Headline: Plaid Cymru Becomes Largest Party After Historic Welsh Election

Why this matters:The election marks a major shift in Welsh politics, ending decades of Labour dominance and positioning Plaid Cymru to potentially lead the Welsh government for the first time.

Date: 8 May 2026

Tags: Politics, UK, Wales, Elections

Summary:

• Rhun ap Iorwerth said Plaid Cymru is ready to form the next Welsh government.

• Plaid Cymru won 43 seats in the 96-seat Senedd, six short of an overall majority.

• Eluned Morgan resigned after losing her seat and Labour suffered a major collapse.

• Labour won only nine seats after 27 years leading Welsh government.

• Reform UK became the second-largest party with 34 seats in its strongest Welsh result to date.

• Reform leader Dan Thomas described his party as “the people’s army”.

• The Conservatives secured seven seats, while the Greens won two and Liberal Democrats one.

• Plaid Cymru said it would begin talks with other parties to secure governing support.

• The expanded Senedd now contains 96 members, with 49 needed for a majority.

• The Green Party won its first-ever Senedd seat in Caerdydd Penarth.

What’s next:Plaid Cymru is expected to negotiate with other parties to form a governing majority. A vote to confirm the next first minister could take place within days.