Senedd Politics Overview Senedd Politics โ€” Wales ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟ Last updated: 14 June 2026 โ€” Urgent MenB vaccination programme announced for young people; 30 new TrawsCymru buses launched; teacher incentive rises to ยฃ20,000; farming bureaucracy review; senior Tory calls for Senedd abolition; Plaid Cymru refuses Wales-wide grooming gangs inquiry 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. 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 โ€” requiring support from the Liberal Democrats and/or Greens. 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 ยฃ10 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 Llลทr 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 โ€” Public & Preventative Health Delyth Jewell โ€” Social Care, Mental Health & Women's Health Mark Hooper โ€” Transport Cefin Campbell โ€” Skills & Tertiary Education Reform UK Cymru Shadow Cabinet Announced 19 May 2026 โ€” 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 Llลทr 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 โ€” Plaid Cymru wins 43 seats, becomes largest party 9 May 2026 "Welsh political earthquake" โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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" โ€” 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" โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 ยฃ400m/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 โ€” 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 ยฃ120m 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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" โ€” 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 โ€” BBC reports 22 May 2026 Environment minister Llลทr Gruffydd says muck-spreading ban doesn't work and will be changed โ€” 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 โ€” Tลท Hywel's lease expires in 2032; new 50-year deal agreed with option to purchase building for ยฃ1 in 2082. Cost covered by landlord Equitix 23 May 2026 Senedd culture war โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” not in Westminster" 26 May 2026 "Should the Welsh first minister get an official home?" โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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" โ€” 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 โ€” 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 27 May 2026 Senedd in recess โ€” 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 โ€” 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 27 May 2026 MPs recommend Welsh investment promotion agency โ€” a cross-party Westminster committee report recommends establishing a dedicated Welsh investment promotion agency to attract overseas businesses and streamline support. Nation.Cymru 27 May 2026 Reform UK hires second disgraced ex-candidate as special adviser โ€” 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 28 May 2026 28 May 2026 28 May 2026 31 May 2026 31 May 2026 30 May 2026 29 May 2026 29 May 2026 29 May 2026 29 May 2026 29 May 2026 29 May 2026 29 May 2026 29 May 2026 30 May 2026 30 May 2026 31 May 2026 1 June 2026 1 June 2026 1 June 2026 1 June 2026 1 June 2026 1 June 2026 2 June 2026 2 June 2026 2 June 2026 2 June 2026 3 June 2026 3 June 2026 3 June 2026 3 June 2026 3 June 2026 4 June 2026 Transport Minister Mark Hooper demands Westminster talks on 'unfair' rail funding โ€” 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 ยฃ445m announced for new stations "falls far short" and cited HS2 as a "long-standing symbol of unfair rail funding" โ€” 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 ยฃ14bn Transport for Wales plan is "worth far more than what Welsh government would have received had HS2 been devolved". BBC 8 June 2026 Ann Davies MP tables Steel Bill amendments to safeguard Welsh steel โ€” 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 ยฃ1.25bn transition deal for electric arc furnaces. Nation.Cymru 8 June 2026 Grassroots Pride fund open for applications โ€” Welsh Government opens its Grassroots Pride fund for LGBTQ+ community initiatives across Wales. Gov.wales 9 June 2026 Reform UK formally takes up Official Opposition role in the Senedd โ€” 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 9 June 2026 Key Infrastructure Resilience Statement โ€” Third Menai crossing back on the table โ€” 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 10 June 2026 Plaid Cymru tables rail devolution amendments as HS2 costs top ยฃ100bn โ€” 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 ยฃ100 billion, Plaid argues Wales has lost ยฃ5.8bn in consequential funding and the case for rail devolution "has never been more compelling". Nation.Cymru 9 June 2026 Housing Minister Siรขn Gwenllian sets out priorities for seventh Senedd term โ€” 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 10 June 2026 Wales' Housing Minister confirms 'historic' Right to Adequate Housing legislation โ€” 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 10 June 2026 Plaid survives Senedd childcare vote with Tory help โ€” 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 11 June 2026 Reform mocked as third of MSs back attack on their own manifesto โ€” 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 11 June 2026 Awkward Senedd exchange raises questions over Reform's preparedness โ€” 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 11 June 2026 Opinion: Reform in the Senedd โ€” Four weeks on โ€” 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 |---| 100-Day Priorities Cutting NHS waiting lists Raising standards in schools Creating jobs and supporting businesses Tackling child poverty (including ยฃ10 child payment pledge) Helping households with cost-of-living crisis Standing up for Wales FMQs โ€” Key Exchanges (First FMQs, 19 May 2026) Rhun's first FMQs as First Minister. Main exchanges: Dan Thomas (Reform) โ€” 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 โ€” 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 "I did it โ€” I voted Plaid Cymru" r/Wales 713 Link Reform candidate permanently banned from Twitter r/FuckNigelFarage 495 Link What a waste (campaign leaflets) r/Wales 560 Link Should we get a First Minister's residence? r/Wales 316 Link First Minister outlines 100-day priorities r/Wales 194 Link Green candidate withdraws over social media r/ukpolitics 173 Link Rhun says he raised independence with Starmer r/Wales 139 Link Reform MS under fire over Senedd tech complaint r/Wales 94 Link Welsh Parliament should not fly Ukraine flag, says Reform MS r/Wales 95 Link Reform Wales leader appoints Nazi salute candidate as adviser r/Wales 136 Link Plaid Cymru becomes largest party for first time ever r/fivethirtyeight 94 Link Rhun spent election night at Premier Inn after forgetting keys r/NotTheOnionUK 143 Link Plaid confirms free school meals for secondary pupils r/Wales 251 Link Welsh Labour couldn't afford separate party โ€” Skates r/Wales 26 Link Senedd elections second order contests โ€” 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 โ€” BBC Analysis Early Returns: First Thoughts & Reflections on Senedd 2026 โ€” 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 โ€” Link Recruitment firms urge caution over zero hours contracts โ€” Nation.Cymru reports firms urge Rhun ap Iorwerth to water down ban on zero hours contracts r/Wales โ€” Link Welsh history in schools to be reviewed โ€” new Welsh Government to look again at teaching Welsh history; Education Minister says it's "vitally important" r/Wales โ€” Link Plaid Cymru victory T-shirt selling fast โ€” Golwg360 reports strong demand for Plaid's election victory merchandise r/cymru โ€” Link FM Rhun ap Iorwerth 30-min BBC Walescast interview โ€” first in-depth FM interview covering M4, priorities, and new direction r/politicswales โ€” Link Brynglas Tunnels M4 congestion solution will be found โ€” FM promises solution to Brynglas Tunnels bottleneck; says roads-based solution needed r/Wales โ€” Link Senedd candidate in Nazi salute photo row now Reform special adviser โ€” cross-posted discussion of Corey Edwards appointment across multiple subreddits r/FuckNigelFarage โ€” Link Reform hires racist ex-candidate for Senedd role โ€” Derek Roberts (racist Facebook posts) appointed to Dr Gaz Thomas's office as special adviser r/ukpolitics โ€” Link Senedd 2026: Voter attitudes to the Welsh language โ€” r/cymru post linking to research on Senedd 2026 voter attitudes towards the Welsh language r/cymru โ€” Link Early Returns: Senedd 2026 election analysis โ€” Jac Larner's post-election analysis also posted to r/politicswales r/politicswales โ€” Link Why did a Reform MS get a ยฃ220k settlement? โ€” Will Hayward Substack questions taxpayer-funded ยฃ220k settlement to a Reform MS r/Wales โ€” First Minister predicts long Senedd term after Reform kick off FMQs with vote share clash โ€” Discussion of 2 June FMQs; Rhun responds to Reform's vote share attack; Reform MSs criticised for script reliance r/Wales 34+ Key Figures Rhun ap Iorwerth โ€” Plaid Cymru leader, First Minister of Wales Sioned Williams โ€” Deputy First Minister Adam Price โ€” Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity & Energy; former Plaid leader Elin Jones โ€” Finance Minister; former Presiding Officer Elfyn Llwyd โ€” Counsel General; returns to frontline politics Llลทr Gruffydd โ€” Minister for Rural Resilience & Sustainability; environment/farming portfolio Anna Brychan โ€” Education Minister; former NAHT director; leading review of Welsh history in schools Eluned Morgan โ€” Former Labour First Minister, lost her seat Dan Thomas โ€” Reform UK Cymru leader, Leader of the Opposition Helen Jenner โ€” Deputy Leader of Reform UK Cymru, Shadow Education & Welsh Language Cai Parry-Jones โ€” Reform MS, Shadow Finance & Government Efficiency (laptop-gate) Llลทr Powell โ€” Reform MS, Chief Whip & Business Manager James Evans โ€” Reform MS, Shadow Health, Prevention & Sport Laura Anne Jones โ€” Reform MS, Shadow Food, Farming & Rural Affairs Jason O'Connell โ€” Reform MS, Shadow Economy & Transport Francesca O'Brien โ€” Reform MS, Shadow Local Government, Housing & Planning Sarah Cooper-Lesadd โ€” Reform MS, Shadow Children, Young People & Skills Christiana Emsley โ€” Reform MS, Shadow Fairness, Families & Communities Louise Emery โ€” Reform MS (Clwyd), Shadow Culture, Tourism & Hospitality Lee Waters โ€” 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 โ€” Interim leader of Welsh Labour (post-election) Mark Drakeford โ€” Former First Minister; blames UK Labour for collapse, backs Burnham for PM Dr Gaz Thomas โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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'" โ€” 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" โ€” Plaid Cymru MS Kiera Marshall Plaid Cymru governance questions : "Plaid Cymru is in โ€” 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 โ€” search by keyword, filter by "Transcripts" and "Plenary" meeting type Video archive: senedd.tv โ€” 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 โ€” Plenary 12 May 2026 (swearing-in/election of FM) and Plenary 19 May 2026 (first FMQs) โ€” plus a Business Committee meeting on 21 May 2026. Sources BBC โ€” Rhun ap Iorwerth reveals ministerial team BBC โ€” Rhun confirms he raised independence with Starmer BBC โ€” Labour expected to lose Senedd BBC โ€” Cost of living measures a 'missed opportunity', says First Minister BBC โ€” Reform MS says Senedd shouldn't fly Ukraine flag BBC โ€” Welsh Government childcare offer BBC โ€” FM doesn't give start date for free childcare expansion BBC โ€” Drakeford links Labour collapse to lack of new powers BBC โ€” Muck spreading ban doesn't work, says minister BBC โ€” Senedd offices set for major refurbishment BBC โ€” Wales is a low-pay hotspot, FM tells unions BBC โ€” ยฃ120m to cut wait times to be 'spent better' BBC โ€” GP contracts worth ยฃ10m awarded without proper checks BBC โ€” Former FM Drakeford says Andy Burnham should be PM BBC โ€” Free school meals expanded to secondary pupils BBC โ€” Should the Welsh first minister get an official home? BBC โ€” Rhun ap Iorwerth rules out Wales-wide mobile phone ban in schools BBC โ€” Corey Edwards: Former candidate who did Nazi salute made Reform adviser BBC โ€” M4 congestion relief: FM makes case for roads-based solution BBC โ€” Guto Harri says new FM should make 'controversial decisions' BBC โ€” Will the new FM complete the journey to delivering M4 relief? BBC โ€” Welsh MS patients face six-hour trips for specialist care Nation.Cymru โ€” Reform leader appoints disgraced Nazi salute candidate as adviser Nation.Cymru โ€” Welsh Labour couldn't afford separate party Nation.Cymru โ€” Senedd elections 'second order contests' Nation.Cymru โ€” Reform MS laptop complaint Nation.Cymru โ€” Wales Must Define Itself Nation.Cymru โ€” Recesses: what are they, who decides them, and when is the Senedd at work? Nation.Cymru โ€” By-election triggered after Senedd-elected councillor steps down Nation.Cymru โ€” Reform hires racist ex-candidate for Senedd role Nation.Cymru โ€” MPs recommend Welsh investment promotion agency Nation.Cymru โ€” Recruitment firms urge caution over zero hours contracts Nation.Cymru โ€” Reform MS vows to end GB News ban in Senedd Nation.Cymru โ€” New five-year regeneration blueprint approved for city communities WalesOnline โ€” Former Reform candidate who appeared to do Nazi salute made adviser WalesOnline โ€” Rhun ap Iorwerth makes M4 relief road case WalesOnline โ€” Working class mum's life changing journey to the Senedd Golwg360 โ€” Plaid Cymru victory T-shirt selling fast The Independent โ€” Senedd election results Nation.Cymru โ€” Call made for MSs to denounce far-right group Voice of Wales Nation.Cymru โ€” Union flag will continue to fly outside Welsh Government buildings Nation.Cymru โ€” After Labour: The end of Wales and the rise of Cymru Herald.Wales โ€” Torfaen faces two by-elections after councillors elected to Senedd AberdareOnline โ€” Welsh Conservatives renew calls for M4 relief road Nation.Cymru โ€” BSA survey: Reform UK support is more than a 'protest' vote Nation.Cymru โ€” First Minister predicts long Senedd term after Reform vote share clash Nation.Cymru โ€” Former SNP Westminster leader offering informal advice to Plaid Cymru Nation.Cymru โ€” Plaid Cymru call for abolishment of House of Lords BBC โ€” Raising productivity key to higher Welsh wages, says minister Nation.Cymru โ€” Plaid Cymru backs push to slash hospitality VAT to 10% BBC โ€” Reform special adviser's social media featured dozens of racist and anti-Muslim posts BBC โ€” Welsh Labour to set timetable for new leader after election loss BBC โ€” Ministers considering whether to go ahead with council tax changes BBC โ€” NHS patients promised two-year waits to be 'eliminated' in 'matter of months' Gov.wales โ€” Adam Price Oral Statement: Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Priorities Nation.Cymru โ€” Plaid Cymru sets productivity target as measure of Wales' future economic success IFS โ€” New Welsh Government will face big fiscal challenges as it seeks to implement its policy Nation.Cymru โ€” Mark Drakeford: Council tax reform will be Plaid's first real test in government YouGov โ€” How Wales voted at the 2026 Senedd election BBC โ€” Welsh government demands talks with Westminster on 'unfair' rail funding Nation.Cymru โ€” Call to safeguard Welsh steel as Plaid proposes Steel Bill amendments Gov.wales โ€” Grassroots Pride fund open for applications Nation.Cymru โ€” Drakeford leads Welsh Labour team campaigning to get Andy Burnham back in Westminster Nation.Cymru โ€” Questions raised over Reform candidate's addresses as only local property is a holiday let BBC โ€” Plaid Cymru promise more details on childcare as it survives Senedd vote Nation.Cymru โ€” Plaid Cymru tables rail devolution amendments as HS2 costs top ยฃ100bn Daily Post โ€” Third Menai crossing back on the table in major Welsh Government announcement Nation.Cymru โ€” Reform mocked as third of MSs back attack on their own manifesto Nation.Cymru โ€” Awkward Senedd exchange raises questions over Reform's preparedness Nation.Cymru โ€” Reform in the Senedd: Four weeks on Nation.Cymru โ€” Wales' Housing Minister confirms 'historic' plans to incorporate Right to Adequate Housing into Welsh law Nation.Cymru โ€” New minister for local government, housing and planning sets out priorities for the seventh Senedd term CIH Cymru โ€” Welsh Housing Minister confirms intention to incorporate Right to Adequate Housing into Welsh law YouGov โ€” How Wales voted at the 2026 Senedd election Housing Policy (June 2026) Housing Minister Siรขn 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” CIH Cymru urged caution, warning of unintended consequences on supply Community right to buy โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 45% went Plaid , 10% Reform, 7% Green Government Announcements (11โ€“12 June 2026) MenB Vaccination Programme (12 June) โ€” Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health Nerys Evans announced an urgent time-limited Meningococcal B vaccination programme in response to recent outbreaks. Two-dose Bexseroยฎ vaccine to be offered to those at highest risk from July 2026, ahead of the new academic year and peak MenB season in autumn. NHS Wales working on delivery. GOV.WALES โ€” Written Statement 30 New TrawsCymru Buses (12 June) โ€” Deputy Transport Minister Mark Hooper launched 30 new buses at an Aberystwyth event, expanding the TrawsCymru cross-country network (13 routes). Aimed at connecting rural and urban communities where rail is limited, reducing car dependency and carbon emissions. GOV.WALES โ€” Press Release Teacher Incentive Rise to ยฃ20,000 (11 June) โ€” Cabinet Minister for Education and Welsh Language announced a ยฃ5,000 increase to the Initial Teacher Education incentive for priority subjects, from ยฃ15,000 to ยฃ20,000 from September 2026. Part of the new government's 100-day plan. First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth endorsed the move as part of raising school standards. GOV.WALES โ€” Press Release Farming Bureaucracy Review (11 June) โ€” Welsh Government announced a review to reduce administrative burden on Welsh farmers. GOV.WALES โ€” Press Release Political Developments (June 2026) Senior Tory calls to abolish Senedd (12 June) โ€” Cllr David Fouweather , Chairman of the Newport and Islwyn Conservative Federation, renewed calls to abolish the Senedd in an online attack that also targeted Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar . Fouweather had previously shared pro-Reform UK and Abolish the Welsh Assembly posts. Party rules prohibit supporting other registered parties; calls for his resignation were made in September 2025. Nation.Cymru Plaid Cymru refuses Wales-wide grooming gangs inquiry (4 June) โ€” Plaid Cymru's Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice confirmed no Wales-wide inquiry into grooming gangs will take place. Welsh Conservatives condemned the decision, noting evidence of grooming gangs operating in Wales particularly around Swansea. The UK Government launched its own statutory public inquiry into grooming gangs (began 13 April 2026), but Plaid Cymru declined to commission a parallel Welsh inquiry. Aberdare Online Analysis & Commentary Nation.Cymru Senedd Record of Proceedings Senedd TV