# Senedd Politics Overview

# Senedd Politics — Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

**Last updated:** 13 June 2026 — Housing minister confirms Right to Adequate Housing will be enshrined in Welsh law; YouGov demographic analysis reveals scale of voter realignment; Siân Gwenllian sets out housing priorities including Unnos development body and 20,000 social homes target

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## Current Situation

**Plaid Cymru** became the largest party in the Senedd for the first time ever following the **7 May 2026** Senedd election, ending 27 years of Labour dominance in Wales. This was the first Senedd election under the new proportional representation system.

**Rhun ap Iorwerth** is the First Minister of Wales, leading Wales' first ever Plaid Cymru government.

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## 2026 Senedd Election Result

| Party | Seats | Change | Notes |
|-------|-------|--------|-------|
| **Plaid Cymru** | 43 | +30 | Largest party for first time ever |
| **Reform UK Cymru** | 34 | +34 | Massive breakthrough |
| **Labour Cymru** | 9 | -21 | Worst result in modern Welsh history |
| **Conservatives** | 7 | -22 | Major losses |
| **Liberal Democrats** | 1 | -3 | Reduced to single MS |
| **Green Party** | 2 | +2 | First ever MSs elected |

Labour's First Minister **Eluned Morgan** lost her own seat. Reform UK's Dan Thomas stood in the election. The Green Party won their first ever Senedd seats.

Plaid Cymru formed a government without a majority — requiring support from the Liberal Democrats and/or Greens.

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## Plaid Cymru Government Cabinet

**First Minister:** Rhun ap Iorwerth
**Deputy First Minister:** Sioned Williams (also child poverty + childcare portfolio)

| Portfolio | Minister | Notes |
|-----------|----------|-------|
| **Deputy First Minister / Child Poverty & Childcare** | Sioned Williams | Flagship £10 child payment, expanding childcare |
| **Health & Care** | Mabon ap Gwynfor | 55% of Welsh budget; former Plaid health spokesperson |
| **Education** | Anna Brychan | Former director of NAHT (head teachers union) |
| **Finance** | Elin Jones | Former Presiding Officer; will negotiate budget with other parties |
| **Culture & Sport** | Heledd Fychan | Also Trefnydd (government business organiser) |
| **Enterprise, Connectivity & Energy** | Adam Price | Former Plaid Cymru leader |
| **Rural Resilience & Sustainability** | Llŷr Gruffydd | Former Plaid rural affairs spokesman; now overseeing environment/farming |
| **Counsel General** | Elfyn Llwyd | Returning to frontline politics; former Plaid MP |
| **Constitution & Government Effectiveness** | Dafydd Trystan | New MS; former Plaid chair/CEO under Leanne Wood and Adam Price |
| **Local Government, Housing & Planning** | Sian Gwenllian | Also in cabinet; former Deputy Leader of Plaid Cymru, MS for Arfon |

**Deputy Ministers:**
- **Nerys Evans** — Public & Preventative Health
- **Delyth Jewell** — Social Care, Mental Health & Women's Health
- **Mark Hooper** — Transport
- **Cefin Campbell** — Skills & Tertiary Education

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## Reform UK Cymru Shadow Cabinet

**Announced 19 May 2026** — sources: @RUKWales, @RightTrackGB, @ReformDaily_ on X/Twitter.

| Portfolio | Shadow Minister | Notes |
|-----------|---------------|-------|
| **Leader of the Opposition** | Dan Thomas | Party leader |
| **Deputy Leader / Education & Welsh Language** | Helen Jenner | First appointment announced |
| **Finance & Government Efficiency** | Cai Parry-Jones | Laptop-gate complainant |
| **Chief Whip & Business Manager** | Llŷr Powell | MS for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni |
| **Health, Prevention & Sport** | James Evans | Newly elected MS |
| **Food, Farming & Rural Affairs** | Laura Anne Jones | Agriculture portfolio |
| **Economy & Transport** | Jason O'Connell | Business and infrastructure |
| **Local Government, Housing & Planning** | Francesca O'Brien | Housing and planning |
| **Children, Young People & Skills** | Sarah Cooper-Lesadd | Skills and education |
| **Fairness, Families & Communities** | Christiana Emsley | Social policy |
| **Culture, Tourism & Hospitality** | Louise Emery | Clwyd MS, former Conservative councillor |

---

## Key Recent Developments

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| 7 May 2026 | Senedd election — Plaid Cymru wins 43 seats, becomes largest party |
| 9 May 2026 | "Welsh political earthquake" — Labour loses Wales for first time in over 100 years |
| 12 May 2026 | First plenary of the new Senedd term |
| 13 May 2026 | Rhun ap Iorwerth reveals full ministerial team, promising "new era" |
| 17 May 2026 | Rhun ap Iorwerth spends election night at Premier Inn after forgetting keys (goes viral) |
| 19 May 2026 | **First FMQs of the new term** — Rhun outlines 100-day priorities |
| 19 May 2026 | Rhun confirms he raised Welsh independence with Starmer in post-election call |
| 19 May 2026 | Starmer said to be "open" to discussing more Senedd powers |
| 19 May 2026 | **Former First Minister Mark Drakeford says Andy Burnham should be PM** — in an interview, Drakeford backs Greater Manchester mayor as a future Labour leader |
| 19 May 2026 | Free school meals expanded to secondary pupils in Universal Credit homes |
| 20 May 2026 | **Welsh Government announces "most ambitious childcare offer in the UK"** — 20 hours/week funded childcare for 48 weeks/year, for all children 9 months to 4 years old, phased in over the Senedd term |
| 20 May 2026 | **Welsh Labour interim leader Ken Skates** says separate Welsh Labour party is "unaffordable" — would only afford 1.5 FTE staff standing alone. Attributes loss to health, cost-of-living, and "anger on the doorstep" directed at UK Labour brand |
| 20 May 2026 | Gigantic solar farm plan on Anglesey withdrawn by developer |
| 20 May 2026 | Reform MS Cai Parry-Jones complains about being issued two laptops — gets rinsed online |
| 20 May 2026 | Reform MS says Senedd shouldn't fly Ukraine flag |
| 20 May 2026 | **Rhun ap Iorwerth declines to give a start date for free childcare expansion** — BBC reports the FM didn't specify when the flagship policy would begin, saying only it would be phased in "over the course of this Senedd term". IFS warns £400m/year policy likely requires cuts or tax rises |
| 20 May 2026 | **Mark Drakeford blames Labour's Senedd collapse on UK government offering "so little" in new powers** — attacks Welsh Labour MPs in Westminster; Welsh Labour source calls Drakeford "architect-in-chief" of the defeat and demands "silence" |
| 21 May 2026 | **Cost of living measures a "missed opportunity"**, says First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth (BBC) |
| 21 May 2026 | **Health Minister Mabon ap Gwynfor** says £120m fund to cut NHS wait times to be "spent better" |
| 21 May 2026 | Plaid confirms free school meals for secondary pupils in Universal Credit homes |
| 21 May 2026 | Business Committee meeting |
| 21 May 2026 | **Wales is a "low-pay hotspot"**, First Minister tells unions — Rhun says addressing low wages is a priority for the new government |
| 22 May 2026 | **Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas appoints disgraced Nazi salute candidate Corey Edwards as special adviser** — Edwards resigned as Senedd candidate after photo emerged of him performing Nazi salute. Plaid source: "Reform have shown their true colours" |
| 22 May 2026 | **Senedd elections treated as "second order contests"** — Cardiff University research confirms UK-wide broadcasters gave limited attention to May's elections |
| 22 May 2026 | Senedd approaching mid-term recess (Nation.Cymru) |
| 22 May 2026 | Reform MS says Senedd shouldn't fly Ukraine flag — BBC reports |
| 22 May 2026 | **Environment minister Llŷr Gruffydd says muck-spreading ban doesn't work and will be changed** — the winter slurry ban championed by the previous Labour administration and environmental groups will be revised, with Gruffydd saying "you don't look at the calendar, you look out of the window" |
| 22 May 2026 | **Senedd offices set for major refurbishment** — Tŷ Hywel's lease expires in 2032; new 50-year deal agreed with option to purchase building for £1 in 2082. Cost covered by landlord Equitix |
| 23 May 2026 | **Senedd culture war — tampons in men's toilets** becomes a talking point on X, with Reform MSs criticising and Plaid/MS defending period dignity policy |
| 23 May 2026 | **Plaid Cymru accused of "lying" about manifesto costing** — Reform Wales claims Plaid's flagship childcare promise wasn't fully costed, citing a BBC report |
| 23 May 2026 | Farmer concerns over Plaid U-turn — reports of farmers feeling "betrayed" by Plaid Cymru on agricultural policy, described as "U-turn #3" |
| 23 May 2026 | Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas backs call to remove Ukraine flag outside Senedd — BBC reports Dan Thomas backed the Reform MS who said the Senedd shouldn't fly the Ukrainian flag. The Senedd has flown it since the 2022 invasion. Plaid and other parties condemned the position |
| 23 May 2026 | Senedd enters mid-term recess — the Seventh Senedd's first recess began after the Business Committee meeting on 21 May. No plenaries scheduled for week of 25 May. Next plenary expected week commencing 1 June 2026 (TBC) |
| 25 May 2026 | **Plaid Cymru pushes Crown Estate devolution** — the party's official X account posts in Welsh and English announcing their demand for control over the Crown Estate, saying Wales' natural resources "should be controlled here in Wales — not in Westminster" |
| 26 May 2026 | **"Should the Welsh first minister get an official home?"** — BBC Wales reports debate over whether Rhun ap Iorwerth should have an official residence. Story follows reports that he spent election night in a Premier Inn after forgetting his Cardiff flat keys. Prof Richard Wyn Jones and former Office of the FM head Des Clifford argue an official home is needed for hosting; former FM Lord Carwyn Jones says it's "difficult to justify to the public" |
| 26 May 2026 | **Rhun ap Iorwerth rules out Wales-wide mobile phone ban in schools** — speaking at the Urdd Eisteddfod on Anglesey, FM says Welsh Government will empower schools to make their own decisions instead of a blanket ban. Contrasts with England where UK govt intends to pass a law requiring smartphone-free schools. Welsh Conservatives criticise the stance |
| 26 May 2026 | **Former Reform Senedd candidate Corey Edwards appointed special adviser to Dan Thomas** — Edwards resigned as candidate after photo emerged of him performing Nazi salute. Nigel Farage had defended him at the time. Plaid Cymru says appointment "will raise eyebrows". Labour questions judgement of Reform leadership. Covered by BBC, WalesOnline, Nation.Cymru |
| 26 May 2026 | **Welsh independence debate: Nation.Cymru publishes "Wales Must Define Itself"** — opinion piece by Ben Wildsmith analysing the post-election constitutional landscape and what Plaid's government means for Welsh national identity |
| 27 May 2026 | **Jac Larner (Cardiff University) publishes "Early Returns" post-election analysis** — detailed academic piece analysing bloc consolidation (Welsh-progressive vs British-conservative), cultural attachment / national identity as vote drivers, and voter attitudes to problem-solving. Key findings: within-bloc voter movements dwarfed cross-bloc flows; Plaid voters think problems are complex while Reform voters believe problems have simple solutions. Available at [jaclarner.github.io](https://jaclarner.github.io/jaclarner/blog/reflect_26/) |
| 27 May 2026 | **Senedd in recess** — no plenaries scheduled for the week beginning 25 May. Next plenary expected week commencing 1 June 2026. |
| 27 May 2026 | **Recruitment firms urge caution over zero hours contracts law** — Nation.Cymru reports Britain's largest umbrella body for recruitment firms urged FM Rhun ap Iorwerth to back moves to water down the ban on zero hours contracts. The law was inherited from the previous Labour administration. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/recruitment-firms-urge-caution-over-ending-of-zero-hours-contracts/) |
| 27 May 2026 | **MPs recommend Welsh investment promotion agency** — a cross-party Westminster committee report recommends establishing a dedicated Welsh investment promotion agency to attract overseas businesses and streamline support. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/mps-recommend-setting-up-a-welsh-investment-promotion-agency-to-create-new-jobs/) |
| 27 May 2026 | **Reform UK hires second disgraced ex-candidate as special adviser** — Nation.Cymru reports that Derek Roberts, a former Reform Senedd candidate who stepped down after racist Facebook posts were uncovered (including Islamophobic comments, sharing an image of a Mosque with a red cross, and a post referencing "72 virgins" after the Lebanon pager attacks), has been appointed as a special adviser to newly elected Reform MS Dr Gaz Thomas (Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg). This follows the appointment of Corey Edwards (who performed a Nazi salute) as Dan Thomas's adviser. Plaid and Labour condemn the pattern. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/reform-hires-racist-ex-candidate-for-senedd-role/) |
|| 28 May 2026 | **FM Rhun ap Iorwerth makes case for M4 relief road at Newport** — speaking to WalesOnline, Rhun says a new road to take traffic off the Brynglas Tunnels bottleneck is needed, reiterating a "roads-based solution" to M4 congestion. Signals shift from Labour's scrapped M4 relief road and subsequent Burns delivery plan. [WalesOnline](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/rhun-ap-iorwerth-makes-m4-34024711) |
|| 28 May 2026 | **FM Rhun ap Iorwerth gives 30-minute in-depth interview on BBC Walescast** — first extended interview as First Minister, covering his priorities, the M4 relief road position, and the new government's direction. Series 4, aired 27/05/2026. [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0lwxyz) — discussed on r/politicswales |
|| 28 May 2026 | **Senedd candidate in Nazi salute photo row now Reform special adviser** — cross-posted across multiple subreddits as awareness of Reform's controversial adviser appointments spreads. [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/FuckNigelFarage/comments/1tpuj41/) |
|| 31 May 2026 | **Lee Waters: Welsh Labour faces "existential crisis"** — speaking to BBC Radio Wales' Sunday Supplement, former Labour transport minister Lee Waters says the party must "go back to first principles and rethink what it is for". Describes watching Labour's collapse as a "slow-motion car crash". Admits the 20mph default speed limit policy "took up a lot of political capital and caused a lot of difficulty". A Welsh Labour spokesperson says: "These were catastrophic results for us and we need to take the time to determine what went wrong." [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgzyvmgv8po) |
|| 31 May 2026 | **"Don't be a knob, do your job" — Nation.Cymru opinion piece satirises Reform MSs** — columnist Pen Rhyddid writes a scathing piece targeting Reform MSs including Cai Parry-Jones (Ukraine flag criticism, laptop complaint, toilet signage controversy). Also criticises interim Labour leader Ken Skates for claiming Labour can't survive without UK Labour support. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/opinion/dont-be-a-knob-do-your-job/) |
|| 30 May 2026 | **Senedd anti-lying law gains international attention** — Courthouse News Service reports Wales is set to become the first country in the world to make it a crime for candidates to lie during election campaigns. The legislation creates a new criminal offence of making false or misleading statements of fact to advantage a candidate. Cross-posted to r/Roumanie where international Redditors discuss the law. [Courthouse News](https://courthousenews.com/wales-poised-to-become-first-country-to-make-election-lies-a-crime/) — discussed on r/Roumanie |
|| 29 May 2026 | **STV for 2027 council elections being discussed** — Nation.Cymru's Martin Shipton reports Senedd Members are in talks about switching to the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system for next year's council elections. Former First Minister Mark Drakeford called for this in his post-election essay. Senedd sources say there are concerns Reform UK could win overall control of some councils on far less than 50% of the vote under first-past-the-post. Technical and boundary challenges exist, with a source noting it would be more sensible to pair STV with reducing the number of councils. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/could-next-years-council-elections-be-fought-using-stv-instead-of-first-past-the-post/) |
|| 29 May 2026 | **Welsh history in schools to be reviewed** — the new Welsh Government signals it wants to look again at how Welsh history is taught in schools. Education Minister Anna Brychan says it's "vitally important". Discussed on r/Wales and r/cymru. [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/comments/1tr3gsa/) |
|| 29 May 2026 | **Plaid Cymru victory T-shirt selling like hotcakes** — Golwg360 reports a T-shirt celebrating Plaid Cymru's historic Senedd win is flying off shelves. r/cymru user posts the story noting strong demand for the merchandise. [Golwg360](https://golwg.360.cymru/newyddion/cymru/2198226-crys-dathlu-buddugoliaeth-plaid-cymru-ennill-clod) |
|| 29 May 2026 | **M4 congestion needs a 'roads-based solution', first minister says** — BBC reports Rhun ap Iorwerth doubling down on the M4 relief road position. [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czd2eye3mgdo) |
|| 29 May 2026 | **BBC analysis: Will the new FM complete the journey to delivering M4 relief?** — BBC Wales political reporter David Deans examines the range of options Rhun ap Iorwerth could take (blue route, rail upgrades), noting he has committed to none so far. Article uses interactive data on daily M4 traffic volumes through Newport (junctions 25a-26). [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5g0vdw74vpo) |
|| 29 May 2026 | **Guto Harri says new FM should make 'controversial decisions'** — speaking at the Hay Festival, former Boris Johnson communications director and Welsh political commentator Guto Harri says Rhun ap Iorwerth shouldn't shy away from difficult decisions, urging him to use his mandate boldly. [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g0kqjv98qo) |
|| 29 May 2026 | **Welsh MS patients face six-hour trips for specialist neurology care** — MS Society Cymru research finds a shortage of specialist NHS staff leaves MS patients in Wales facing long waits and long-distance travel for treatment. Health Minister Mabon ap Gwynfor inherited a health portfolio under pressure. [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g4jpl0590o) |
|| 29 May 2026 | **Reform MS vows to end GB News ban in Senedd** — a Reform Cymru MS says they will push to overturn the Senedd's policy of not accrediting GB News for broadcast access, arguing it's a free speech issue. The Senedd currently restricts broadcast access to Ofcom-licensed channels meeting impartiality rules. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/reform-ms-vows-to-end-gb-news-ban-in-senedd/) |
|| 30 May 2026 | **Five-year regeneration blueprint approved for Welsh city communities** — a new city-region regeneration plan approved, covering community investment and development priorities. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/new-five-year-regeneration-blueprint-approved-for-city-communities/) |
|| 30 May 2026 | **Senedd in recess; Senedd returns from recess week commencing 1 June** — no plenaries scheduled for the recess week. Senedd expected to return Monday 1 June 2026. Limited political activity over the break. |
|| 31 May 2026 | **Questions raised over £220k taxpayer settlement to Reform MS** — Will Hayward's Substack newsletter reports a Reform MS received a £220k settlement from the taxpayer, raising questions about the circumstances. Story emerges during the Senedd recess. [Substack](https://willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/why-did-a-reform-ms-get-a-220k-settlement) — discussed on r/Wales |
|| 1 June 2026 | **Senedd returns from recess** — first plenary of the new term expected this week, week commencing 1 June 2026. |
|| 1 June 2026 | **Beth Winter: "Reflections on the Senedd Election and what comes next"** — writing in Nation.Cymru, the former Labour-turned-independent figure argues progressives must cooperate to prevent further Reform gains, and calls for a grassroots, community-rooted alternative to "ballot box socialism". Piece reflects on the Voice for Our Valleys campaign in Pontypridd, Cynon, and Merthyr Tydfil. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/opinion/reflections-on-the-senedd-election-and-what-comes-next/) |
|| 1 June 2026 | **Call made for MSs to publicly denounce far-right group Voice of Wales** — Plaid Cymru MS Gwyn Williams says he would "stand shoulder to shoulder" with Reform MS Francesca O'Brien if she publicly denounces the south-west Wales anti-Islam group Voice of Wales. The far-right group had defended O'Brien after an alleged racist abuse incident in Swansea, now being investigated by South Wales Police. Dr Haroon Ali reported two teenagers shouted a racial slur at his young sons at a Mumbles skatepark. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/call-made-for-mss-to-publicly-denounce-far-right-group-voice-of-wales/) |
|| 1 June 2026 | **Union flag will continue to fly outside Welsh Government buildings, says First Minister** — Rhun ap Iorwerth confirms "no plans to change" the Union flag being flown at Cathays Park HQ and other Welsh Government buildings, despite his ambitions for Welsh independence. Responding to a written question from Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/union-flag-will-continue-to-fly-outside-welsh-government-buildings-says-first-minister/) |
|| 1 June 2026 | **Torfaen faces two by-elections after councillors elected to Senedd** — Herald.Wales reports two by-elections are needed: one for Torfaen Borough Council (Llantarnam ward) and one for Pontypool Community Council (New Inn Upper ward), triggered by councillors Stephen Senior (Reform UK, Sir Fynwy Torfaen MS) and Jason O'Connell (Reform UK, Pontypridd Cyngor Merthyr MS) taking their Senedd seats. Deadline for by-election requests: 2 June (community council) and 5 June (borough council). By-election would be held 2 July if triggered. O'Connell was originally elected as an independent in Feb 2023 before joining Reform in Aug 2024. [Herald.Wales](https://herald.wales/south-wales/torfaen/torfaen-faces-two-by-elections-after-councillors-elected-to-senedd/) |
|| 1 June 2026 | **Welsh Conservatives renew calls for M4 relief road** — Shadow Minister Janet Finch-Saunders MS and local MS Natasha Asghar MS call on Plaid Government to deliver an M4 relief road, following Rhun ap Iorwerth's statement that a "roads-based solution" is needed. Tories also call for return to 30mph default speed limit and unfreezing road projects. [AberdareOnline](https://www.aberdareonline.co.uk/2026/06/01/welsh-conservatives-renew-calls-for-m4-relief-road/) |
|| 2 June 2026 | **BSA survey: Reform UK support is more than a "protest" vote** — British Social Attitudes survey co-author Sir John Curtice says Reform supporters are "deeply ideological" and have "a level of emotional attachment that neither Labour nor the Conservatives have managed to inspire in voters for decades". 75% of Reform voters say migrants undermine British culture (vs 35% general public); 88% say transgender equality has gone too far; 78% say unemployment benefits are too high. 60% of Reform voters "very dissatisfied" with NHS (vs 51% general public). Survey of 4,656 people conducted Aug-Oct 2025. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/reform-uks-support-is-more-than-a-protest-vote-research-suggests/) |
|| 2 June 2026 | **First FMQs since recess — Rhun predicts "long Senedd term" after Reform vote share attack** — The Senedd returned from recess with Rhun ap Iorwerth's second FMQs as First Minister. **Dan Thomas** (Reform) opened by repeatedly comparing Reform's 30% vote share to Plaid's — laughter broke out in the Chamber. Rhun: *"It's going to be a very long Senedd term if it starts in this way – but we got a certain percentage more than you in the election."* Key exchanges: (1) **NHS waiting lists**: Health Minister Mabon ap Gwynfor said two-year waits will be "eliminated within a matter of months". Dan Thomas pressed for a specific timeline, accusing Rhun of being "distracted by international matters" (citing £9m budget for international relations). Latest figures show ~2,600 people waiting over two years. Rhun pointed out **Nigel Farage opposes tax-funded NHS**. (2) **M4 relief road**: Rhun said Labour "wasted" £150m on plans only to scrap it. (3) **Third Menai crossing**: Darren Millar raised after bridge closed three times in two days. (4) **Welsh Water**: Rhun wants not-for-profit Welsh Water in Welsh hands with influence over executive pay. (5) **Curriculum**: Plaid to review in autumn 2028; Rhun supports three sciences taught separately. (6) **Agriculture**: James Evans warned Welsh suckler herd fell by over 40%. (7) **Wylfa nuclear**: Rhun confirmed it's a reserved matter. **Reform's performance**: Heavy reliance on scripts — Stephen Senior and several backbenchers needed prompting from the Presiding Officer. Stephen Senior asked about separate GCSEs in physics/chemistry/biology — giggling broke out. James Evans emerged as the strongest Reform challenger, delivering his question without a script. [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crmpy9mm89mo) — [WalesOnline](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/live-updates-first-ministers-questions-34049693) — [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/first-minister-predicts-long-senedd-term-after-reform-kick-off-fmqs-with-vote-share-clash) |
|| 2 June 2026 | **Money was wasted on M4 relief road, First Minister says** — Rhun ap Iorwerth says previous Labour administrations "wasted" £150m on M4 relief road plans, only to scrap the scheme. His new government is already doing work to identify solutions to the Brynglas Tunnels bottleneck. Also reiterated need for a third Menai crossing. [WalesOnline](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/money-wasted-m4-relief-road-34053114) |
|| 2 June 2026 | **Rail company accused of disrupting Wales-England train links by government** — Welsh Government accuses Great Western Railway of trying to "disrupt" TfW plans for new direct train services between west Wales and Bristol. TfW wants two-hourly services from Milford Haven/Fishguard to Bristol Temple Meads from December 2026. GWR says plans would have "significant effect" on its revenue and less money for UK government. The Office of Rail and Road will make a final decision. [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c794pdy1jgjo) — reported by Gareth Pennant, Newyddion S4C |
|| 3 June 2026 | **Former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford offering informal advice to Plaid Cymru** — Martin Shipton (Nation.Cymru) reports Blackford has been offering Plaid Cymru informal advice on how to operate as a governing party. Draws parallels to SNP's path: 2007 minority government → 2011 overall majority → 2014 independence referendum. Advises dual strategy: arguing for fairer funding from Westminster while ensuring "value for money" in devolved spending. Says Rhun has "demonstrated very, very strong leadership" with a "strong ministerial team". Notes Plaid is 6 seats short of a majority and may need cross-party alliances. Blackford has been spending time in Wales since standing down from Westminster in 2024 and campaigned for Plaid in the Caerphilly Senedd by-election (Oct 2024). Story originally reported by The National (Scotland). [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/former-snp-westminster-leader-offering-informal-advice-to-plaid-cymru) |
|| 3 June 2026 | **Plaid Cymru peer Carmen Smith introduces Lords abolition Bill** — Baroness Smith of Llanfaes presents the House of Lords (Alternative Second Chamber) Bill for its first reading, calling for the abolition of the House of Lords and replacement with a democratically elected second chamber. The Private Member's Bill imposes a duty on the Secretary of State to run a public consultation and consult devolved administrations, constitutional experts, and the EHRC. Smith: "The House of Lords is an outdated institution that has no place in a modern democracy." Criticises Labour for rolling back on its 2024 manifesto pledge. Supported by the Electoral Reform Society. Comes as hereditary peers left for the final time in April 2026. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/plaid-cymru-call-for-abolishment-of-house-of-lords) |
|| 3 June 2026 | **Adam Price sets productivity target: halve Wales' 15% gap with UK within 10 years** — Enterprise Minister Adam Price announces the first major economic target from the Plaid government, aiming to halve the productivity gap between Wales and the rest of the UK within a decade. Says closing the gap would "without a shadow of a doubt be felt in people's pay packets in every part of Wales". Draws inspiration from the Basque Country. Details on how the target will be measured not announced until later this year. Reform economy spokesperson Jason O'Connell accused Plaid of being "responsible for the decline of the Welsh economy over the past 27 years". Labour accused Plaid of "making up economic policy as it goes along". Welsh Conservative Janet Finch-Saunders said the government should be "relentlessly pro-business". [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7v90pv14nmo) — analysis by Felicity Evans notes that the new government's blanket opposition to pylons may be a "self-imposed obstacle" to a business-friendly economy |
|| 3 June 2026 | **Plaid Cymru MPs back push to slash hospitality VAT to 10%** — Ynys Môn MP Llinos Medi and Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts support the industry-wide campaign to reduce VAT for hospitality from 20% to 10%. Medi, Chair of the APPG on Hospitality in Wales, says the current VAT burden adds to pressures from rising food, energy, wage and rent costs. The UK has one of the highest hospitality VAT rates in Europe, second only to Denmark. UK Parliament petition has nearly 10,000 signatures. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/plaid-cymru-backs-push-to-slash-hospitality-vat-to-10/) |
|| 3 June 2026 | **BBC publishes detailed exposé of Reform adviser Derek Roberts' racist social media** — BBC Wales investigation reveals dozens of specific offensive posts from Roberts' Facebook account (2022-2025), including: racial slurs about Pakistanis, support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson, anti-Muslim comments about Humza Yousaf, and a post reading "I absolutely hate the PM... and I absolutely detest the Islamic way of life!" Roberts quit as a Reform Senedd candidate after concerns were raised, but was subsequently hired as a special adviser to Reform MS Gaz Thomas. Reform in the Senedd refused to comment on internal hiring processes, saying "staff members are not public-facing elected members". Follows the earlier Corey Edwards (Nazi salute) special adviser appointment. [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2e2ld0341do) |
| 4 June 2026 | **Transport Minister Mark Hooper demands Westminster talks on 'unfair' rail funding** — Plaid Cymru's new deputy transport minister asks for formal talks with the UK government over long-standing rail underinvestment in Wales. Hooper said the £445m announced for new stations "falls far short" and cited HS2 as a "long-standing symbol of unfair rail funding" — classed as an England-and-Wales project, meaning Wales receives no consequential funding (unlike Scotland/NI). UK Transport Secretary has admitted in writing that rail funding for Wales has been lower than it should have been. Plaid wants full rail devolution. Labour source counters that UK government's £14bn Transport for Wales plan is "worth far more than what Welsh government would have received had HS2 been devolved". [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgmp300234mo) |
| 8 June 2026 | **Ann Davies MP tables Steel Bill amendments to safeguard Welsh steel** — Plaid Cymru MP for Caerfyrddin tables three amendments to the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill calling for strengthened protections and funding for Welsh steel communities. Davies accused UK Government of taking "extraordinary steps" to protect Scunthorpe and Rotherham steelworks while failing to intervene at Port Talbot, where 2,800 Tata Steel jobs were lost in 2024. Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens described Scunthorpe as "very different" as the UK's only virgin steel producer. Port Talbot's blast furnaces closed after Indian owners secured a £1.25bn transition deal for electric arc furnaces. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/call-to-safeguard-welsh-steel/) |
| 8 June 2026 | **Grassroots Pride fund open for applications** — Welsh Government opens its Grassroots Pride fund for LGBTQ+ community initiatives across Wales. [Gov.wales](https://www.gov.wales/grassroots-pride-fund-open-applications) |
| 9 June 2026 | **Reform UK formally takes up Official Opposition role in the Senedd** — Reform UK Cymru, with 34 MSs, confirms its position as the official opposition in the Senedd, pledging to "hold Plaid Cymru to account, champion common sense and put the people of Wales first". First opposition broadcast released. [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nGPE9D7btQ) |
| 9 June 2026 | **Key Infrastructure Resilience Statement — Third Menai crossing back on the table** — Deputy transport minister Mark Hooper tells the Senedd Cardiff will "renew work to identify a clear and evidence-based way forward" on a third Menai crossing. Short-term measures include wind deflectors on Britannia Bridge to reduce weather-related A55 disruption, signalling upgrades, and variable speed limits. [Daily Post](https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/third-menai-crossing-back-table-34093252) |
| 10 June 2026 | **Plaid Cymru tables rail devolution amendments as HS2 costs top £100bn** — Ann Davies MP submits amendments to the UK Government's Railways Bill calling for rail infrastructure powers to be devolved to Wales. With HS2 now estimated at over £100 billion, Plaid argues Wales has lost £5.8bn in consequential funding and the case for rail devolution "has never been more compelling". [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/plaid-cymru-tables-rail-devolution-amendments-as-hs2-costs-top-100bn/) |
| 9 June 2026 | **Housing Minister Siân Gwenllian sets out priorities for seventh Senedd term** — in a Senedd statement, Gwenllian confirms plans to incorporate the Right to Adequate Housing into Welsh law, create 20,000 new social homes by 2030, establish "Unnos" (a new arm's-length national development body), consider rent controls, and introduce a community right to buy. Conservatives challenge feasibility of social homes target. CIH Cymru welcomes the statement but urges caution on rent controls. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/new-minister-for-local-government-housing-and-planning-sets-out-priorities-for-the-seventh-senedd-term/) |
| 10 June 2026 | **Wales' Housing Minister confirms 'historic' Right to Adequate Housing legislation** — following her Senedd statement, Gwenllian formally confirms the Welsh Government's intention to incorporate the Right to Adequate Housing into Welsh law. Cymdeithas yr Iaith welcomes the announcement and plans a rally in Porthmadog on 4 July to push for urgent action on Welsh language communities and housing. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/wales-housing-minister-confirms-historic-plans-to-incorporate-right-to-adequate-housing-into-welsh-law/) |
| 10 June 2026 | **Plaid survives Senedd childcare vote with Tory help** — Labour tabled an amendment demanding more detail on how Plaid will fund and roll out its flagship 20-hour universal childcare expansion (9 months to 4 years by 2030). Plaid defeated the amendment with Conservative support. BBC reports the government promised further detail but no start date given. [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj4gd4n9y0ko) |
| 11 June 2026 | **Reform mocked as third of MSs back attack on their own manifesto** — Nation.Cymru reports a third of Reform's Senedd group voted for a motion attacking policies that appeared in their own manifesto. Described as having "no idea what they are doing". [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/reform-mocked-as-third-of-mss-back-attack-on-their-own-manifesto/) |
| 11 June 2026 | **Awkward Senedd exchange raises questions over Reform's preparedness** — Casnewydd Islwyn MS Art Wright described as "totally embarrassing" after appearing confused about how to ask a question during Plenary. Political sources raise doubts about Reform's readiness as Official Opposition. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/awkward-senedd-exchange-raises-questions-over-reforms-preparedness/) |
| 11 June 2026 | **Opinion: Reform in the Senedd — Four weeks on** — Brenig Davies writes in Nation.Cymru that Reform has "generated more headlines than influence" since becoming Official Opposition. Notes many of Reform's voters chose them for positive reasons and the issues that drove their breakthrough will remain. Plaid's emergence as largest party was the election's most important outcome. [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru/opinion/reform-in-the-senedd-four-weeks-on/) |

|---|

## 100-Day Priorities

- Cutting NHS waiting lists
- Raising standards in schools
- Creating jobs and supporting businesses
- Tackling child poverty (including £10 child payment pledge)
- Helping households with cost-of-living crisis
- Standing up for Wales

---

## FMQs — Key Exchanges (First FMQs, 19 May 2026)

Rhun's first FMQs as First Minister. Main exchanges:

- **Dan Thomas (Reform)** — accused ap Iorwerth of being "distracted by constitutional issues" for raising Welsh independence
- **Rhun confirmed** he brought up independence with Starmer in their first post-election phone call
- **Starmer** reportedly "open" to discussing more Senedd powers
- Rhun set out the six core missions for the first 100 days (see above)

> Note: Full Hansard transcript not yet indexed on the Senedd Record. Video available at senedd.tv (search "Plenary 19 May 2026"). As of 25 May 2026, videos are now available for both the 12 May and 19 May plenaries.

---

## Independence Position

- Plaid has **ruled out a referendum** in this first term
- Will establish a **national commission** to build the case for Welsh independence
- Rhun confirmed he raised independence directly with Starmer in their first post-election call
- Starmer said to be "open to a conversation" about more Senedd powers
- Reform's Dan Thomas accused ap Iorwerth of being "distracted by constitutional issues"
- **25 May 2026** — Plaid Cymru launches public messaging campaign demanding **control over the Crown Estate**, arguing Wales' natural resources should be managed in Wales, not Westminster

---

## Reddit Highlights

| Thread | Subreddit | Score | Link |
|--------|-----------|-------|------|
| Young Rhun & Leanne Wood protesting (throwback photo) | r/Wales | 771 | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/comments/1te6ivj/) |
| "I did it — I voted Plaid Cymru" | r/Wales | 713 | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/comments/1t6fc9p/) |
| Reform candidate permanently banned from Twitter | r/FuckNigelFarage | 495 | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/FuckNigelFarage/comments/1tihqbt/) |
| What a waste (campaign leaflets) | r/Wales | 560 | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/comments/1sy4qfi/) |
| Should we get a First Minister's residence? | r/Wales | 316 | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/comments/1tduaa0/) |
| First Minister outlines 100-day priorities | r/Wales | 194 | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/comments/1tht7vf/) |
| Green candidate withdraws over social media | r/ukpolitics | 173 | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/ukpolitics/comments/1tjowg5/) |
| Rhun says he raised independence with Starmer | r/Wales | 139 | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/comments/1tidi6n/) |
| Reform MS under fire over Senedd tech complaint | r/Wales | 94 | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/comments/1tjtgex/) |
| Welsh Parliament should not fly Ukraine flag, says Reform MS | r/Wales | 95 | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/comments/1tke3js/) |
| Reform Wales leader appoints Nazi salute candidate as adviser | r/Wales | 136 | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/comments/1tlfatr/) |
| Plaid Cymru becomes largest party for first time ever | r/fivethirtyeight | 94 | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/fivethirtyeight/comments/1t8bzm2/) |
| Rhun spent election night at Premier Inn after forgetting keys | r/NotTheOnionUK | 143 | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/NotTheOnionUK/comments/1tfo3vd/) |
| Plaid confirms free school meals for secondary pupils | r/Wales | 251 | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/comments/1ti2q97/) |
| Welsh Labour couldn't afford separate party — Skates | r/Wales | 26 | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/comments/1tidy23/) |
| **Senedd elections second order contests** — Cardiff University analysis by Prof. Richard Wyn Jones, Prof. Roger Scully, Dr. Jac Larner covers voting patterns, turnout, and party system change. Published by BBC Wales, 26 May 2026 | r/Wales meta | — | [BBC Analysis](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5g0vdw74vpo) |
| **Early Returns: First Thoughts & Reflections on Senedd 2026** — Dr. Jac Larner's detailed post-election analysis: bloc consolidation, cultural attachment, voter attitudes to complex vs simple solutions. Published 26 May 2026 | r/Wales | — | [Link](https://jaclarner.github.io/jaclarner/blog/reflect_26/) |
| Recruitment firms urge caution over zero hours contracts — Nation.Cymru reports firms urge Rhun ap Iorwerth to water down ban on zero hours contracts | r/Wales | — | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/comments/1tne6vl/) |
| **Welsh history in schools to be reviewed** — new Welsh Government to look again at teaching Welsh history; Education Minister says it's "vitally important" | r/Wales | — | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/comments/1tr3gsa/) |
| **Plaid Cymru victory T-shirt selling fast** — Golwg360 reports strong demand for Plaid's election victory merchandise | r/cymru | — | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/cymru/comments/1treqtb/) |
| **FM Rhun ap Iorwerth 30-min BBC Walescast interview** — first in-depth FM interview covering M4, priorities, and new direction | r/politicswales | — | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/politicswales/comments/1tq3upm/) |
| **Brynglas Tunnels M4 congestion solution will be found** — FM promises solution to Brynglas Tunnels bottleneck; says roads-based solution needed | r/Wales | — | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/comments/1tpyd8q/) |
| **Senedd candidate in Nazi salute photo row now Reform special adviser** — cross-posted discussion of Corey Edwards appointment across multiple subreddits | r/FuckNigelFarage | — | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/FuckNigelFarage/comments/1tpuj41/) |
| **Reform hires racist ex-candidate for Senedd role** — Derek Roberts (racist Facebook posts) appointed to Dr Gaz Thomas's office as special adviser | r/ukpolitics | — | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/ukpolitics/comments/1trtf6p/) |
| **Senedd 2026: Voter attitudes to the Welsh language** — r/cymru post linking to research on Senedd 2026 voter attitudes towards the Welsh language | r/cymru | — | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/cymru/comments/1toigdh/) |
| **Early Returns: Senedd 2026 election analysis** — Jac Larner's post-election analysis also posted to r/politicswales | r/politicswales | — | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/politicswales/comments/1tok3lp/) |
|| **Why did a Reform MS get a £220k settlement?** — Will Hayward Substack questions taxpayer-funded £220k settlement to a Reform MS | r/Wales | — | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/comments/1tsnbi5/why_did_a_reform_ms_get_a_220k_settlement/) |
|| **First Minister predicts long Senedd term after Reform kick off FMQs with vote share clash** — Discussion of 2 June FMQs; Rhun responds to Reform's vote share attack; Reform MSs criticised for script reliance | r/Wales | 34+ | [Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/comments/1tvfmcd/first_minister_predicts_long_senedd_term_after) |

---

## Key Figures

- **Rhun ap Iorwerth** — Plaid Cymru leader, First Minister of Wales
- **Sioned Williams** — Deputy First Minister
- **Adam Price** — Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity & Energy; former Plaid leader
- **Elin Jones** — Finance Minister; former Presiding Officer
- **Elfyn Llwyd** — Counsel General; returns to frontline politics
- **Llŷr Gruffydd** — Minister for Rural Resilience & Sustainability; environment/farming portfolio
- **Anna Brychan** — Education Minister; former NAHT director; leading review of Welsh history in schools
- **Eluned Morgan** — Former Labour First Minister, lost her seat
- **Dan Thomas** — Reform UK Cymru leader, Leader of the Opposition
- **Helen Jenner** — Deputy Leader of Reform UK Cymru, Shadow Education & Welsh Language
- **Cai Parry-Jones** — Reform MS, Shadow Finance & Government Efficiency (laptop-gate)
- **Llŷr Powell** — Reform MS, Chief Whip & Business Manager
- **James Evans** — Reform MS, Shadow Health, Prevention & Sport
- **Laura Anne Jones** — Reform MS, Shadow Food, Farming & Rural Affairs
- **Jason O'Connell** — Reform MS, Shadow Economy & Transport
- **Francesca O'Brien** — Reform MS, Shadow Local Government, Housing & Planning
- **Sarah Cooper-Lesadd** — Reform MS, Shadow Children, Young People & Skills
- **Christiana Emsley** — Reform MS, Shadow Fairness, Families & Communities
- **Louise Emery** — Reform MS (Clwyd), Shadow Culture, Tourism & Hospitality
- **Lee Waters** — Former Labour transport minister; architect of 20mph default speed limit; described Labour's collapse as "existential crisis" on Sunday Supplement (31 May 2026)
- **Ken Skates** — Interim leader of Welsh Labour (post-election)
- **Mark Drakeford** — Former First Minister; blames UK Labour for collapse, backs Burnham for PM
- **Dr Gaz Thomas** — Reform MS (Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg); appointed Derek Roberts as special adviser

---

## Twitter/X Discussion

> *Source: Nitter (via Docker on Windows PC), 26 May 2026*

Key X/Twitter narratives about Welsh politics:

- **Plaid Cymru government formation** widely celebrated: "Diolch! Rhun comes from a very strong nationalist background — this is the 1st time Cymru has approached self determination in 600yrs"
- **Reform UK corruption allegations**: "Corrupt Reform UK had access to unlimited money for the Senedd elections and Plaid Cymru had hardly any. Yet Plaid Cymru beat Reform's uneducated paper candidates good and proper"
- **The Baffler article** on "Welsh identity at a crossroads" shared widely — analyses Plaid Cymru's win and what it means for Welsh nationalism
- **Reform MS Ukraine flag controversy**: "England's Reform in Wales condones Russia's war crimes... demands Wales removes Ukrainian flag flying outside the Senedd. Plaid Cymru has no Russian bribed agents in its ranks"
- **Reform MS Nazi salute photo** resurfaces: "An Elected Plaid Cymru Senedd member once said she 'hates the English as a race, as people, as a country'" — context: this is a Reform MS falsely attributing hate speech to a Plaid MS
- **Pro-independence cooperation**: "Pro-independence governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should work together to secure powers to hold independence referendums" — Plaid Cymru MS Kiera Marshall
- **Plaid Cymru governance questions**: "Plaid Cymru is in — but how good are they at governing? Setting benchmarks early, showing progress, and making sure voters actually notice are key in modern politics"

---

## Official Sources & How to Find FMQs Transcripts

The Senedd publishes records at:
- **Written Record (Hansard):** record.senedd.wales — search by keyword, filter by "Transcripts" and "Plenary" meeting type
- **Video archive:** senedd.tv — search "Plenary" by date
- **Senedd Research:** research.senedd.wales

Note: Post-election (May 2026) transcripts have **not yet appeared** in the search index as of 25 May 2026. The last indexed plenary transcripts are from the Sixth Senedd (up to 23 March 2026). Senedd TV now has **two Seventh Senedd plenary videos** — Plenary 12 May 2026 (swearing-in/election of FM) and Plenary 19 May 2026 (first FMQs) — plus a Business Committee meeting on 21 May 2026.

---

## Sources

- [BBC — Rhun ap Iorwerth reveals ministerial team](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crlpzky9y05o)
- [BBC — Rhun confirms he raised independence with Starmer](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clypkpgx2lyo)
- [BBC — Labour expected to lose Senedd](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdrpxvz61vko)
- [BBC — Cost of living measures a 'missed opportunity', says First Minister](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/wales)
- [BBC — Reform MS says Senedd shouldn't fly Ukraine flag](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1e2vxn67vjo)
- [BBC — Welsh Government childcare offer](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y6pr5e51ko)
- [BBC — FM doesn't give start date for free childcare expansion](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y7v2wn7l2o)
- [BBC — Drakeford links Labour collapse to lack of new powers](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1d2k36dg59o)
- [BBC — Muck spreading ban doesn't work, says minister](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g04newl8wo)
- [BBC — Senedd offices set for major refurbishment](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgz1y7pkppo)
- [BBC — Wales is a low-pay hotspot, FM tells unions](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c142ryl6j5po)
- [BBC — £120m to cut wait times to be 'spent better'](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjdpjvrmlj4o)
- [BBC — GP contracts worth £10m awarded without proper checks](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9q3ed252vlo)
- [BBC — Former FM Drakeford says Andy Burnham should be PM](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn9p84z9wv7o)
- [BBC — Free school meals expanded to secondary pupils](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yr276rgnzo)
- [BBC — Should the Welsh first minister get an official home?](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cewpzn4k54yo)
- [BBC — Rhun ap Iorwerth rules out Wales-wide mobile phone ban in schools](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0722y98x57o)
- [BBC — Corey Edwards: Former candidate who did Nazi salute made Reform adviser](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c74rrr9lmm3o)
- [BBC — M4 congestion relief: FM makes case for roads-based solution](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czd2eye3mgdo)
- [BBC — Guto Harri says new FM should make 'controversial decisions'](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g0kqjv98qo)
- [BBC — Will the new FM complete the journey to delivering M4 relief?](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5g0vdw74vpo)
- [BBC — Welsh MS patients face six-hour trips for specialist care](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g4jpl0590o)

- [Nation.Cymru — Reform leader appoints disgraced Nazi salute candidate as adviser](https://nation.cymru/news/reform-wales-leader-appoints-disgraced-nazi-salute-candidate-as-special-adviser/)
- [Nation.Cymru — Welsh Labour couldn't afford separate party](https://nation.cymru/news/welsh-labour-couldnt-afford-to-become-a-separate-party-says-interim-leader/)
- [Nation.Cymru — Senedd elections 'second order contests'](https://nation.cymru/news/senedd-and-scottish-parliament-elections-treated-as-second-order-contests-by-uk-wide-broadcasters-say-researchers/)
- [Nation.Cymru — Reform MS laptop complaint](https://nation.cymru/news/reform-ms-under-fire-over-senedd-tech-complaint/)
- [Nation.Cymru — Wales Must Define Itself](https://nation.cymru/news/)
- [Nation.Cymru — Recesses: what are they, who decides them, and when is the Senedd at work?](https://nation.cymru/news/recesses-what-are-they-who-decides-them-and-when-is-the-senedd-at-work/)
- [Nation.Cymru — By-election triggered after Senedd-elected councillor steps down](https://nation.cymru/news/by-election-to-be-held-after-senedd-elected-councillor-steps-down/)
- [Nation.Cymru — Reform hires racist ex-candidate for Senedd role](https://nation.cymru/news/reform-hires-racist-ex-candidate-for-senedd-role/)
- [Nation.Cymru — MPs recommend Welsh investment promotion agency](https://nation.cymru/news/mps-recommend-setting-up-a-welsh-investment-promotion-agency-to-create-new-jobs/)
- [Nation.Cymru — Recruitment firms urge caution over zero hours contracts](https://nation.cymru/news/recruitment-firms-urge-caution-over-ending-of-zero-hours-contracts/)
- [Nation.Cymru — Reform MS vows to end GB News ban in Senedd](https://nation.cymru/news/reform-ms-vows-to-end-gb-news-ban-in-senedd/)
- [Nation.Cymru — New five-year regeneration blueprint approved for city communities](https://nation.cymru/news/new-five-year-regeneration-blueprint-approved-for-city-communities/)
- [WalesOnline — Former Reform candidate who appeared to do Nazi salute made adviser](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/former-reform-candidate-who-appeared-34015345)
- [WalesOnline — Rhun ap Iorwerth makes M4 relief road case](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/rhun-ap-iorwerth-makes-m4-34024711)
- [WalesOnline — Working class mum's life changing journey to the Senedd](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/council-estate-mums-life-changing-33988619)
- [Golwg360 — Plaid Cymru victory T-shirt selling fast](https://golwg.360.cymru/newyddion/cymru/2198226-crys-dathlu-buddugoliaeth-plaid-cymru-ennill-clod)
- [The Independent — Senedd election results](https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/politics/wales-senedd-election-2026-results-live-map-seats-b2973468.html)
- [Nation.Cymru — Call made for MSs to denounce far-right group Voice of Wales](https://nation.cymru/news/call-made-for-mss-to-publicly-denounce-far-right-group-voice-of-wales/)
- [Nation.Cymru — Union flag will continue to fly outside Welsh Government buildings](https://nation.cymru/news/union-flag-will-continue-to-fly-outside-welsh-government-buildings-says-first-minister/)
- [Nation.Cymru — After Labour: The end of Wales and the rise of Cymru](https://nation.cymru/opinion/after-labour-the-end-of-wales-and-the-rise-of-cymru/)
- [Herald.Wales — Torfaen faces two by-elections after councillors elected to Senedd](https://herald.wales/south-wales/torfaen/torfaen-faces-two-by-elections-after-councillors-elected-to-senedd/)
- [AberdareOnline — Welsh Conservatives renew calls for M4 relief road](https://www.aberdareonline.co.uk/2026/06/01/welsh-conservatives-renew-calls-for-m4-relief-road/)
- [Nation.Cymru — BSA survey: Reform UK support is more than a 'protest' vote](https://nation.cymru/news/reform-uks-support-is-more-than-a-protest-vote-research-suggests/)
- [Nation.Cymru — First Minister predicts long Senedd term after Reform vote share clash](https://nation.cymru/news/first-minister-predicts-long-senedd-term-after-reform-kick-off-fmqs-with-vote-share-clash)
- [Nation.Cymru — Former SNP Westminster leader offering informal advice to Plaid Cymru](https://nation.cymru/news/former-snp-westminster-leader-offering-informal-advice-to-plaid-cymru)
- [Nation.Cymru — Plaid Cymru call for abolishment of House of Lords](https://nation.cymru/news/plaid-cymru-call-for-abolishment-of-house-of-lords)
- [BBC — Raising productivity key to higher Welsh wages, says minister](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7v90pv14nmo)
- [Nation.Cymru — Plaid Cymru backs push to slash hospitality VAT to 10%](https://nation.cymru/news/plaid-cymru-backs-push-to-slash-hospitality-vat-to-10/)
- [BBC — Reform special adviser's social media featured dozens of racist and anti-Muslim posts](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2e2ld0341do)
- [BBC — Welsh Labour to set timetable for new leader after election loss](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2d2dlzwk9ko)
- [BBC — Ministers considering whether to go ahead with council tax changes](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g81l33nxqo)
- [BBC — NHS patients promised two-year waits to be 'eliminated' in 'matter of months'](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crmpy9mm89mo)
- [Gov.wales — Adam Price Oral Statement: Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Priorities](https://www.gov.wales/oral-statement-enterprise-connectivity-and-energy-priorities)
- [Nation.Cymru — Plaid Cymru sets productivity target as measure of Wales' future economic success](https://nation.cymru/news/plaid-cymru-sets-productivity-target-as-measure-of-wales-future-economic-success/)
- [IFS — New Welsh Government will face big fiscal challenges as it seeks to implement its policy](https://ifs.org.uk/articles/new-welsh-government-will-face-big-fiscal-challenges-it-seeks-implement-its-policy)
- [Nation.Cymru — Mark Drakeford: Council tax reform will be Plaid's first real test in government](https://nation.cymru/opinion/council-tax-reform-will-be-plaids-first-real-test-in-government/)
- [YouGov — How Wales voted at the 2026 Senedd election](https://yougov.com/en-gb/articles/54913-how-wales-voted-at-the-2026-senedd-election)
- [BBC — Welsh government demands talks with Westminster on 'unfair' rail funding](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgmp300234mo)
- [Nation.Cymru — Call to safeguard Welsh steel as Plaid proposes Steel Bill amendments](https://nation.cymru/news/call-to-safeguard-welsh-steel/)
- [Gov.wales — Grassroots Pride fund open for applications](https://www.gov.wales/grassroots-pride-fund-open-applications)
- [Nation.Cymru — Drakeford leads Welsh Labour team campaigning to get Andy Burnham back in Westminster](https://nation.cymru/news/drakeford-leads-welsh-labour-team-campaigning-to-get-andy-burnham-back-in-westminster/)
- [Nation.Cymru — Questions raised over Reform candidate's addresses as only local property is a holiday let](https://nation.cymru/news/questions-raised-over-reform-candidates-addresses-as-only-local-property-is-a-holiday-let/)
- [BBC — Plaid Cymru promise more details on childcare as it survives Senedd vote](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj4gd4n9y0ko)
- [Nation.Cymru — Plaid Cymru tables rail devolution amendments as HS2 costs top £100bn](https://nation.cymru/news/plaid-cymru-tables-rail-devolution-amendments-as-hs2-costs-top-100bn/)
- [Daily Post — Third Menai crossing back on the table in major Welsh Government announcement](https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/third-menai-crossing-back-table-34093252)
- [Nation.Cymru — Reform mocked as third of MSs back attack on their own manifesto](https://nation.cymru/news/reform-mocked-as-third-of-mss-back-attack-on-their-own-manifesto/)
- [Nation.Cymru — Awkward Senedd exchange raises questions over Reform's preparedness](https://nation.cymru/news/awkward-senedd-exchange-raises-questions-over-reforms-preparedness/)
- [Nation.Cymru — Reform in the Senedd: Four weeks on](https://nation.cymru/opinion/reform-in-the-senedd-four-weeks-on/)
- [Nation.Cymru — Wales' Housing Minister confirms 'historic' plans to incorporate Right to Adequate Housing into Welsh law](https://nation.cymru/news/wales-housing-minister-confirms-historic-plans-to-incorporate-right-to-adequate-housing-into-welsh-law/)
- [Nation.Cymru — New minister for local government, housing and planning sets out priorities for the seventh Senedd term](https://nation.cymru/news/new-minister-for-local-government-housing-and-planning-sets-out-priorities-for-the-seventh-senedd-term/)
- [CIH Cymru — Welsh Housing Minister confirms intention to incorporate Right to Adequate Housing into Welsh law](https://www.cih.org/news/welsh-housing-minister-confirms-intention-to-incorporate-right-to-adequate-housing-into-welsh-law/)
- [YouGov — How Wales voted at the 2026 Senedd election](https://yougov.com/en-gb/articles/54913-how-wales-voted-at-the-2026-senedd-election)

## Housing Policy (June 2026)

Housing Minister **Siân Gwenllian** set out her priorities for the seventh Senedd term on 9 June 2026, including:

- **Right to Adequate Housing** to be incorporated into Welsh law — described as "historic" by campaigners and CIH Cymru
- **20,000 new social homes** target by 2030 (Conservatives challenged feasibility given Labour missed similar target)
- **Unnos** — a new arm's-length national development body to bring together land, planning, contractors and social landlords to deliver homes beyond political cycles
- **Rent controls** under consideration — CIH Cymru urged caution, warning of unintended consequences on supply
- **Community right to buy** — welcomed by Cymdeithas yr Iaith, who are planning a rally in Porthmadog on 4 July
- Funding formula reform for local government continuing from Labour administration
- Youth homelessness and temporary accommodation reform flagged as priorities

## YouGov: How Wales Voted (5 June 2026)

YouGov's post-election demographic analysis revealed the scale of the realignment:

- Only **45%** of voters who voted in both 2021 and 2026 backed the same party both times
- Labour retained just **34%** of their 2021 vote — **39% switched to Plaid Cymru**, 13% to Reform
- **55%** of 2021 Conservatives defected to Reform UK
- **Plaid Cymru** support highest among younger voters, higher education/income, and Welsh speakers (48% of Remain voters)
- **Reform UK** strongest among older voters, lower education, routine occupations, and men (+10 points vs women); 53% of Leave voters
- Of 2024 Labour voters, only **30%** stayed loyal — **45% went Plaid**, 10% Reform, 7% Green

## Analysis & Commentary

- [Nation.Cymru](https://nation.cymru)
- [Senedd Record of Proceedings](https://record.senedd.wales)
- [Senedd TV](https://www.senedd.tv)