In a landmark address that marks a significant shift in Welsh political dynamics, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has formally demanded a "new deal" for Wales from the UK government. Speaking at Plaid Cymru’s autumn conference, the First Minister argued that Wales must be placed on an equal constitutional and fiscal footing with Scotland as a "bare minimum." The bold declaration sets up a crucial constitutional test for the UK government, led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, as Wales seeks to expand its devolved authority into areas historically controlled by Westminster.
Addressing party activists and delegates gathered in Llandudno, ap Iorwerth outlined a comprehensive transfer of powers that he believes is necessary to correct decades of constitutional imbalance. At the heart of his proposal is the devolution of policing and justice, control over the Welsh railway network, and administration of the Crown Estate’s assets within Wales. Currently, these crucial policy areas remain largely under the jurisdiction of the UK government in Westminster, whereas Scotland enjoys a far higher degree of self-governance in these domains. The First Minister’s speech framed this discrepancy as a historic unfairness that must be resolved if the UK government is serious about its commitment to a respectful partnership with the devolved nations.
The backdrop for this demand could not be more significant for Plaid Cymru. The party is currently gathering at Llandudno’s Venue Cymru for its first major conference since securing a historic victory in the Senedd elections held in May. That electoral triumph has transformed the political landscape of Wales, elevating Plaid Cymru to the position of the largest party in the Welsh Parliament and placing ap Iorwerth at the helm of the Welsh government. Reflecting on this political shift, the First Minister described the election result as a "new dawn" for the nation, signaling a mandate for substantial change in how Wales is governed and how it interacts with the broader United Kingdom.
However, despite the historic nature of the May election, the realities of governing without an outright majority have quickly come to the fore. Plaid Cymru currently holds 44 seats in the Welsh Parliament chamber. This total includes the significant addition of Sarah Cooper-Lessad, who recently defected to the party, bolstering their numbers but still leaving them five seats short of an absolute majority. To successfully govern and, crucially, to pass the Welsh government’s spending plans and budget next year, Plaid Cymru will need to secure the cooperation of at least one other political group in the Senedd. This delicate arithmetic has already led to preliminary discussions and negotiations, with ap Iorwerth’s administration engaging in talks with representatives from the Labour Party, the Welsh Conservatives, and Reform UK.
The challenge of passing a budget is compounded by a highly challenging economic environment. In his wide-ranging speech, ap Iorwerth did not shy away from the financial difficulties facing the Welsh government. He acknowledged that the upcoming Welsh government budget process would be exceptionally "tight" and "tough," shaped by a "difficult economic and fiscal backdrop." To navigate these financial headwinds, the First Minister emphasized that his administration would have to be highly disciplined and resourceful. He signaled that the government would actively seek to identify savings wherever possible, focusing on driving public sector efficiency, improving overall productivity, and eliminating redundancies.
