In a seismic political shift, Plaid Cymru has won the Welsh Senedd elections, ending 100 years of Labour dominance in Wales and blocking the momentum of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. The centre-left Welsh nationalist party secured 43 seats, while Reform UK came second with 34, pushing Labour into third place with just nine seats. Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth declared himself ready to become first minister, marking a historic turning point in Welsh politics.
Speaking in Llandudno, ap Iorwerth said: “The people of Wales have today decided on the next steps in Wales’s journey. Plaid Cymru now stands ready to take the necessary steps to form the next government of Wales.” He emphasized that the victory represented “hope over division, credibility over chaos, and progress over stagnation.” With no overall majority, he signaled plans to negotiate with other parties that share Plaid’s goals for a fair and compassionate Wales.
The End of Labour’s Century-Long Reign
Welsh Labour, which had governed since devolution began in 1997 and traced its roots back a century, suffered a catastrophic defeat. First Minister Eluned Morgan, who took over in 2024, lost her own seat, becoming the first UK government leader to do so while in office. In a concession speech, she called the result “catastrophic” and announced her resignation as party leader, triggering a leadership contest.
Morgan urged the UK Labour government to “change course,” stating: “Today we see the end of over a century of Labour winning in Wales. The party will need to take a look at itself, understand the depth of the challenge, and think carefully about what the public has told us.” She acknowledged that the age of two-party dominance is over, as voters embraced multiple parties under Wales’s new more proportional voting system.
Key Election Results at a Glance
| Party | Seats Won |
|---|---|
| Plaid Cymru | 43 |
| Reform UK | 34 |
| Labour | 9 |
| Conservatives | 7 |
| Greens | 2 |
| Liberal Democrats | 1 |
Why This Election Was Historic
Polls had consistently suggested Plaid Cymru and Reform UK were neck and neck, but the final result was not as close as predicted. Plaid’s victory reflects a broader realignment in Welsh politics, where voters rejected both traditional Labour dominance and the populist appeal of Reform UK. Analysts note that Labour’s rebrand as “Welsh Labour” after devolution had successfully distinguished it from UK Labour, but this time it failed to stop soft nationalist voters from switching to Plaid.
Rhun ap Iorwerth emphasized that Plaid’s win was “a moment 100 years in the making.” The party’s platform focused on economic fairness, Welsh language promotion, and devolved powers. Reform UK’s strong second-place finish, however, signals rising support for anti-establishment politics in Wales, mirroring trends seen across the UK.
What Happens Next
Ap Iorwerth will be put forward as nominee for first minister, but he must secure support from other parties to form a government. He has signaled openness to talks with parties that share Plaid’s goals, possibly including the Greens and Liberal Democrats. The new Welsh government is expected to prioritize public services, housing, and climate action, while navigating a complex relationship with the UK government in Westminster.
Meanwhile, Welsh Labour faces a period of introspection. Morgan’s call for the UK Labour government to “change course” highlights internal tensions. The party’s collapse from 30 seats in 2021 to just nine in 2026 represents a dramatic erosion of its traditional base, particularly in working-class and rural areas.
FAQ: Understanding the Welsh Senedd Election
What is the Welsh Senedd?
The Senedd is the devolved parliament of Wales, with powers over areas like health, education, and transport. Elections are held every five years using a mixed-member proportional system.
Why is this result historic?
Labour had won every Welsh election since devolution in 1997 and had dominated Welsh politics for over a century. Plaid Cymru’s victory marks the first time a nationalist party has become the largest in Wales.
Could Reform UK form a government?
Reform UK came second with 34 seats but is unlikely to form a government due to lack of coalition partners. Plaid Cymru, as the largest party, has the first opportunity to build a governing coalition.
What does this mean for UK politics?
The result signals a major shift away from two-party dominance in Wales. It also puts pressure on UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, as Welsh Labour’s collapse could have ripple effects for the party’s national standing.
