Wales Green Party Leader Open to Coalition to Block Reform UK
Anthony Slaughter, leader of the Wales Green Party, has stated he would be willing to form a government coalition with other parties to prevent Reform UK from gaining power. This scenario could arise if Reform UK becomes the largest party but the combined votes for other parties exceed theirs.
Dan Thomas, leader of Reform UK Wales, criticized such a coalition possibility, describing it as "an establishment stitch up." However, Slaughter countered this claim, emphasizing that it would simply reflect that "more people had voted for someone other than Reform."
Controversy Surrounding Greens' England and Wales Leader
This week, the Green Party faced controversy after Zack Polanski, the party's leader for Wales and England, shared a social media post that criticized the police following an attack in Golders Green, London. Despite this, Slaughter expressed his continued "trust and faith" in Polanski.
New Voting System and Election Outlook
The upcoming Welsh election will mark the end of the first-past-the-post voting system, with all Members of the Senedd (MSs) to be elected through a proportional representation system. Polling data consistently suggests that Plaid Cymru and Reform UK are competing to become the largest party following the 7 May vote.
Given the electoral landscape, it is unlikely any single party will secure a majority, necessitating cooperation and support among parties.
Parties' Willingness to Collaborate Post-Election
Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens, and the Conservatives have all indicated a readiness to work with Plaid Cymru after the election. Conversely, only the Conservatives have maintained openness to collaborating with Reform UK.
Slaughter Responds to Coalition Criticism
Slaughter acknowledged the accusations of a "stitch-up" that parties might face if they form a coalition to exclude Reform UK from power. He stated:
"We're going to have four years of Reform saying the election was stolen off them. That's nonsense."
"That's democracy, that's proportional representation."
"If that [were to] happen, it would mean more people had voted for someone other than Reform. So I have no problem with that."
"You're electing people proportionally, so that would represent what the people of Wales had voted for."
Reform UK Leader Denounces Potential Coalition
Dan Thomas from Reform UK responded by urging voters to support his party, stating:
"The only way to stop an establishment stitch up that would see Plaid allow Labour back into government is to vote Reform."
Plaid Cymru's Position on the Election
Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, has asserted that his party is the only one capable of defeating Reform UK. A party spokesperson added:
"The only way to prevent Reform UK from being the largest party and bringing their regressive politics to Wales is to vote for Plaid Cymru."
Liberal Democrats' Stance on Coalitions
Jane Dodds, leader of Wales' Liberal Democrats, declared:
"There are no deals to be made between us and Reform UK and the Conservatives."
While not ruling out cooperation with Plaid Cymru, the Liberal Democrats have expressed that they would oppose any expenditure on preparations for Welsh independence. Plaid Cymru, however, has promised to establish a commission to explore independence.
Dodds further stated:
"We will have discussions with any party that shares our values and they're very clear - we don't want any money that belongs to the Welsh public spent on independence."
Conservative Leader's Conditions for Cooperation
Darren Millar, leader of the Conservative group in the Senedd, indicated his willingness to work with any party that supports key Conservative policies. He said:
"If those other parties are prepared to help me implement a tax cut for people in terms of the basic rate of income tax, if they're prepared to work with me to roll back the extra members of the Senedd that are being imposed upon the people of Wales this year, if they're prepared to work with me to end that government waste and deliver that cut in stamp duty, I'll work with any of them."
Labour Party's Position
Labour has been approached for comment on these developments but has not yet responded.
