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Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth willing to ‘take the fight’ to Keir Starmer

Michael Hernandez May 10, 2026

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Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth Ready to Challenge Labour Leadership

A Shift in Power and Political Posturing

Plaid Cymru s Rhun ap Iorwerth – Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth has stated his intent to confront the Labour UK government directly, vowing to “call out” the administration if it does not prioritize Wales’ interests. Following the recent Senedd election, where the nationalist party secured 43 seats and became the largest group in the Welsh Parliament, ap Iorwerth emphasized that the UK government now faces a critical decision. “They can either penalize Wales for our electoral outcome or acknowledge that their indifference has been exposed,” he argued during a BBC Politics Wales interview. This marks a pivotal moment as ap Iorwerth eyes the role of first minister, a position he believes he will soon occupy.

The election results have disrupted the political landscape, ending Labour’s long-standing dominance in Wales. For the first time in a century, the party has lost its majority, with Reform UK emerging as the second-largest group. The new Welsh Parliament, expanded to 96 members, now sees Labour holding only nine seats, the Conservatives seven, the Green Party two, and a single Liberal Democrat. This redistribution of power has created an environment where ap Iorwerth’s demands for greater autonomy could gain traction.

Devolution Demands and Legislative Vision

Ap Iorwerth has outlined a comprehensive agenda aimed at expanding devolution powers, which he claims have been neglected by the UK government. His vision includes a new Wales bill for Westminster, focusing on fair funding, addressing the HS2 project’s regional impact, and re-evaluating control over natural resources. “This legislation would tackle the issues that matter most to Welsh citizens,” he explained, highlighting his commitment to policy reforms that align with local needs.

Jo Stevens, the UK government’s Secretary of State for Wales, has expressed confidence in her party’s approach, stating that their goal is to “do things that make people’s lives better in Wales.” However, ap Iorwerth argues that Labour has failed to act decisively in recent years. “While Labour members and policies may have addressed certain areas, they were unwilling to push back against the UK government,” he noted. This sentiment underscores the tension between Welsh nationalism and the UK’s centralizing influence.

Interparty Dynamics and Voting Process

The path to ap Iorwerth’s leadership appears clear, as no coalition can prevent his ascension. The two Green Party members have pledged support, while the Liberal Democrat Jane Dodds will abstain from voting. Labour’s interim leader, Ken Skates, has indicated his group is unlikely to oppose him, leaving Reform UK’s 34 seats insufficient to block his nomination. Skates highlighted the internal Labour debate, stating: “We’re going to meet tomorrow to make a final decision, but partnering with Reform is seen as deeply unpleasant by our members.”

Ap Iorwerth has also clarified his governance approach, expressing a desire to lead without external support. “I want Plaid Cymru to govern independently,” he said, while acknowledging the importance of cross-party collaboration. His reluctance to engage with Reform’s Dan Thomas, whom he claimed “didn’t feel like he wanted to speak with me as leader,” has sparked disagreement. Reform’s spokesperson contested this, asserting that they provided a direct line for communication and that ap Iorwerth’s claim is inaccurate.

Public Services vs. Devolution: A Point of Contention

Jo Stevens defended the UK government’s focus on public services, stating that “nobody talked to me about transferring powers from Wales to Westminster.” She emphasized that the priority for Welsh voters is improved infrastructure, healthcare, and education, rather than further devolution. Yet ap Iorwerth’s campaign has positioned devolution as a central issue, accusing Labour of prioritizing Westminster control over local needs. “The Labour policy in some areas has been clear, but their willingness to challenge the UK government has been lacking,” he pointed out.

This ideological clash has gained momentum as ap Iorwerth prepares to take office. His leadership is seen as a test of whether Welsh aspirations for autonomy can be realized within the UK framework. Meanwhile, outgoing First Minister Eluned Morgan’s loss of her seat has signaled the end of Labour’s era in Welsh politics, with her resignation as Welsh Labour leader marking a symbolic shift. The new era, ap Iorwerth believes, will see Wales asserting its voice more prominently in national decision-making.

Reform’s Role and Future of Welsh Politics

Reform UK, which has gained significant ground in the election, faces a crucial crossroads. While the party’s members have not formally aligned with ap Iorwerth, their ability to block his nomination is limited. Ap Iorwerth’s spokesperson noted that Reform had offered a communication channel but that the party’s leader had not used it. “We were told explicitly that Dan Thomas would not be available for a direct conversation,” they said, adding that any correspondence would need to go through his staff.

Despite this, ap Iorwerth remains undeterred. He has emphasized his readiness to engage with all parties, though his preference for independent governance is clear. Jane Dodds, the sole Liberal Democrat in the new parliament, has reiterated her support for ap Iorwerth, stating she will not obstruct his nomination. “We are not going to back any Reform UK first minister,” she said, vowing to abstain if ap Iorwerth’s name is put forward. This stance reflects a broader alliance between Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats, positioning them against Labour and Reform.

The outcome of ap Iorwerth’s nomination could redefine Welsh politics for years to come. His focus on devolution and fair funding aligns with long-standing Plaid Cymru principles, yet the practical challenges of implementing these policies remain. As the Senedd prepares for its next phase, the debate over Wales’ role in the UK will continue to shape the political discourse. Ap Iorwerth’s determination to “take the fight” to the prime minister signals a bold move, one that could either strengthen Welsh autonomy or ignite further conflict with Westminster.

A New Chapter for Wales

The election has set the stage for a new political chapter in Wales, with ap Iorwerth’s leadership representing a significant step toward greater self-governance. His vision for a Wales bill underscores the party’s commitment to addressing regional grievances, from unfair funding allocations to control over natural resources. As the first minister’s vote approaches, the pressure on the UK government to respond to Welsh demands will intensify.

With the Senedd’s expanded membership and the shift in power dynamics, ap Iorwerth’s administration will face both opportunities and challenges. While he has secured the support of key allies, the full extent of cross-party cooperation remains to be seen. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether his approach will succeed in reshaping Wales’ relationship with the UK government or if resistance from Labour and Reform will persist. For now, ap Iorwerth’s resolve to challenge the status quo is a defining feature of this new political era.

As the new parliament convenes, the debate over devolution and regional control will remain central. Ap Iorwerth’s words, “Well, this first minister is willing to take that fight to the UK government,” encapsulate the spirit of his campaign. Whether this stance will lead to tangible policy changes or deepen divisions between Welsh nationalists and the UK government remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the political landscape has changed irrevocably.

“We were told explicitly that Dan Thomas would not be available and that any correspondence should be via his member of staff.” – Plaid Cymru spokesperson