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Plaid Cymru Ends 27-Year Labour Rule, Rhun Named First Minister

5/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Plaid Cymru ended a 27-year Labour rule in Wales by winning the Senedd election.
Plaid secured 43 seats, Reform UK 34 and Labour only nine, dropping Labour to third place.
Rhun ap Iorwerth was elected first minister by a 44-to-34 vote, with nine abstentions.
Rhun said his government will focus on cost-of-living relief, childcare and child-poverty measures as he prepares to be sworn in by a High Court judge.

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Story summary

Plaid Cymru ended a 27-year Labour rule in Wales by winning the Senedd election.
Plaid secured 43 seats, Reform UK 34 and Labour only nine, dropping Labour to third place.
Rhun ap Iorwerth was elected first minister by a 44-to-34 vote, with nine abstentions.
Rhun said his government will focus on cost-of-living relief, childcare and child-poverty measures as he prepares to be sworn in by a High Court judge.