Rhun ap Iorwerth

Stories

Plaid Cymru to form Welsh government, ending 27 years of Labour rule

Holds Bangor Conwy Môn seat; will put his name forward for First Minister

Wales had a Labour-led government for every day of its 27-year devolved history. Voters ended that on Thursday, and on Saturday Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said his party would form the next one.

Updated May 31

Britain's Super Thursday tests Labour across three nations

Rule Changes

Plaid Cymru leading partial Senedd results; expressed preference for a minority Plaid government rather than a formal coalition

Results from the May 7 Super Thursday elections, counted through Friday, May 8, showed Labour losing heavily and Reform surging past polling expectations. Reform gained more than 500 English council seats and took control of four authorities (Newcastle-under-Lyme, Havering, Sunderland, and Essex) for the first time.

Updated May 31

Notable Quotes

"Plaid Cymru stands ready to take the necessary steps to form the next government of Wales." — speech on the Senedd steps, May 9, 2026

from Plaid Cymru to form Welsh government, ending 27 years of Labour rule · Updated May 31

"No prime minister can cast Wales aside or turn a blind eye to our needs." — same speech

from Plaid Cymru to form Welsh government, ending 27 years of Labour rule · Updated May 31