Rhun ap Iorwerth Poised to Lead Wales as First Plaid Cymru First Minister
Wales is on the verge of being led by its first Plaid Cymru first minister after three other Senedd parties indicated they would either support Rhun ap Iorwerth's nomination or choose not to oppose him.
Currently, Plaid Cymru holds 43 seats and Reform UK has 34, making them the only major parties represented in Cardiff Bay.
Senedd Vote and Party Positions
The vote in the Senedd to elect the first minister could occur as early as Tuesday. Ap Iorwerth needs to secure more votes than any other candidate, rather than an outright majority of all Members of the Senedd (MSs), to win the position.
Ken Skates, the interim Labour leader following Eluned Morgan's loss of her seat, has indicated that Labour members will abstain from the vote, as will Jane Dodds, the sole Liberal Democrat MS.
The Green Party, which has two MSs, has declared its support for ap Iorwerth, effectively ensuring that his appointment cannot be blocked.
Ap Iorwerth’s Vision and Cross-Party Cooperation
Over the weekend, ap Iorwerth expressed his desire for Plaid Cymru to govern independently rather than forming a coalition with other parties. He emphasized his intention to foster cross-party cooperation and seek support across the Senedd for his legislative programme.
During a tour of broadcast studios on Sunday, he stated he would hold the UK Labour government accountable if it fails to act in Wales’ best interests and said he would "take the fight" to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer if necessary.
"I would call out the Labour UK government if it fails to do the right thing for Wales, and take the fight to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer if that is what is needed."
Labour and Liberal Democrat Positions
On Sunday, Ken Skates announced that Labour Senedd members would meet on Monday to formally decide their position. He remarked that "the idea of teaming up with Reform is deeply unpleasant for all of the members of my group."
Jane Dodds stated,
"We are not going to back any Reform UK first minster. I am going to abstain if it's Rhun's name that goes forward."
Green Party and Reform UK Perspectives
Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter described supporting ap Iorwerth as a "no-brainer," citing Plaid Cymru's clear mandate and the need to send a message that progressive politics are needed in Wales.
Reform MS Llŷr Powell told BBC Wales that Reform Senedd members plan to nominate their leader, Dan Thomas, as first minister.
Conservative Party and Llywydd Election
The Conservative Party is expected to convene on Monday or early Tuesday to determine their stance on the first minister vote.
Before the first minister vote can proceed, a new Llywydd (speaker of the Senedd) must be elected, as Plaid MS Elin Jones is stepping down from the role.
Former Conservative Senedd group leader Paul Davies has expressed interest in the Llywydd position but will require support from either Plaid Cymru or Reform members to secure the appointment.
