The party now holds 11 seats in the expanded 96-seat parliament.
Personal Reflections and Future Plans
In an interview with WalesOnline shortly after the election, Mr Skates described feeling "incredibly fortunate" to be re-elected but also "incredibly guilty that, on a personal level, not more of my colleagues made it over the line." He acknowledged that his party had lost its "connection" with the people and said both Welsh and UK administrations had made mistakes.
Mr Skates has announced plans to spend the summer meeting members from across Wales to discuss the party's future direction. An external review into the election defeat has also been ordered.
"I joined the party as a 14-year-old and my belief still stands that no child's future should be determined by their background," Mr Skates said. "That no young person should be judged on anything other than the efforts they make and the decency they show to others. The Labour movement for me is a movement for fairness, justice, security, and liberty. It is a movement that seeks to empower people and communities, to fight against injustice, intolerance, nepotism, and cruelty."
