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Wales is poised to have its first-ever Plaid Cymru first minister following indications from three other parties in the Senedd that they will either support Rhun ap Iorwerth’s nomination or choose not to oppose it. Currently, Plaid Cymru holds 43 seats, while Reform UK holds 34, making them the two dominant parties in Cardiff Bay. The upcoming Senedd vote, which could take place as early as Tuesday, requires ap Iorwerth to secure more votes than any other candidate, rather than a majority of the total Members of the Senedd (MSs), in order to be confirmed as first minister.
Ken Skates, serving as interim Labour leader after Eluned Morgan lost her seat, has indicated that Labour will abstain from the vote, a stance echoed by Jane Dodds, the sole Liberal Democrat MS. Meanwhile, the Green Party, with its two members, will actively support ap Iorwerth, effectively ensuring that his path to the premiership cannot be blocked. Over the weekend, ap Iorwerth expressed his preference for Plaid Cymru to govern alone instead of forming a coalition with other parties, emphasizing his desire for cross-party cooperation and backing for his legislative agenda from across the Senedd.
On Sunday, Skates mentioned that Labour members would meet on Monday to finalize their position but commented that “the idea of teaming up with Reform is deeply unpleasant for all of the members of my group.” Dodds confirmed her position by stating, “we are not going to back any Reform UK first minster,” and added, “I am going to abstain if it’s Rhun’s name that goes forward.” Anthony Slaughter, leader of the Green Party, described supporting ap Iorwerth as a “no-brainer,” saying that Plaid Cymru enjoys “such a clear mandate” and that this moment calls for “progressive politics in Wales.”
Reform MS Llŷr Powell revealed that their members intend to nominate their leader, Dan Thomas, as a candidate for first minister. The Conservative group is scheduled to meet on Monday or early Tuesday to decide their position regarding the vote. Before electing the next first minister, a new Llywydd (speaker of the Senedd) must be appointed, as current Llywydd Elin Jones of Plaid Cymru is stepping down. Paul Davies, former Conservative Senedd group leader, has expressed interest in the role of Llywydd but acknowledges that he would require support from Plaid Cymru or Reform UK to secure the position
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