I saw Eluned Morgan say that “Two-party politics is over in Wales”. This result says otherwise - it is very much two-party politics! Neither of the parties is Labour though.
Great piece. I'd be interested to see if the greater interest in Welsh politics has been sustained since COVID.. Depending on your definition of 'recent', the LDP in Japan or Christian Democrats in Italy arguably represent comparable records of national dominance (if unflattering as comparisons).
Thanks! Yes, I think that the interest has been sustained and the new WES should show that. Yes, I was thinking about those cases (and Swedish and Austrian ones) whilst I was writing this. Don't know details, but such one-party hegemony scarcely seems ideal in a democracy.
I'm an ex Labour member who now welcomes the party's defeat, even if that means means Nationalist control of the Senedd (something I couldn't have imagined saying a few years ago). Still, I'm not sure what this has to do with 'maturity'. It's more the inevitable consequence of the current UK government's disastrous actions since 2024. It's hardly surprising that people aren't particularly interested in the dry bread of Welsh politics when they lie awake at night worrying what the UK government will do next. People are voting *against* a bunch of things - no need to list them here - and almost all of them are UK matters.
Agree that there are serious issues with Welsh devolution, but I'd be a bit more generous. Over the last 6-7 years, the development of Welsh governance has been quite impressive. But of course, some are worried about the end point of such development!
I agree that Labour losing power in Wales would be positive because they need a spell in opposition to refocus and refresh. Frankly they've needed that since 2014. That said, I have no enthusiasm for PC winning - nationalism will not bring benefits to Wales, just as it hasn't for Scotland or N Ireland. At least PC should be constrained by the lack of a majority. I'm guessing they will be joined by Greens and Lib Dems to form a minority administration that effectively relies on Labour support
Abolish the Welsh Assembly. It has achieved absolutely nothing - at great cost. And is now planning on expanding the number of AM's. With their enormous pensions after a very short career. A gravy train for socialists. The Welsh NHS lies about surgery waiting times by refusing to put you on the waiting list. Billions have been spent on the Welsh language, to no avail, although they are not going to collect statistics to prove what a failure obligatory Welsh has been in schools. Help. Bring back the Welsh Office.
Result a bit more extreme than I was expecting:
Plaid - 43
Reform - 34
Labour - 9
Conservative - 7
Green - 2
Lib Dem - 1
Sensational - I can't believe Labour got just 9 seats.
I saw Eluned Morgan say that “Two-party politics is over in Wales”. This result says otherwise - it is very much two-party politics! Neither of the parties is Labour though.
Great piece. I'd be interested to see if the greater interest in Welsh politics has been sustained since COVID.. Depending on your definition of 'recent', the LDP in Japan or Christian Democrats in Italy arguably represent comparable records of national dominance (if unflattering as comparisons).
Thanks! Yes, I think that the interest has been sustained and the new WES should show that. Yes, I was thinking about those cases (and Swedish and Austrian ones) whilst I was writing this. Don't know details, but such one-party hegemony scarcely seems ideal in a democracy.
I'm an ex Labour member who now welcomes the party's defeat, even if that means means Nationalist control of the Senedd (something I couldn't have imagined saying a few years ago). Still, I'm not sure what this has to do with 'maturity'. It's more the inevitable consequence of the current UK government's disastrous actions since 2024. It's hardly surprising that people aren't particularly interested in the dry bread of Welsh politics when they lie awake at night worrying what the UK government will do next. People are voting *against* a bunch of things - no need to list them here - and almost all of them are UK matters.
Agree that there are serious issues with Welsh devolution, but I'd be a bit more generous. Over the last 6-7 years, the development of Welsh governance has been quite impressive. But of course, some are worried about the end point of such development!
I agree that Labour losing power in Wales would be positive because they need a spell in opposition to refocus and refresh. Frankly they've needed that since 2014. That said, I have no enthusiasm for PC winning - nationalism will not bring benefits to Wales, just as it hasn't for Scotland or N Ireland. At least PC should be constrained by the lack of a majority. I'm guessing they will be joined by Greens and Lib Dems to form a minority administration that effectively relies on Labour support
Yes, such an outcome is pretty likely. Agree on PC. Tomorrow, I'm leaning towards the Lib Dems...
Abolish the Welsh Assembly. It has achieved absolutely nothing - at great cost. And is now planning on expanding the number of AM's. With their enormous pensions after a very short career. A gravy train for socialists. The Welsh NHS lies about surgery waiting times by refusing to put you on the waiting list. Billions have been spent on the Welsh language, to no avail, although they are not going to collect statistics to prove what a failure obligatory Welsh has been in schools. Help. Bring back the Welsh Office.