Plaid Cymru ready to run Wales, leader says, after Labour's historic Senedd election collapse

4 hours ago

David Deans, Wales political reporter and

Adrian Browne, Wales political reporter

Rhun ap Iorwerth said Plaid Cymru will nominate him to be first minister

Plaid Cymru's leader Rhun ap Iorwerth says he is ready to run the Welsh government after a stunning Senedd election victory left his party the largest group in Wales' parliament.

The historic vote saw Reform UK come second, pushing Labour into third and ending a century-long run of election success in Wales.

Plaid fell short of a majority in the 96-member Senedd, but with 43 seats has a better chance than anyone of forming a government with the help of at least some opposition politicians.

Ap Iorwerth said he would begin the process of speaking to other parties, and that the pro-independence party would put him forward to be first minister.

The Senedd will need to confirm who will lead the Welsh government in a vote, which could happen as…