Rhun ap Iorwerth, the leader of Plaid Cymru, is poised to become the next First Minister of Wales following his party's historic victory in the Welsh Parliament election. The vote is scheduled for Tuesday, and Mr ap Iorwerth is anticipated to secure the most support to lead the nation.
Historic Election Result
Plaid Cymru won the largest bloc of seats in the Senedd, securing 43 Members of the Senedd (MSs), though falling short of a majority. Mr ap Iorwerth has indicated he will seek to form a minority government, which would make him the first Plaid Cymru MS to hold the position of First Minister in Wales.
Background and Career
Born in South Wales, the 53-year-old grew up on Anglesey and attended Ysgol David Hughes before studying politics and Welsh at Cardiff University. A former BBC journalist and married father of three, he entered politics and became a Member of the Senedd in 2013 after winning a by-election in Ynys Mon. He assumed the leadership of Plaid Cymru unopposed in 2023, following the resignation of his predecessor Adam Price amid a report highlighting a culture of sexual harassment, bullying, and misogyny within the party.
Political Stance
Mr ap Iorwerth is a proponent of Welsh independence and has stated that his party would use its time in government to advocate for an independent Wales. However, he has ruled out holding a referendum during the first term of a Plaid Cymru government.
Support and Opposition
In Tuesday's vote, Mr ap Iorwerth is expected to receive backing from the Wales Green Party's two MSs, as confirmed by Welsh Green leader Anthony Slaughter, in addition to Plaid Cymru's 43 members. Wales has been governed by a Labour First Minister since the establishment of the Welsh Parliament over two decades ago. Baroness Eluned Morgan, the outgoing First Minister, resigned as Welsh Labour leader after losing her seat in the Senedd election. Ken Skates, who narrowly secured the sixth and final seat in Fflint Wrecsam, will serve as interim Labour leader until a full leadership contest is held.
