Welsh First Minister Calls for Renewed Westminster Relations
Wales' First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has urged for a "new relationship" between the Welsh government and Westminster following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer.
Ap Iorwerth outlined a series of demands for the prime minister's successor, including enhanced powers for the Welsh government. He stated that his administration's ability to engage had been hindered by ongoing political instability in the UK.
Welsh Labour MPs expressed support for Sir Keir's decision, with many acknowledging it as the appropriate course of action. Sir Keir announced on Monday that he will remain in office until a new Labour leader is chosen by the party in September.
Interim Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates commended the prime minister, noting that he had revitalised the party.
Meanwhile, Reform's Welsh leader Dan Thomas called for a general election, asserting:
"The public must decide who governs the country, not Labour members."
Following Plaid Cymru's historic victory over Welsh Labour in May's Senedd election, Sir Keir had promised a meeting with the first ministers of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland in June, which has yet to occur.
After Sir Keir's resignation, ap Iorwerth expressed disappointment that the Welsh government's engagement with the prime minister had been "hampered by the turmoil in Westminster."
He stated:
"I wish Sir Keir Starmer well as he prepares to leave office. I would like to see his successor recognising that Wales needs a new relationship with Westminster, with a focus on greater powers, fair funding and respect for the democratic mandate delivered by the people of Wales.
My government and I will always seek a constructive relationship with whoever is in Number 10, but we have clear expectations that the respect agenda must work both ways."
Promises and Political Responses
Plaid Cymru pledged during the Senedd election to negotiate additional powers and funding for Wales, including the devolution of justice, a demand also supported by Welsh Labour members in the Senedd. However, these promises were not fulfilled during Sir Keir's tenure as prime minister.
Welsh Labour MPs Tonia Antoniazzi and Ruth Jones conveyed to BBC Wales their belief that Sir Keir had "done the right thing."
An unnamed Labour minister indicated that many within the UK government had anticipated Sir Keir's departure, stating:
"It's never pleasant and sad for him personally, but the most important thing is to do what is best for the country - and this is."
Former First Minister Mark Drakeford expressed hope that Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham would become prime minister, referencing their joint campaign in the recent Makerfield by-election, which resulted in Burnham's election as an MP.
Drakeford commented:
"I think he has an ability to persuade people in this country to have some hope again about the future.
People have lost faith in the possibility of improvement."
He noted that Burnham, who has declared his candidacy to replace Sir Keir, has experience with devolution from multiple perspectives, having managed a major local authority.
Another Welsh Labour source added that while Burnham would need to engage positively with the Welsh government, he must also be willing to challenge it when necessary.
The source remarked:
"Right now the Welsh government has a shopping list significantly larger than its wallet,"
and stressed the need to prioritise addressing the cost-of-living crisis.
First Minister's Expectations and Political Commentary
At a press conference, ap Iorwerth stated:
"If it is Andy Burnham that is in Number 10, one would hope that his understanding of devolution, through his time as the mayor of Manchester, would perhaps give him a greater understanding of what the importance of getting devolution right is.
But whoever holds the key to 10 Downing Street, my asks will be the same."
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens described Sir Keir as "a man of dignity, duty and commitment to our country and our party." She praised his leadership, saying:
"Through sheer hard work, bravery and determination, he transformed our party, rebuilt public trust and led us to the greatest election victory in my lifetime."
Interim Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates highlighted Sir Keir's achievements, including raising the minimum wage and announcing £14bn for rail investment in Wales. He said:
"He has led the country through exceptionally tough times with dignity and authenticity and I want to put on record my deepest thanks to him."
Skates also expressed support for Burnham should a leadership contest occur.
Welsh Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick commented that a change in prime minister would not bring significant change unless Labour addresses structural issues affecting Wales.
Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Darren Millar stated that despite Sir Keir's departure, Labour's shortcomings persist. He warned:
"The very last thing that Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom needs at this moment time is another Labour leader who won't stand up to Labour MPs on welfare, energy, defence spending and action on the cost of living."
