Plaid Cymru Leads Wales Government After 100 Years of Labour

Plaid Cymru has taken over the Welsh Government, ending 100 years of Labour leadership. This is a major change for Wales.
By Newsroom | Politics, Wales |

Rhun ap Iorwerth has been formally installed as the First Minister of Wales, marking a seismic shift after 100 years of Labour government. Ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, secured the position following his party's decisive electoral victory. This appointment signifies the end of Labour's long-standing dominance in Welsh politics and ushers in a new era with Plaid Cymru at the forefront.

The new First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth, 53, hails from Ynys Môn (Anglesey) and becomes the first leader from North Wales to hold the position. His appointment followed a Senedd vote where he garnered the support needed to lead the Welsh Government. The transition was rapid, with ap Iorwerth assuming office shortly after securing Senedd backing.

New Cabinet Unveiled

Ap Iorwerth has since announced his cabinet, filling key ministerial roles within the new Plaid Cymru administration. The lineup includes:

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  • Deputy First Minister and Minister for Social Justice and Equality: Sioned Williams

  • Finance Minister: Elin Jones

  • Trefnydd, Chief Whip, and Minister for Culture and Sport: Heledd Fychan

  • Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution: Dafydd Trystan Davies

  • Health Minister: Mabon ap Gwynfor

  • Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity, and Energy: Adam Price

  • Minister for Education and the Welsh Language: Anna Brychan

  • Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability: Llŷr Gruffydd

  • Minister for Local Government, Housing, and Planning: Siân Gwenllian

The new government has stated its immediate task is to work towards a "fairer, greener and more prosperous Wales."

Political Landscape Shifts

The recent Senedd elections saw Plaid Cymru win the most seats in the expanded 96-seat parliament, unseating Labour's long-held majority. This outcome also led to the resignation of former Welsh Labour leader Baroness Eluned Morgan, who lost her seat.

Other parties also put forward candidates for First Minister. Dan Thomas of Reform UK received 34 votes, while Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, secured seven votes. Labour's interim leader, Ken Skates, expressed regret over the party's performance, indicating a focus on serving the people while in opposition.

Senedd Leadership

In other Senedd proceedings, Huw Irranca-Davies of Labour was elected the new Presiding Officer (Llywydd). Kerry Ferguson of Plaid Cymru will serve as his deputy. Ap Iorwerth's move to secure positions with Labour drew criticism, with some finding the tone "unedifying."

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Elfyn Llwyd, a familiar political figure, has been designated as Counsel General. Further deputy ministerial appointments include:

  • Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health: Nerys Evans

  • Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health: Delyth Jewell

  • Deputy Minister for Transport: Mark Hooper

  • Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education: Cefin Campbell

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the new First Minister of Wales and why is it important?
Rhun ap Iorwerth from Plaid Cymru is the new First Minister. This is important because it ends 100 years of Labour government in Wales and starts a new political era.
Q: What is the new Plaid Cymru government's main goal?
The new government wants to create a 'fairer, greener and more prosperous Wales'. They have also announced their new cabinet members.
Q: How did Plaid Cymru win the election?
Plaid Cymru won the most seats in the recent Senedd elections, taking over from Labour's long-held majority. This led to the former Labour leader losing her seat.
Q: Who are some of the key people in the new Welsh Government?
Rhun ap Iorwerth is First Minister. Sioned Williams is Deputy First Minister, Elin Jones is Finance Minister, and Mabon ap Gwynfor is Health Minister. Many other ministers were also appointed.