Rhun ap Iorwerth Becomes Wales' First Minister After Plaid Cymru Wins 43 Seats
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 12
Rhun ap Iorwerth Becomes Wales' First Minister After Plaid Cymru Wins 43 Seats
13 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 12
Rhun ap Iorwerth was elected first minister by Senedd members on Tuesday, becoming the first non-Labour leader of the Welsh government after Plaid Cymru's historic election win.
43 seats gave Plaid Cymru first place in the new 96-member chamber, while Reform won 34 to become the largest opposition group and Labour collapsed to 9.
Ap Iorwerth said a "new confidence" had stirred in Wales and pledged to govern for all communities, seeking common ground while backing support for people facing unfairness and injustice.
Reform leader Dan Thomas congratulated him but vowed a "robust opposition," saying pro-union parties should block spending on an independence commission backed by Plaid and the Greens.
The power shift underlines the scale of Wales' political realignment after 27 years of Labour-led government, with Conservatives warning Plaid now faces immediate pressure on the NHS and economy.
With Labour's 'red wall' shattered, can Plaid Cymru's minority government survive its first major political test?
A nationalist party governs Wales, but a 'pro-union' majority controls the Senedd. Which force will ultimately prevail?
Reform UK vows to reshape Welsh history and language policy. Is a new culture war coming to Cardiff?
Plaid Cymru Ends 100 Years of Labour Rule: Inside Wales’ 2026 Political Earthquake and the Rise of Reform UK
Overview
In May 2026, Plaid Cymru achieved a historic victory in the Senedd election, ending over a century of Labour dominance in Wales. This shift was marked by the appointment of Rhun ap Iorwerth as the new First Minister, signaling a new era for Welsh politics. The election was the first to use a new proportional representation system, which played a key role in reshaping the political landscape. Labour’s defeat was profound, with Baroness Morgan acknowledging the challenges facing public services and the need for change, as the nation embraced a fresh direction under Plaid Cymru’s leadership.