PLAID CYMRU TAKES POWER AFTER HISTORIC SENEDD VOTE
PLAID CYMRU leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has become Wales’ new First Minister following a historic vote in the Senedd today, marking one of the biggest political changes since devolution.
Ap Iorwerth secured 44 votes in the chamber, defeating Reform UK Wales leader Dan Thomas, who received 34. There were nine abstentions.
The result confirms Plaid Cymru’s move into government after the party emerged from the Senedd election as the largest group in the expanded 96-member parliament.
It is the first time Plaid Cymru has held the top job in Welsh politics, ending Labour’s long dominance of the Welsh Government since the start of devolution in 1999.
The vote followed days of intense political manoeuvring after an election which transformed the balance of power in Cardiff Bay.
Plaid Cymru won the largest number of seats but fell short of an overall majority, meaning ap Iorwerth will now lead a minority administration.
Reform UK’s Dan Thomas also put himself forward for the role of First Minister after his party’s major breakthrough at the election.
However, ap Iorwerth won the Senedd vote with support from outside his own party, while Labour members abstained.
The result leaves Reform UK as the main opposition party in the Senedd, with Labour reduced to a much smaller role after more than two decades in control of Welsh Government.
Ap Iorwerth, a former BBC journalist and broadcaster, has represented Ynys Môn in the Senedd since 2013 and became Plaid Cymru leader in 2023.
He now faces the task of forming a government and setting out his cabinet, with pressure expected immediately on health, the economy, farming, housing, transport and public services.
The change comes after the first Senedd election held under the new voting system, with 96 Members elected across larger multi-member constituencies.
For Wales, the vote marks a political turning point.
For Plaid Cymru, it is the moment the party has sought for a century: the chance to lead the Welsh Government.
