CROWDS gathered outside the Senedd as Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth arrived in Cardiff Bay following his party’s historic victory in the Welsh election.
Supporters waving Welsh flags and Plaid banners cheered as ap Iorwerth made his way through crowds of activists, journalists and newly elected Members of the Senedd, in scenes unlike anything seen in modern Welsh devolved politics.
The election result marks a political earthquake in Wales, with Plaid Cymru emerging as the largest party in the Senedd for the first time since devolution began in 1999.
Ap Iorwerth was greeted by supporters, posed for photographs and embraced well-wishers as he arrived at the waterfront venue before addressing media gathered outside.
The atmosphere around Cardiff Bay was jubilant, with many supporters describing the result as a “turning point” for Wales.
Plaid’s breakthrough came after a dramatic night which saw Labour suffer major losses across Wales, while Reform UK also made significant gains under the new expanded Senedd voting system.
In emotional scenes, ap Iorwerth hugged supporters and thanked campaigners who had travelled from across Wales to witness the moment.
One photograph captured the Plaid leader embracing a young supporter as crowds packed the entrance area overlooking Cardiff Bay, while another showed hundreds gathered outside as he addressed the media beneath Welsh flags.
The result leaves Plaid Cymru in pole position as discussions begin over how the next Welsh Government will be formed in a hung Senedd.
Speaking after arriving at the Bay, Plaid figures said voters had delivered a “clear message that Wales wants change.”
The historic scenes are likely to become defining images of a new era in Welsh politics.
