Rhun ap Iorwerth vows Plaid Cymru-only Welsh government
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 10
Rhun ap Iorwerth vows Plaid Cymru-only Welsh government
11 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 10
With 43 seats in the 96-member Senedd, Plaid is six short of a majority but ap Iorwerth is expected to win Tuesday's first minister vote if Labour's nine members abstain.
Before that, members must elect a new presiding officer to replace Elin Jones, a step that could delay his confirmation, after which he can appoint up to 17 ministers.
Plaid then faces pressure to cut NHS waiting times, set a budget and secure support from other parties, with future spending linked to its longer-term push to build the case for independence.
With no majority, can Plaid Cymru's government survive the tough budget deals required to pass any laws?
Having downplayed independence to win, how will Plaid Cymru build its case without alienating new voters?
After a century of dominance, is Labour's historic collapse in Wales a temporary protest or a permanent realignment?
Wales Transformed: 2026 Senedd Election Ushers in Plaid Cymru Minority Government and Ends Labour Dominance
Overview
The 2026 Senedd election marked a historic turning point for Welsh politics, driven by sweeping reforms to the electoral system. The number of Members of the Senedd increased from 60 to 96, and Wales was divided into 16 new super-constituencies, each electing six MSs through the proportional D’Hondt system. This overhaul meant even small changes in vote share could dramatically shift seat distribution, setting the stage for major political realignment. The result was a more diverse and representative Senedd, reflecting a new era of Welsh democracy and challenging the dominance of traditional parties.