Rhun ap Iorwerth Officially Elected as First Minister
Rhun ap Iorwerth was officially elected as the First Minister of Wales on Tuesday, following royal approval of a vote by Members of the Senedd.
The new First Minister emphasized that "the work must begin immediately" but acknowledged there are "elements" they wish to understand better.
Speaking on BBC Radio Cymru's Dros Frecwast programme, he expressed hope to announce the members of his government by Wednesday evening.
"We can expect this to be a government full of talent," he said, "but with everything this government does – the outcome and how it will make a difference to people's lives is what matters."
Background and Campaign Priorities
During their campaign, Plaid Cymru presented a 100-day plan outlining their priorities if they were to assume power.
With Mr. ap Iorwerth now First Minister, Kate Crokcett asked about the purpose of this plan.
"The purpose was not only to provide a guide for us on the steps to take but also to offer a guide to you [the media] and the public to be able to measure and hold us accountable," Mr. ap Iorwerth explained.
He detailed specific steps they intend to take, such as establishing surgical centres and appointing 100 additional general practitioners, initiatives he believes will make a tangible difference.
However, he noted there are aspects of work related to NHS governance where they currently seek a better understanding to ensure planned actions have the most effective impact.
Childcare and Funding Challenges
One of the party's key priorities during the campaign was expanding free childcare provision. Mr. ap Iorwerth acknowledged that there are "several elements to the challenge."
"This is a project for the era of this government," he said, adding that he does not believe the public expected the changes to be ready by September.
"The transformation is what is important," he added, noting it will "take a little time."
He stated the cost will be substantial but described it as an investment worth making, expressing confidence that funding can be identified.
The second element involves "finding the staff to implement this," which he described as the practical challenge to be addressed in partnership with others.
Economic Plans and National Development Agency
Economic issues were a major topic during the campaign, with Plaid Cymru pledging to establish a National Development Agency.
"It may take some time to be fully operational," Mr. ap Iorwerth said on Wednesday morning, "but this is part of the first 100-day plan."
He emphasized the necessity of delivering certain objectives, including "offering prosperity to all parts of Wales, not just some areas."
He added,
"Let us now write and prepare the details of the action plan – and again, within the 100 days, this [the establishment of the agency] will begin immediately."
Mr. ap Iorwerth welcomed scrutiny of his government's plans and work, whether from Reform UK or the press.
"I invite the press in Wales and beyond to scrutinize in detail what we offer as a government," he said.
"It is a key part of our democracy, and we need to strengthen media plurality in Wales."
"I still consider myself a journalist who happens to be First Minister of our country," said Rhun ap Iorwerth.
Cabinet Selection and Government Structure
This is the first time Plaid Cymru has led the Welsh government, with Labour having governed in Cardiff since devolution in 1999 – 27 years ago.
The new expanded Senedd, increasing from 60 to 96 Members, means there will be 17 ministerial positions – five more than previously.
The new ministerial team will be announced at the Welsh Government headquarters in central Cardiff.
It is not yet clear whether Rhun ap Iorwerth will create additional government roles, but the party has pledged to appoint a Public Health Minister to focus on illness prevention.
Plaid Cymru has not disclosed in advance which government portfolios their current spokespeople will assume.
In the previous Senedd, Mabon ap Gwynfor and Heledd Fychan were responsible for health and finance portfolios, both key areas.
The First Minister will need to consider whether to appoint former Presiding Officer Elin Jones, the only one of Plaid Cymru's 43 Members of the Senedd with ministerial experience.
She served as Minister for Rural Affairs in the Labour-Plaid coalition during the early 2000s.
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